Root and Light Healing
Empower people through NATURE
So they may achieve good HEALTH
570-939-1012
Root and Light Healing
Empower people through NATURE
So they may achieve good HEALTH
570-939-1012
Called to Walk Beside You
By Ronald Aunkst, Root and Light Healing
The Ones I Walk With
Some people carry wounds you can’t see. They walk through life with invisible weight on their shoulders—memories that don’t rest, stories they’ve never told, losses they’ve tucked into their ribs just to keep going.
I’ve always been drawn to those people. The ones the world labels as “too much” or “too broken,” but who keep showing up anyway. The ones who’ve been through hell and are still trying to figure out how to live with tenderness.
I’ve walked beside people healing from substance use, yes—but also those grieving a lifetime of emotional pain, spiritual injury, childhood trauma, abandonment, and quiet shame. Pain doesn’t always have a label, and neither does the path to healing.
Some of the most powerful moments I’ve witnessed came not in grand breakthroughs, but in the small, sacred acts of trying again. That’s where the real strength lives.
The Forest Never Asks for Explanations
Nature was my first teacher. Long before I studied Reiki or guided others through healing walks, I wandered into the forest to find peace when my own world felt too heavy.
What I found there wasn’t just quiet. It was acceptance.
The trees never asked what I was recovering from. The moss didn’t care if I had it all figured out. The wind never questioned why I was tired or sad. The natural world simply met me where I was—and in doing so, taught me to do the same for others.
That’s why I bring people into the woods. Because it strips away all the performance, all the pretending. Out there, something ancient rises to the surface. People remember who they are beneath the wounds.
Sometimes healing starts with putting your feet on the earth and realizing you’re still here.
Forest Therapy, Reiki, and Being Seen
When I began offering Reiki and Forest Therapy, I didn’t know exactly where it would lead—I just knew people needed a place to rest. A place that didn’t ask them to justify their pain or rush their process.
There’s no pressure in this work to fix or perform. There’s just presence. I’ve seen people begin to cry as soon as they felt safe—not because of anything I said, but because someone finally saw them without judgment.
You don’t have to be in crisis to need healing. You don’t have to hit a low point to deserve care. Sometimes, healing begins the moment someone feels like they don’t have to hold it all together.
This work has taught me that one of the most powerful things we can offer is space—true, open, quiet space—where someone can remember their own worth.
Root and Light – A Space to Return to Yourself
I created Root and Light Healing with one intention: to offer a place where people can stop performing, stop defending, and just be. A space to reconnect with who they are beneath all the expectations, pressure, and pain.
Some people come carrying heartbreak. Others carry stress, anger, burnout, shame, or a story they’ve never spoken out loud. They don’t always know what they need—only that something inside is asking for a pause.
Here, we return to the basics. Breath. Stillness. Grounded presence. Gentle awareness.
There’s no program to follow, no milestones to meet. Just an invitation to slow down, to release, and to remember that healing isn’t a destination—it’s a return. A return to your own body. Your own truth. Your own rhythm.
Whether someone is untangling from old patterns or simply looking for peace after a hard season, Root and Light is a place to lay it down for a while—and begin again.
An Invitation, If You Need One
If you’re tired, come rest.
If you’ve been holding your breath, holding your story, or holding everything together for too long—I want you to know you don’t have to do it alone.
There’s a space for you here. You don’t need the right words. You don’t need to explain where it hurts. You just need space—and maybe someone to walk beside you for a little while.
That’s what Root and Light Healing is. A quiet place to return to yourself. To be seen. To feel supported. To remember that even if your path has been messy or painful, you're still becoming.
When you're ready, I’ll be here.
Meet Ron Aunkst – Your Guide to Healing Through Nature
Hi, I’m Ron Aunkst, a certified Reiki Master and Forest Therapy Guide. My journey has always been deeply rooted in nature. Born and raised in central Pennsylvania, I spent my childhood exploring the forests, never realizing that one day, the forest would save me from the chaos of the world.
