Life as a Walking Prayer
Shayla Paradeis is an ecosystems storyteller who believes in the power of the human heart. She has walked across the country five times and shares songs, narrative, and poetry readings from her book, Footprint of a Heart. Her message is about the beauty of humanity and the profound communion we have with nature.
Her work as a wilderness guide and naturalist in Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks has brought her a deep respect for the models nature has displayed of systems that honor every part of the whole. With an ever-expanding passion for the web of life, she walks as an act of deep listening to honor life itself.
Shayla Paradeis identifies as a wild animal. Though she looks a bit out of place in civilized settings, she’s generally well-behaved and has walked across entire countries without using technology to navigate. Her hiking resume includes the Appalachian Trail 2011 and 2021, Pacific Crest Trail 2013, Continental Divide Trail 2015, the Walker’s Haute Route across the Alps in 2017, and the Te Araroa New Zealand 2018. Above all things, she is a lover. Of trees, of people, and of being alive.
Footprint of a Heart is available in print, ebook and audiobook.
Music
Shayla’s debut album On the Ground will be releasing this year. Samples of her music can be enjoyed on Bandcamp or by following this link.
Upcoming Events
Learn about coming events and Shayla’s forest bathing retreat following the Appalachian Trail Days festival this May.
Other Writings
Experience the trail-side moments from each thru-hike by catching up on Shayla’s blogs and nature inspired poetry.