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.
Journey with Shayla
Her book Footprint of a Heart chronicles her experiences thru-hiking four separate trails on five different occasions. Her journey begins along the Appalachian Trail in the eastern US in 2011, flows through a hike along the west coast’s Pacific Crest Trail in 2013, comes back for the Continental Divide Trail through the Rocky Mountains in 2015, and then jumps across the world for New Zealand’s Te Araroa in 2018. An acknowledgement of her growth as a human and a hiker draws her back for another trek on the AT in 2021.
Footprint of a Heart is available in print, audiobook, and ebook.
Experience Shayla’s Music
Shayla’s debut album On the Ground is releasing this year. Her music can currently be found on her YouTube channel or Bandcamp page.
Additional Writing
Relive Shayla’s thru-hikes in even greater detail by reading her blogs or subscribe to her Substack and never miss an update.
Event Calendar
Visit the Events Page to stay informed of upcoming concerts, retreats, and more!
