Restoring our roots, embracing our souls, healing the heart, mind, and body.
Awakening Health, Healing, and Human Potential
Ancient Wisdom Today is a holistic health and educational organization devoted to natural approaches to healing, self-discovery, and the realization of our full human potential.
Founded by Melanie Ryan and Andy Steigmeier, who together bring over five decades of combined experience, Ancient Wisdom Today serves as a sanctuary for those seeking to learn, grow, and heal. Their shared vision is to build community, help others reconnect with the wisdom of nature, awaken their innate gifts, and live with greater balance, and purpose.
Through courses, workshops, and immersive experiences, Ancient Wisdom Today offers opportunities to learn from leading experts in holistic health, spiritual development, leadership, and wilderness skills. Blending ancient teachings with modern understanding, these programs guide individuals on a journey toward wholeness — restoring harmony between mind, body, spirit, and the natural world.
Spiritual Teacher
Psychotherapist
Wilderness Skills Educator
Melanie Ryan is an author and founder of The Golden Shadow Method. She is renowned Buddhist teacher and psychotherapist.
Pain Specialist
Concierge Rehabilitation
Wilderness Skills Educator
Andy Steigmeier is the founder of Moving Beyond Pain. He is an expert in physical rehabilitation, strength and conditioning programs, and natural pain relief methods.
What We Offer
Our Mission
Our Mission is to create quality education and healing opportunities that restore a healthy and positive connection to community, nature, human virtues, and consciousness.
Our vision is to share ancient wisdom for healing our modern world so that future generations may be free and healthy.
Melanie Ryan and Andy Steigmeier collaborate with many skilled professionals who share this same Vision. If you would like to bring your expertise to our community, please contact us.
Our Devotion
The meaning and expression of our devotion is for those who touched our lives and brought us to our own authenticity and deep connection with the Earth. We dedicate the work of Ancient Wisdom Today to the memory of our son Justin Bodhi Steigmeier, and all the wise ancestors of Earth and Sky who exist in the highest realms of love and light.
We are committed to bringing our service to everyone. See the Justin Bodhi Sunshine Fund page for more information.
Testimonial
Lee Albert, Founder of Positional Release Therapy, Author of Living Pain Free without Drugs or Surgery
"I just completed a 4-day retreat at Ancient Wisdom, and I'm still integrating the profound shifts that occurred during my time there. This experience exceeded every expectation I had. From the moment I arrived, Melaie and Andy welcomed me with such genuine warmth and presence. Their dedication to holding sacred space is evident in everything they do – from the thoughtful way they guide ceremony to the depth of spiritual conversation they facilitate. These aren't just hosts; they're skilled guides who truly walk their talk.
The healing work here goes beyond surface level. Through ceremony and intentional practices, I found myself accessing parts of my inner landscape I hadn't touched in years. Melaie and Andy create an environment where it feels safe to be vulnerable, to release what no longer serves, and to remember who you truly are. The skills they share are practical and grounding – tools I'll carry with me long after leaving.
The land itself is medicine. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, there's an energy here that's palpable – ancient, peaceful, and somehow both activating and deeply restful. The air is clean and the silence of the outdoors is a balm for frazzleed nerves. I spent hours immersing myself in nature, and it became clear why this place was chosen. The accommodations are very comfortable (important when you're doing deep work!), and the food nourished not just my body but felt like an extension of the care infused into every aspect of the retreat.
What I didn't realize was how much the conversations would impact me. Late-night talks about consciousness, purpose, and the human experience created connections that felt soul-deep. There's something about being held in community while doing inner work that amplifies the transformation.
If you're feeling called to remember your own ancient wisdom, to heal, and to reconnect with what matters most, I can't recommend this retreat enough. I would say that my time at this retreat was epic! Melanie and Andy have created something truly special here.
With deep gratitude for all you're bringing back into the world."
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