"My failures in being normal, and success in being human."
I was eight years old when trauma introduced me to my Human Hangover®. That moment gave birth to a map inside of me, called the Inner Landscape™ map. This map became my closest friend, greatest guide, and produced some of the most powerful healing I’ve ever experienced in my forty years on earth.
As I navigated childhood trauma and undiagnosed autism, nature started talking back to me. A root would trip me on a walk and suddenly remind me of a rooted belief interfering in my life. An eagle would swoop over, and help me see the higher perspective. The wisdom in the natural world around me started communicating back, and it was actually helping!
Then 2020 turned my world inside out. With past and present traumas resurfacing, and my autistic mask failing, I needed help. There was a major shortage in therapists at the time, so I went inward for help once more.
I went back to the map that helped me through heavy emotions as a child; but this time something was different. As I grew older, the meanings behind the map had also grown. I was seeing the map with totally new eyes. I spent the next six years implementing my old healing techniques with nature, and again the natural world answered back.
Nature Nurtured Me
The birds came in flocks, and the Owls taught me to Observe With Love™. I used art as therapy, nature as medicine, and my Inner Landscape™ map as navigation.
Without changing my (horrible) diet I lost 80lbs, turned my liver around, lowered my blood pressure, and the lump in my throat disappeared completely. My autistic traits saw a massive improvement, my social skills strengthened because I felt safe in my body again, and pretty much every area of my life changed for the better.
I want to give the opportunity of a full life to everyone! I didn’t have the safety, love, and care I needed as a child, and I want to do everything in my power to help shift that for the coming generations.
I’m not an expert, nor a doctor or healthcare specialist, and hold no degrees or certifications. I don’t know very much about the world, I grew up in a very sheltered and religious home, dissociated my way through school, and dropped out of college as soon as I could. I’m just a human with an experience to share. I hope you have fun on the adventure of finding you. Thanks for being here.
– AmBear
(Amber Johnston – That Girl Amber)
Nature Based Wisdom
Heart Led Learning
Finding Self Through Nature
Nature + Experience
For as long as I can remember, nature has been my guide. I could hear the trees whispering, the water begging and the Owls sharing their wisdom. In 2018 the Owls started visiting me again, consistently. We spent the next seven years collaborating on MichCamo® designs and ways to share my Inner Landscape™ map. I believe our inner wisdom is brought to light when we search for that light in the natural world. Thank you mother earth for your guidance, and thank you winged ones for your wisdom.
National Geographic®
JoinNational Geographic® as they journey through the Upper Peninsula with photographer Michael George inMarquette,Copper Harbor, andIsle Royale National Park. Explore the interactive map of theUpper Peninsula, or watchthe film here. Special thanks to Nat Geo®,Michael George,Brother Films, andPure Michigan for this unique opportunity to share what we love most about this amazing place.
Current Projects
MichCamo®
My personal art therapy project turned into a Michigan themed merchandise business supporting mental health.
BODEGA
Our restaurant, bar, and food truck in downtown Marquette, MI – focusing on whole health through local food & drink.
Clawstring™
The Clawstring™ is my patented drawstring that holds your glasses. This patented design is now available for wholesale and licensing.
Human Hangover®
The game and life maps I use to understand my trauma and navigate life, love, emotions, challenges, and desires.
