Embracing the Chase with Diversify Outdoors Member Deborah McGlawn
Graphic Artist: Sarai Pak
No one understands the healing power of the natural world quite like Ch8sing Waterfalls’ founder and CEO Deborah McGlawn. Dealing with the pain of losing a child and stuck in the heaviness of depression, her husband Richie decided to introduce her to the peaceful presence of waterfalls. “It was there I began my healing process,” Deborah shares about the experience. “I was able to release and allow nature to soothe my soul.”
Through this introduction, she discovered the magic of moving water. Describing waterfalls as a liberating experience, freeing and safe, Deborah has a deep connection to their restorative capabilities. Comparing the environment to the strong yet soothing spirit of motherhood, she resonates greatly with the idea that life is tough but the power of Mother Nature is much more resilient. “Nature is therapeutic and, in my opinion, better than any prescription I have ever taken,” she claims, adding that the great outdoors is an excellent place to reawaken the soul.
Deborah now shares that same therapeutic experience with others through Ch8sing Waterfalls, a community of BIPOC confronting and healing their trauma through the power of nature. Since 2017, they have been leading groups of women to some of the most beautiful flowing rapids in the Southern U.S.
Understanding that representation matters, Deborah encourages BIPOC to join her in the beneficial wonders of waterfalls. She believes that everyone should have the chance to heal their hurt or simply take in the calming nature of the natural world, which is why Ch8sing Waterfalls is a collective centered around diversity and constantly encouraging new members to mend with Mother Earth.
Photo Credit: Deborah McGlawn
“Diversity outdoors is important to the health and healing of the BIPOC community.”
Most ch8ses are located in the Southern portion of the States in places like Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, and are open to all who are wanting to join in. From horseback riding to tent camping, this group truly embraces healing the BIPOC community by, “intentionally increasing the brown faces in green spaces, one adventure at a time.”
Deborah sums up the idea that even though the origin of the group is one derived from pain, it has transformed into a soul changing opportunity to recoup and recover in the company of cascades. “Ch8sing Waterfalls is pain, turned passion, that evolved into purpose,” not only for Deborah but for the incredible community that have had the opportunity to join her. “It is important that BIPOC… feel comfortable embracing the healing power of nature.
And with events happening from campouts in June to a formal celebration in December, opportunities for connection are being created year-round. The next highlighted event is the second annual Lula Lake Land Trust Campout for Black and Brown Women happening this August from the 12-14th, but there are plenty of chances to ch8se before then!
Photo Credit: Deborah McGlawn
Learn about upcoming Ch&sing Waterfalls events here: https://www.ch8singwaterfalls.com/upcoming-ch8se-adventures, and tune in for a chance to ch8se in your local area!
To get to know Deborah McGlawn further, and to read about all of the wonderful healing happening through her organization, click here: https://www.ch8singwaterfalls.com/
