Come Home to Nature with Amanda Kenyon

Name: Come Home to Nature with Amanda Kenyon
Start: 2024-07-13T09:00:00-04:00
End: 2024-07-13T12:00:00-04:00
Location: Online 5

A Half-Day Nature & Meditation Retreat

Come Home to Nature
with Amanda Kenyon

Saturday, July 13, 2024
9 am to Noon

Nature reminds us that we live in a perpetual state of change and impermanence. Nature also reminds us that we belong–in every moment–that we are not small, but an important part of a big whole. Most of all, nature reminds us that we are not a separate self, that we inter-are. We come from Earth, belong to Earth, and will return to Earth.

This offsite morning retreat is an experiential practice for reconnecting with nature. The approach is inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, “forest bathing”, or “taking in the atmosphere of the forest”. The structure of the morning follows an approach pioneered in America by Amos Clifford, which integrates principles from Buddhism, wilderness guiding, experiential education, indigenous wisdom, psychotherapy and nature pedagogy. We will be guided by Amanda Kenyon, Certified Forest Therapy Guide.

The forest bathing practice is a heart-centered approach to nature reconnection that interweaves present moment awareness, embodiment/somatic awareness, the senses and the qualities they invite, and gratitude and reciprocity. During the retreat, Amanda will offer experiential invitations that allow us to individually explore a sense of our universal belonging, an awakeness to the Nature that we are part of, and an opportunity to come into right relationship with Earth and each other. She will also offer a guided group sensory-awakening meditation to ground and relax into our environment, as well as a group gratitude ceremony and Touching the Earth practice in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh and Plum Village.

The retreat will be a combination of sitting, walking, and meandering over about a mile on gently rolling terrain. Small sit mats and a few portable stools will be available for anyone not wishing to sit directly on the forest floor. If you have your own portable cushion, folding stool, or other comfortable, transportable seat, you are welcome to bring that. Participants are encouraged to bring water and wear sturdy shoes. You may also wish to bring insect repellent, snacks or medications you may need, or a walking stick if support is needed for uneven terrain. An outhouse is located onsite.

The location of this outdoor retreat is The Manitou Project, 300 Sunset Lake Road in Williamsville. Manitou is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit 223-acre wilderness sanctuary of forest and wetlands that supports community with Nature and the sacred interdependence of all living beings. Directions will be provided to registrants. A portion of your dana to Amanda will be donated to The Manitou Project.

Weather Information

Light showers: the retreat will be held.
Steady rain or unsafe conditions: a rain date will be offered.

Registration and Dana

The registration fee supports Vermont Insight and in addition, it is customary to make a donation to the teacher in appreciation for the teachings. AND We continue to offer the teachings freely to all who would benefit. Your practice is a gift to us all. When you register, please select from the fee levels listed, including fee waiver if that is appropriate.

Teacher Dana The teachings of the Buddha have been offered freely for 2600 years. In keeping with the Buddhist tradition, our teachers offer their time and guidance as a gift. In turn, Sangha members express gratitude by offering dana to the teachers and to the Center. Read more about the Buddhist tradition of generosity»

A link will be sent to participants so they can make a Gratitude offering (Dana) to the teacher or visit our donation page»

Space is limited to 15 participants and preregistration is required. Once registrations close at noon on July 12, ALL who have registered will be sent an email by 5 pm, containing directions, carpool instructions, and weather considerations.

The Retreat Information email may go to your Spam folder. If you have not received the retreat detail letter by 5 pm on the day before the retreat, check your Junk/Spam/Promotions Mail folders. If you have multiple email accounts, check all your inboxes and their spam folders.

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