Tread Lightly, Spread Light International Foundation
A Place Where Nature, Spirit, & Community Unite
Our purpose is to create a sanctuary where nature, consciousness, and community converge. Rooted in animism—the recognition of the divine in all living beings—we dedicate our land to conservation and our space to fostering deep connection. Through immersive practices in mindfulness, movement, and sustainable living, we guide individuals toward self-discovery, spiritual awakening, and a harmonious relationship with the world around them.
Our Pillars: The Heart of Our Work
Consciousness – Awakening to the sacred within ourselves and all living beings, deepening our connection to spirit and the world around us.
Community – Creating a sanctuary of belonging where wisdom is shared, stewardship is nurtured, and collective growth flourishes.
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LAND CONSERVATION & PROTECTION
We are committed to acquiring a property where the majority of the land will be dedicated to conservation, preserving its natural beauty and biodiversity. Within this space, we will create a small building envelope that houses both a residential retreat center and a visitor center.
A RETREAT & RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY
This center will support our facilitators, residential stewards, day visitors and long-term guests, providing a nurturing environment for exploring consciousness and one’s place in the natural world. Residents & Guests will participate in daily practices such as yoga, meditation, breathwork, dietary support, and holistic health. A sustainable farm will offer opportunities for work stays and mental health respites, where individuals contribute a few hours of labor in exchange for these programs and accommodations. Traditional psychological support through talk therapy will also be provided for all long-term residents and guests, all provided at no cost.
PUBLIC ACCESS FOR EDUCATION, SPIRITUAL HEALING, & CONNECTION
Providing public access to nature through trails and educational programs in addition to daily community practices rooted in stillness, movement & breath. Our goal is to foster a deeper connection with nature and encourage exploration of consciousness and animism at no cost. With this comprehensive approach, we aim to create a sanctuary that nurtures both the land and the people who visit.
The Journey: Where We Are Now & What’s Next
- Current Stage: We are actively raising funds to acquire land in the Costa Rican rainforest and develop the foundation of the society.
- The Vision for Growth:
– Phase 1: Land acquisition & foundational planning.
– Phase 2: Infrastructure development & communty building.
– Phase 3: Opening to residents, visitors, and programming.
Why This Matters
“In a world that often feels disconnected, this sanctuary serves as a bridge—between people and nature, spirit and self, community and purpose. By protecting wild spaces, fostering conscious living, and creating a refuge for healing and transformation, we are nurturing a way of life that honors all beings. This is more than a place; it is a movement toward deeper connection, stewardship, and collective well-being—for ourselves, for future generations, and for the Earth itself.”
Make A Contribution
Your support brings this vision to life. Every donation helps protect wild spaces, build a sanctuary for healing, and create a lasting legacy of conscious living.
Become A Supporter
Be part of something from the very beginning. Founding supporters will be honored as the first stewards of this sacred space.
Spread The Word
How You Can
Support
The Vision
Jacob Urban
Executive Director & Founder
After nearly three decades of guiding, leading, rescuing and educating others, I hit the wall and was completely burned out, over tasked and emotionally spent. I had to take an inventory of life and make some changes,
Eight years ago, I quit drinking. That was the beginning of a long and deeply personal journey toward reclaiming my life. At first, things seemed to be getting better—but within that first year, I started experiencing mental breakdowns. Eventually, with the help of a friend, I found the strength to terminate my path of substance abuse as well. But that’s when everything truly unraveled.
I lost everything—my home, my marriage, my income. I found myself over a quarter of a million dollars in debt. Physically, I began to deteriorate, and emotionally I was already on the edge. But I made a decision: rather than rushing back into the grind, I would take time to face the emotional and psychological weight I had been carrying for so long.
That choice wasn’t popular. My doctors were pushing medication. My friends and family were urging me to get back to work. But I held my ground. I invested in deep emotional healing, physical cleansing, and spiritual practice. And while it took time—more time than many thought it would or should—I eventually began to heal.
The financial cost was massive. The personal cost even more so. But the gifts I uncovered along the way were priceless. And now, through the foundation and the residential center we’re building, I want to offer that gift to others—without the financial burden.
This is why Tread Lightly, Spread Light exists: to offer a space where people can heal, contemplate, connect, and transform. A space that doesn’t charge you to be healthy. That doesn’t put a price on spirituality or consciousness. Instead, it invites you to invest your *presence*—through time, energy, work, and community.
Because I believe healing shouldn’t be a luxury. It should be a birthright.
Natalie Connell
Visionary artist, musician, ski guide, and culture-rebuilder, Natalie traverses many worlds, learning much and applying those lessons to do her part to help build a better world. She has spent much time in the last few years learning abroad from many different cultures, as well as getting her hands in the dirt and learning from the plants. She aspires to continue weaving all of these areas together to inspire and bridge the present into a sustainable and harmonious future for all beings.
Scott Craighead
Scotty Craighead is a Jackson, Wyoming-based artist dedicated to fostering creativity and community engagement through the arts and nonprofits. Raised in Kelly, Wyoming, Craighead developed a deep appreciation for the natural world and artistic expression from an early age. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Colorado College and has since returned to Jackson to create and teach art. Beyond his artistic endeavors, Craighead has been actively involved in various nonprofit organizations. His roles have encompassed leadership and advisory positions, reflecting his commitment to initiatives that promote education, community development, and cultural enrichment.
Tristan Greszko
Tristan is from Jackson, Wyoming and is an avid mountain adventurer, hunter, gardener, reader, information absorber, and explorer of the outer reaches of inner space. In 2007, he co-founded Teton Artlab, a 501(c)3 non-profit and studio space that supports artists through internationally-acclaimed residency programs in one of the world’s most unique landscapes, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. A professional photographer for the past 20 years, he now works full-time for Google, helping develop the cameras in Google Pixel mobile phones.
Stay Connected & Get Involved
Follow The Journey
Stay inspired through photos, videos, and insights as we grow—connect with us on social media and be part of the conversation.
Reach Out
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re interested in collaboration, have questions, or want to explore ways to support, we welcome the connection.
Chip In
Your contributions are vital in manifesting this vision. Each gift plays a crucial role in safeguarding natural areas, establishing a healing sanctuary, and fostering a meaningful legacy of mindful living.