Years ago, I found myself on a path that led me to forest therapy, and it completely transformed my life. Now, I’m passionate about helping others reconnect with nature and experience its incredible healing power. Through slow, mindful walks in the forest, I guide my clients to fully engage their senses, allowing them to find peace, clarity, and renewal. I’ve witnessed remarkable transformations in those I’ve worked with—improvements in mental clarity, emotional well-being, and physical health.
Nature has always been my sanctuary. As a child, I spent endless hours outdoors playing, hiking, and camping. But as life happened—work, responsibilities, and stress—I drifted away from that connection. The result? My mental, physical, and spiritual health began to decline. Long-term stress can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, headaches, and so much more.
Then, I experienced my first forest therapy walk, and everything changed. I felt the stress melt away, my body relax, and my mind reset. That’s when I knew—I had to share this with others. Forest bathing isn’t just a walk in the woods; it’s a scientifically proven way to reduce stress, boost immunity, and restore balance.
Reiki has also been part of my journey for as long as I can remember, even before I had a name for it. As a child, I intuitively understood the power of energy—the way nature could soothe and heal, the way my own hands could bring comfort. When I formally discovered Reiki, it was like finding the missing piece of a puzzle I had been assembling my whole life. Now, as a Reiki Master, I combine this ancient healing art with forest therapy to help others restore balance, release stress, and reconnect with their inner peace.
My mission is simple: To help others find healing, clarity, and purpose through the power of nature and energy healing. Whether you're seeking stress relief, personal growth, or a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you, I’m here to guide you on that journey.
Let’s step into the forest together and rediscover the power of nature and energy healing.
services
Experience the Healing Power of the Forest
Step into nature and slow down—allow yourself to experience the forest like never before. Science proves what we’ve always felt: spending time in the forest can reduce stress, lower heart rate, and boost immunity.
Join me for a guided Forest Therapy Walk, where for 2 to 3 hours, we’ll engage all of our senses to fully immerse in the healing energy of nature. It’s not just a walk—it’s a chance to reconnect, recharge, and find peace.
Ready to experience the benefits of nature? Book your Forest Therapy Walk today!
Reiki & Nature – A Powerful Path to Healing
Experience the deep relaxation and healing energy of Reiki, combined with the restorative power of nature. Reiki is a gentle yet powerful Japanese technique designed to reduce stress, promote healing, and restore balance. When our life force energy is low, we’re more prone to stress and illness—but when it’s high, we thrive in health, happiness, and inner peace. Ready to elevate your Reiki practice? Join me for a guided Reiki-infused nature walk, where you’ll connect with the elements, embrace mindfulness, and cultivate gratitude—all while surrounded by the healing embrace of the forest.
Reconnect. Restore. Revitalize.
Rejuvenate Your Mind, Body & Soul in the Forest
A simple walk in the woods, surrounded by towering trees, blooming flowers, and peaceful wildlife, can leave you feeling restored and renewed. While we instinctively know that spending time in nature is good for us, science confirms just how powerful it is for our health—both physically and mentally.
The forest isn’t just a place to explore—it’s a natural sanctuary that nurtures the mind, body, and soul.
Ready to experience the healing power of nature? Join me for a guided Forest Therapy Walk today!
Discover the Benefits of Backpacking
We all know that hiking and backpacking offer incredible physical benefits, but what about the mental rewards? Spending time in the great outdoors boosts self-esteem, reduces stress, and promotes an overall sense of well-being.
Imagine trekking through breathtaking landscapes like the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon —where every step brings you closer to clarity, peace, and a stronger connection to nature. Ready to experience the mental and physical benefits of backpacking? Join me for an unforgettable adventure!
Scenic Mountain Drives – Relax, Explore & Reconnect
Some of the best adventures happen on the road! Our trips often include driving through breathtaking mountain roads, taking you to some of our favorite hidden gems. Whether it’s the lush greens of spring, the vibrant colors of fall, or the peaceful stillness of winter, the forest offers a relaxing and therapeutic escape all year round.
From day trips in Pennsylvania to long weekend getaways along the East Coast, every journey is designed to help you unwind, explore, and reconnect with nature. Ready to hit the road and experience the beauty of the mountains? Join us on our next adventure!
(Photo: Lansing, WV)