Interview with Leah Scott
In the heart of the Snowy Mountains, Leah Scott, the visionary behind Wild Things Anatomy, shares the inspiration driving her to create a snowy mountain retreat tailored specifically for women. From her personal journey of overcoming challenges to becoming a Wim Hof Method instructor, Leah has harnessed the transformative power of nature, culminating in unique and empowering retreat experiences.
In this interview, Leah delves into how breathwork, ice tools, and the embrace of nature converge to create a space where women can reconnect with their inner strength, embracing the empowerment that lies within.
The inspiration behind creating Wild Things Anatomy
My inspiration for founding Wild Things Anatomy emerged from a challenging personal experience. After my divorce eight years ago, I faced intense anxiety, stress, and depression. Being a mother to two beautiful boys, I struggled with both parenting and my sense of self worth. It was my daily plunges into the Thredbo River, even in snowy conditions, that sparked a profound change in me and led me to travelling the Australia and the world as a Wim Hof Method Instructor for 6 years. This practice helped me reconnect with myself and thrive again. The Snowy Mountains events have been a direct result of this journey, offering women a space to reconnect with their inner strength and embrace their empowering feminine energy.
How to integrate breath and ice tools into the daily routine as a parent
Incorporating breath and ice tools into daily parenting can profoundly transform your day, bringing calm, peace, stillness, and focus. I recommend parents dedicate just 15 minutes each morning to these practices. Start with breathwork in bed, and then finish your warm shower with a 15-second cold burst. This simple routine can be immensely beneficial. For those who can spare more time, I suggest swimming in the ocean or enjoying family picnics by the river on weekends, incorporating a refreshing swim. These practices not only rejuvenate but also offer valuable family bonding time.
Activities aimed at empowering women
In our retreats, we don’t just offer activities; we offer transformative experiences. We begin with two days of intensive training in breathwork and meditation, coupled with invigorating river plunges. This prepares us for a truly unique challenge: hiking to Mt Kosciuszko in shorts, guided by myself our experienced local team. It’s a powerful demonstration of how mental strength can overcome physical challenges. As long as you can walk about 12 km, you can do this! Alongside these activities, we provide nourishing meals, exclusively made from local, organic, biodynamic, and wild foraged ingredients by our skilled chef. This combination of physical challenge, mental training, and holistic nutrition is what makes our retreats uniquely empowering.
Accommodate varying fitness levels and personal goals
Our retreats welcome women from all backgrounds, regardless of their fitness levels or prior experience. We encourage each woman to tackle the challenges at her own pace, providing a personalised and supportive environment. Our focus extends beyond physical fitness; it’s about enhancing mental health, motivation, inspiration, and self awareness. Participants gain insights into how their nervous system functions, empowering them to take control of their daily lives. Nestled in the Snowy Mountains’ Alpine region, the retreat is an immersion into breathtaking nature, tailored to meet individual needs and fuel personal growth.
Balance the adventurous and challenging elements
At our events,, balancing adventure with introspection is key. We create experiences that are both exhilarating and restorative. It’s about diving deep into inner work, which can feel challenging, but it’s through this process that participants start to shed what no longer serves them. These expeditions are about letting go, reclaiming power, and evolving in previously stuck areas of life. We also share the science behind our techniques, fostering a balanced environment where women can feel safe and open to share their journeys. It’s a personal, transformative experience, deeply rooted in understanding and compassion.
How does the snowy mountain setting contribute to the overall experience
The Snowy Mountains, with their serene and majestic beauty, are a fundamental part of our retreats. They enhance both the tranquil and adventurous aspects of our experiences. This setting is crucial for fostering deep connections with nature, with oneself, and consequently with others. These expeditions invite participants to step out of their comfort zones and daily environments into a breathtaking landscape. In this space, we find stillness, become inspired by awe, and are utterly captivated by the surrounding beauty. It’s an environment that transforms and enriches the entire retreat experience, being a very stark contrast to the ‘at home’ ice bath experience.