Wellness Retreat Logo Unveiled

Having served as a marketing project manager on Door County Adventure Center's team for a few years, I created designs for flyers, revamped their website, made promo videos and helped the company rebrand. Actually designing the logo... I was most certainly unfit for the job. I never took a class in graphic design or even general marketing for that matter. I just love to tinker! I thoroughly enjoy solving puzzles and creating projects or making something look better. Thus, in starting Hike & Heal, I planned on having someone else design the logo as I half-heartedly tried seeking help from friends. But today led me to creating what we see here, the first of possibly several, brands for Hike & Heal. I couldn't be more pleased! I have to say thank you to all of the family and friends in my life providing meaning through love, compassion and a small kick in the butt to go through with this. Yay! 

Each piece of the logo serves a purpose, with intention to balance and showcase how guests may truly find healing through the consciousness of the outdoors. Each symbol represents something significant in our retreats. 

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The Little Details - Butterflies, Dragonflies & Pixie Dust

Undergoing this spiritual transformation has been uplifting for me in more ways than one. Seeing a deeper connection between our lives and nature has been an overwhelmingly positive effect. My wife Lauren had an aunt that passed away young who loved butterflies! Many of her close relatives believe she reincarnated into one, connecting with them at different times through their presence. I don't have enough fingers or toes to count the number of times I've been with Lauren's family or even just with her on special occasions when Monarch's show up. I never met her aunt, but I know that her energy is light, airy, compassionate and understanding. Lately, though, I've been seeing them on my own quite a bit. Ever since I took a liking to the Elemental Kingdom and discovered the benefits of working with fairies, little winged creatures like fireflies, dragonflies and butterflies surround me. 

The Butterfly 
This magnificent creature offers much insight into our lives and holds a significant meaning in mine. Above all, the butterfly represents transformation. My favorite part about leading retreats has always been the transformation. Most often, individuals don't recognize their transformation until someone like myself points it out. That is because change is subtle. The little details, however, are what make the web of life intricate and strong! Butterflies urge us to accept the change in our lives like they do. This unwavering acceptance of their metamorphosis is a symbol of faith. Butterflies call us to keep our faith as we undergo transitions in our lives. They understand that fear, worry, doubt and anger are useless against the turning tides of nature. Like butterflies, we at Hike & Heal urge you to have faith & believe in the transformative process we guide you through. 

The Dragonfly
Just this past weekend at in Three Lakes at our family's 4th of July celebration did these winged beauty's show themselves to me. If it had been less significant of a showing, I may not have looked up their meaning. I had club tailed dragonflies on me, a family member nearby or on the deck of my kayak during the entire 3-hour morning paddle with Lauren's dad and brother. Then they came back when I was floating in the water! They landed on my shoulder, foot and head. A day after returning from the Northwoods, they were in my backyard surrounding me as I gardened outside. Dragonflies offer a host of meanings. In relation to the retreats - these creatures remind us to live in the moment and meditate!  
Prairies
Home to pretty flowers, hardy grasses and rare species of plants, animals and insects, prairies are special. They house our flying friends above and have always spoken to me when seeking reflection. They typically offer some sort of large beautiful tree for shade and speculation. Prairies are a completely unique ecosystem to North America. Sadly, only 1% of the original prairie land remains. Hike and Heal's aim isn't only to build a community that promotes wellness and growth, but it's to help preserve natural areas by donating 1% of it's proceeds towards restoration and preservation. 

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The Eagle 
Birds and animals alike offer great insight into our life due to their direction connection with us. Most people don't care to see it, but these creatures are here to help us and live together in relationship with us, versus us just dominating them. All bird totems, due to their ability to fly, speak to us about higher thinking, dreams and mental liberation. Visually, everything about the eagle's appearance is sharp. Streamlined, sleek, and chiseled. This prompts our deeper minds to hone our thoughts and skills. The eagle commands us to tailor our intelligence and talents in a form that best suits our needs. We all have inner abilities, but when the eagle shows up - it's a clear sign it's time to use these abilities in a laser-like fashion to bring about focused change in our lives. Hike & Heal wants to be just like the eagle, providing insight and guidance to hone your abilities! 

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The Fairy
I receive most of my intuitive messages through angel guides and archangels that I have the privilege to work with. Recently however, I discovered that I have a strong connection with the fairy realm! Not only was I delighted because Hook, Peter Pan and Fern Gully are some of my favorite movies, but I became even more excited after reading and receiving guidance from them. Fairies are earth angels that protect, restore and heal all parts of the natural world. They show us how to have more enjoyment throughout our lives, how to have fun and to turn positive thoughts into reality. Fairies in the logo simply represent guidance from a higher place. Whether you connect with angels, guides, fairies, animals or something else - we will show you how to tap into the spiritual realm and stay grounded in Mother Nature, just like the Fairies! 

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The Big Three - Mother Earth, Universal Energy & You

Tree of Life
Trees speak to us to grow, live smart and see the world from a new perspective, a higher one. Trees make any day outside perfect - be the weather nasty or beautiful. They provide protection from the sun, a limb to play on, oxygen and a space to live in. Everything about trees represent goals of Hike & Heal. It's the perfect go-to symbol to be the focal point of our mission. Grow, expand, explore. And do it outdoors! The tree in our logo more specifically represents Mother Earth and all the healing benefits she offers us when understood. Mother Earth helps balance our root, sacral, solar plexus and heart chakras. 

Full Moon
To balance Mother Earth, the moon in our logo represents Universal Energy. God, Alah, Angels, Buddha - whatever that is for you. Hike & Heal does not promote religion, or knock it. I myself was raised Catholic and still hold several Christian beliefs. We promote being in touch with your spirituality. Universal Energy balances our heart, throat, third eye and crown chakras. The moon cycle offers direct guidance into our lives. Full moons in particular come in different colors, arrive at special parts of the year, and come at transformative episodes throughout life's journey. Full moons are symbolic of the height of power, the peak of clarity, fullness and obtainment of desire. Everything we aim for you to experience at our retreats! 

Harmony & Balance
From the circles to the shapes in our chosen text and symmetry of images, this logo is meant to represent harmony and balance. Nature constantly shows us balance through light and dark, the sun and moon, male and female, and the list goes on. Life doesn't work without harmony. Let us help you find balance in your life - mentally, physically, emotionally, socially and elsewhere. 

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Final Thoughts

Why does it matter that you know what the characters in our logo mean? Hopefully, you understand that there was a lot of thought and time put into it. Just like there will be on each retreat. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of what you can get by attending a retreat with us. Hopefully, you are inspired to do some research on the insects, animals, birds and nature signs that have been repetitive in your life! 

Overall, we wanted you to understand that just as the little butterfly matters, the special attributes you bring to the retreat make all the difference. On the headline of our homepage, you read, "A learning hub where everyone teaches, with facilitated results." We are targeting these retreats to a certain population of like-minded people because we believe that in groups, we will learn from each other - not just the instructors! Yes, we will have a lot to cover in a limited amount of time, but the conversations to inspire truly come from your background and life experiences. 


If you've made it this far in reading, you're great! Glad you found something that interested you enough to continue learning more about Hike & Heal. Have a fabulous day and remember to spread light and love to those around you! 


Namaste. 
-Moira