Steven Harper

Steven Harper is a wilderness guide, workshop leader, personal and organizational facilitator, and author. He has led both traditional and experimental wilderness expeditions and workshops in North America and internationally for over 45 years. With an MA in psychology, Steven focuses on wild nature as a vehicle for awakening. His work is inspired by a deep connection to inner wild nature through an eclectic range of awareness practices and modalities. He has contributed to and written in the emerging field of ecopsychology, and has taught workshops at Esalen Institute and other retreat centers for over four decades. A long-time student and facilitator of Gestalt Practice in the tradition of Richard Price (co- founder of Esalen) he continues to explore the inner wilds and wellbeing through somatic psychology and practices from a variety of wisdom traditions and cultures. As a student of mindfulness since 1972 he has woven Buddhist psychology, mindfulness practices, and neuropsychology into much of his work. He leads retreats at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Green Gulch Zen Center, and other meditation centers. As a naturalist and avid explorer, he has experienced many of the wild areas of world and lived and studied with several indigenous native peoples. Steven has taught for numerous organizations, including the National Outdoor Leadership School and Colorado Outward Bound, working as a senior instructor leading expeditions on five continents. He is the active father of two adult sons and co-creates with his partner, Janna. A longtime resident of Big Sur in California, Steven designed and built his home where he divides his time between leading workshops & retreats; facilitating for groups and organizations; working with individuals in a Gestalt Practice approach; painting; writing; and family.