Welcome to the Wild!
Laura Adrian is a nature connection facilitator, speaker, writer, and wilderness guide, dedicated to offering supportive experiences for those seeking transformational adventures in nature.
As the Founder of Whole Life Elevation, Laura is recognized as a leading voice in nature engagement, drawing from a lifelong connection to the outdoors and over 365 nights spent in the wilderness. Her expertise is further enriched by her certification as a mindfulness meditation teacher through the University of California, Berkeley, where she was influenced by luminaries like Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach.
Laura is a sought-after keynote speaker, known for her profound insights on consciously connecting with nature. She offers a roadmap for overcoming obstacles and living a creative, deliberate, and inspired life. Her transformative ideas are regularly featured in the media, reflecting her deep commitment to bridging the gap between individuals and the natural world.
With a background as a chemist and environmental scientist at 3M, Laura uniquely blends scientific insights into her inspiring experiences. In her signature 5-day wilderness immersions, she guides participants to release the burdens of modern life and embrace the wisdom of nature.
Diagnosed with autism at age 37, Laura brings a distinctive perspective on the healing power of nature, particularly for those who feel like outsiders. Her forthcoming book offers practical steps for growing through life’s challenges by consciously connecting to the natural world.
With Laura Adrian as your guide, prepare to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing through the beauty of nature.
nature is a doorway into new perspective
biophilia noun: a human tendency to interact or be closely associated with other forms of life in nature: a desire or tendency to commune with nature
Why Nature? Why Now?
I was on Superior Hiking Trail and I filled up my water at the Temperance River. I was tired and thirsty. As I drank the water it became crystal clear how dependent I am, we all are, on the natural world.
The moment at the Temperance also had a deeper message for me: you belong here. I felt a deep sense of connection to the pulse of the universe, and an expansive love that was big enough to hold all of my insecurities, “flaws,” mishaps, gifts, and brilliance. This love also included nature—the forest, the river, the rock—it all belonged. Nature was a gateway for me to experience life in a new way.
Evolutionarily as a human species, we’ve spent 99.99% of our time outdoors and now more than ever we’re collectively less engaged with the natural world than our ancestors. Scientists are finding that being in nature has health benefits such as lifting the mood, lowering blood pressure, and lowering cortisol. What I’ve discovered firsthand through experience, not only can improve basic health, but it can inspire us to gain perspective and impact how we see ourselves and our participation in the world.
“Thank you for showing me where the journey leads.”
How did I get here?
I’m an eclectic seeker of all things related to joy, love, fun, healing, resilience, and belonging.
I love digging into questions like:
What way of living feels most beautiful and true for me?
How am I making life more difficult than it needs to be?
What is it like to feel all my emotions?
How can I create something beautiful in this world?
How can I do less harm on this planet?
I’ve explored these questions through:
Certification courses in holistic health
Books, lots of books
Retreats, trainings, intensives, and classes
Spending lots of time in the wilderness following my intuition
Living everyday life with curiosity and playfulness
I grew up on 15 acres in Inver Grove heights, Minnesota. When I was a kid we went camping for our vacations. Only looking back did I realize how important nature was to me. I’d play pretend under trees for hours. I’d go wandering in the woods when I was sad.
20 year overnight success
Trainings, Certifications, and Experience:
Practicing yoga since 2004
200hr Yoga Alliance Certification in vinyasa yoga from Tillai University with Shannon Paige & Gina Caputo
240hr Yoga Alliance Certification in Kundalini Yoga from KRI
Two 6 month herbal apprenticeships
Dedicated mindfulness meditation practice since 2015
Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher through University of California Berkeley
Wilderness First Responder Certified (2024)
Spent 100+ days on meditation retreats
Training in Earth Healing modalities based on the wisdom from Warren Grossman
Trained in CranioSacral Therapy & Somatic Emotional Release from the Upledger Institute
Over 365 days in the wilderness backpacking, kayaking, and camping
Here’s a list of teachers who influenced me personally and professionally
Over the years I’ve spent day after day in the wilderness—in the Boundary Waters, Superior Hiking Trail, and the Apostle Islands which naturally infused my experience with the synergy of mindfulness, yoga, and healing. Working with so many people, I’ve been able to witness a beautiful therapeutic effect between nature and humans—these nature experiences impact how we see ourselves, fellow human beings, and the natural world.
Self Discovery
Not only can nature improve basic health, it can offer perspective and transform how we see ourselves and how we participate in the world.
How Nature Heals
a free short and sweet guide to the healing power of nature
Laura helped me break stuff down like a laser beam!
— Claudia, St Paul