Meet Robert Hensley | Certified Meditation Leader and Personal Rewilding Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Robert Hensley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robert, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I saw the disconnect between people and Nature, and the affect that existing solely in this vertical, gray world was having on my friends and colleagues – not to mention on me. Coming from a rural upbringing, I didn’t appreciate what I had that other people didn’t, which was access to forests and streams, to rivers and wildlife. From the time I left home, I’ve lived in cities and worked in the entertainment industry. I recognized the difference being out in Nature – whether it was a hike in Joshua Tree, a visit to the beach, or camping among the redwoods – made to how I felt and approached my work.

After suffering a hand injury, which nearly ended my career as a celebrity makeup artist, I found my way to meditation, which led to elemental meditation, which then led to spiritual rewilding. I became a certified sound therapist and meditation leader, and began teaching meditation classes and workshops. The more I learned, the more I wanted to share.

Starting a business was born out of a personal necessity to make a living, to have my passion pay for itself by giving me the means to travel, to continue to experience and learn, and have more to share as a personal rewilding coach.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
For nearly three decades, I have worked in the entertainment industry, first as a costume designer, and then as an Emmy-nominated makeup artist, writer and filmmaker. As with any career journey – especially in the arts – there were challenges to be overcome, and things were not always easy. It took a lot of hard work, persistence, and creativity to succeed.

I learned a few things -which I find apply universally – along that way: 1) all you have is your reputation, and sometimes that stands out more than your talent; 2) nothing shines as brightly as confidence; 3) be flexible – don’t be afraid to share your ideas, but don’t be too precious about them; 4) discretion is key!

I’ve approached my meditation and rewilding practices the same way I would approach a production: what are the needs? Where are they needed? When are they needed? What is most efficient and cost effective way to meet those needs? And how do we make it happen? Everything else is the fun, creative stuff – the physical experience stuff.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There is so much to do here that doesn’t exist anywhere else, like the Academy Museum, the Hollywood Museum, the Grammy Museum, the Hollyhock House at Barnsdall Art Park, the “Bat Cave” at Bronson Park, the Carousel at Griffith Park, Santa Monica Pier, Malibu Creek State Park… you could program an entire week and still not see everything!

I’m a fan of suburban trudging, so I’d include morning trudges (more than a walk, less than a hike) in Griffith Park. I love the biodiversity found at sites like Malibu Creek, so that would be on the list. Zuma Beach on a Wednesday afternoon is fabulous, then driving down the coast to Santa Monica Pier at sunset. Hitting all the museums along Miracle Mile, that’s always fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My journey, not unlike those of others, started with a class – a series of classes to be exact. I laid my sound therapy and meditation leadership foundation with Tom Llewellyn of SoulRemember, from which my certifications were acquired. Jonathan Weekes’ SpiritualRewilding course was instrumental in helping me to organize my own drive to combine meditation and Nature.

The number of books and resource materials that provided inspiration and insights are innumerable. “Returning the Self to Nature” by Jeanine M. Canty stands out, as do “Rewilding” by Micah Mortali and “Rewilding Yourself” by Paul Francis.

No one succeeds on their own. We’re all standing on the shoulders of those who came before us, building upon the expertise and passions of others.

Website: http://www.rhnaturereconnect.com

Instagram: @rhnaturereconnect

Facebook: @rhnaturereconnect

Other: Learn more about me at linktr.ee/iamroberthensley

Image Credits
Headshot – selfie by Robert Hensley
All Landscape photos by Robert Hensley
Robert with Alec Mapa – photo by Georgiana Lainfiesta
Robert with Charlotte Crouse – photo by Natalie Miller
Robert in Mirror – photo by Daniela Rey