Episode
Nature as Medicine: How Visiting 47 National Parks Healed Me with Cyndi Francois
- Published
- Mar 19, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1163
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Summary
“Grief sucks your energy up, but you have all of this love that you just don't have anywhere to put... the walking and the hiking and being outside — I felt so connected to the earth and so connected to myself.” Just six weeks after her wedding, Cindy Francois became a widow at 28. Her husband Wayne — her best friend of 10 years — died suddenly of cardiac arrest. What happened next is extraordinary: instead of staying stuck, Cindy loaded up her car and drove 45,000 miles through 47 national parks, spreading Wayne's ashes along the way, writing her memoir Traveling Through Grief, and finding a path back to life. In this episode, Cindy shares: Why she felt a "magnetic pull" toward national parks after her loss How hiking and walking became unexpected grief therapy The profound signs she received from Wayne Her advice for anyone facing devastating loss Her top national park recommendations for healing If you're navigating grief, loss, or a major life transition — or if you love powerful stories of resilience and the healing power of nature — this episode is for you. To learn more about Cyndi and her book, visit cyndifrancois.com. If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode #5 “Leave Guilt Behind” with Erin Byron or Episode #13 “Find Happiness After Loss” with Maria Sirois. Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you. Donna’s latest book, Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, can be purchased here. To join our email list or get a list of upcoming events, visit donnayferris.com Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris. Her guided meditations can also be found on her website and on Insight Timer. An…