The Good Life Gap Semester in Maine

Firstly, I'd like to remark on how grateful I am for an opportunity such as this one. I can't recall anticipating that an experience like this would change the trajectory of my life for the best. While coming with the intention to figure out my direction in life, Seguin introduced me to a new sense of novelty, adventure, and relationships, that I had never experienced before. Seguin helped me understand how I can live within the duality of learning while living intentionally. From adventuring to islands, camping, foraging, solitude, and cooking, all the way to the academic side of the program, there's a lot to experience. However, I do believe in transparency and honesty. As someone who's always suffered from anxiety and being included, I found myself often straying away from moments to be included in certain parts of the program, due to my own expectations. This doesn't disregard the moments when I did push myself to try new things, which I did a lot of during this program. If you're deciding to take on a program such as this one, come with no intention and no expectations. Because by the end of the program and the months after, you'll begin to see the program's positive longevity and the pursuance that it has on your life.

The Seguinland Institute offers an amazing curriculum focused on engaging in the idea of "The Good Life" and how best to approach this rare opportunity that is living. Located on a beautiful piece of Maine land, Seguin is brimming with engaging ways of learning both academically as well as creatively through many different forms of expression and various ways of interacting with the land. There is both an adequate amount of guidance as well the allowance of free-range for students to explore and learn in their own way. The guest speakers are phenomenal, the community that develops is heartfelt and caring and the lessons that you will learn will carry for a lifetime.

The institute partakes in a radical and experimental approach to education. The courses went beyond the books we read and the lessons we were taught, but were filled with rich discussions, various memorable trips, and influential visitors that brought the lessons to life. Each week was filled with different adventures such as hiking, camping, foraging, or volunteering at a local farm. The program mentally, spiritually, and physically challenged me for the better. I had the opportunity to live in an intentional community on the beautiful coast of Maine and be grounded in the peaceful nature it has to offer. I am beyond grateful for the friends, staff, and memories I created at Seguinland.

I did not know how much I needed this program. After months and months of social isolation and existential boredom, Seguinland helped remind me that being alive, existing in the company of others, is the greatest gift we give, receive, and are. Through the excellent instructors, immersive and grounding experiences & trips, insightful guest speakers, wonderful fellow students, and the endlessly accommodating, kind Francis Family, I found myself at the end of the program with a renewed zest for life that I never thought achievable at this phase in my life. Want to know about and live out the good life in a naturally beautiful and intellectually curious environment? Look no further.

Seguinland Institute brought the respite and centering that I was searching for, and I couldn't have imagined a more picturesque backdrop. We discussed ideas new to me such as eating with intention, embracing child-like wonder, and cultivating a relationship with the land wherever we find ourselves; we started our mornings with yoga among the trees, in the raised classroom, our "Gathering Space." I left Georgetown feeling rested and with new perspective, thanks to the welcoming community of Back River Bend. The cherry on top was everyone involved in making Seguinland Institute come to life, from Prof. Francis to Loren and the boat yard crew. I couldn't be more grateful for the experience, and would recommend to any and all!

"The teachers are everywhere. What is wanted is a learner." - Wendell Berry

Like many city dwellers, days, weeks, months, and years all flew by in a blur. The shifting of the seasons was something I barely noticed. I often felt rushed and anxious. During my first ten day stay at Seguinland, there was a forced shift in my perspective. The assigned readings, homework questions, and group discussions required me to ground myself in the present and pay attention to my surroundings. I felt deep gratitude for my teachers and classmates and the insightful conversations we shared without cellphones or computers between us. I witnessed the beautiful natural landscape around me with all five senses and meditated for hours on end. I left the program feeling refreshed, motivated, and feeling in love with life. The course introduced me to a lot of the concepts and life philosophies that I am still deeply passionate about. Thanks, Seguinland! “Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished.Tell about it.” -Mary Oliver

The education I received at the Good Life Course goes deeper than understanding mindful concepts. It was a mind, body, and soul experience. My mind was enhanced by the readings of Braiding Sweetgrass and Consolations as well as the discussions that followed. My body was challenged to break out of its comfort zone and go ziplining, canoeing, hiking and to try yoga. My soul was revitalized from meditation, good conversation, solitude and friends. From this course I learned how to see beauty, and how to find balance. The course allowed for self-discovery and gave me the skills (my backpack) to start my post-college life. 

I find myself returning to the ideas of this course on a regular basis. When life is hectic and overwhelming I lean into the teachings of The Good Life. I will be forever thankful for the memories and teachings I gained at Seguinland Institute.

From the stomping grounds of the city that never sleeps, my life had become overwhelmed with stress, daunting professional expectations, and a spiraling loss of direction. My return to nature and experiences with personal reflection helped me find purpose for my days. The Atlantic coasts of Georgetown, Maine and the energy that radiates from the Back River, lifted me into another perception of my own reality. The Good Life Course promotes spiritual growth from within, making the experience truly a one of a kind lifetime memory. My carvings from Maine will walk with me deep into my professional career here in NYC and I am forever thankful for the eye-opening lessons that only Prof. Francis and his genuine staff could provide. I will for sure return to Francisville and will be sure to bring others along to experience the life changing escape. Sending nothing but love to my family up in Georgetown! Bless!

"In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect." - Alice Walker