Events & Workshops

Earth-Connection Meditation (on Zoom)

I’m happy to offer this pay-what-you-will-based lunch break meditation to connect with Earth. I will introduce various methods of Earth-connecting meditation to help you in your own practice. Please arrive a minute or two early. Sessions are not recorded.

Tuesday, April 30, 2024: 12-12:30pm EST

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/843558184237?aff=oddtdtcreator

What is an Earth Connection Meditation practice?

In this 30-minute session, Justin will introduce you to a guided meditation with your senses to connect to your body and the Earth.

Justin is pleased to welcome you to this inclusive anti-racist LGBTQIA+ affirming community-minded space.

Important points: This will be an experiential workshop. I welcome your participation. To honor what folks share, the session will not be recorded.

Tickets: I appreciate your support in any amount. If you'd like to attend free, please enjoy your complimentary ticket! Welcome!

What you will need:

Technology requirement:

Zoom application installed on smartphone or laptop.

Materials:

Notebook, writing utensils for journaling, drawing and reflection prompts. A cup of tea and setting where you feel comfortable and will be undisturbed for 30 minutes.

Support My Work:

Consider supporting my work as a forest bathing guide and spiritual guide by Buying me a Coffee here.

Friday, May 3, 2024: 10AM - 3:30PM EDT

Come connect with the Earth, Your Senses, Your Source of Meaning and Community!

You’re invited to explore in community and on your own in the 1,100 acres of wild land with breathtaking boulders and stunning trees. I’m excited to partner with Oasis Ministries for Spiritual Development and the Clarence Schock Environmental Center at Governor Dick Park in Mt. Gretna, PA, to offer this experience.

This retreat space celebrates the LGBTQIA+ Community and is a welcome space for folks of all and no particular spiritual and philosophical traditions.

Folks of all mobilities will be able to participate.

Our retreat includes:

Guided Forest Bathing

Contemplative Nature Practices: Sylvan divina, Heart practices

Individual Retreat Time

Closing Gratitude Ritual

Resources for you to explore and deepen your Earth-Connection Practice

Please register here:

https://www.oasismin.org/walk-retreat 

What is Forest Bathing?

Forest Bathing or shinrin yoku is a nature-based mindfulness practice that invites us into awareness of at least seven of our senses and relationship with our bodies and the Earth. Forest Bathing is not a vigorous hiking practice; a 2-hour walk might only cover 1 mile. As a slowing down and meditative practice Forest Bathing can be a threshold into our own spiritual practices and creative expression. Health benefits of this practice include lowered blood pressure, boosted immune system, enhanced focus and a sense of relaxation. ― Michele Kambolis

“Nature pulls us up when we feel down, worked up, and vulnerable. It takes us out of our neurosis, shakes off the cobwebs, and helps us to mentally refresh. Nature shows us the way of the cycles and impermanence of all things and awakens the heart.”

Cost: $75-100 as you are able

Register through Oasis Ministries

Participant Note:

Folks should bring their own lunch, layers for the weather and appropriate shoes for trail walking, water, Epipen if prescribed, stadium seat cushion, tools for reflection such as journal and pen or coloring supplies.

Forest Bathing or shinrin yoku is a nature-based mindfulness practice that invites us into our senses and relationship with our bodies and environment. Health benefits of this practice include lowered blood pressure, boosted immune system, enhanced focus and a sense of relaxation.

Taking Good Care: (AKA Release form)

Please complete the form here in order to participate in the walk:

https://forms.gle/kQ5AQscFojHaza449

What is an In-Person Forest Bathing Walk?

An in-person guided walk is an amazing experience for different bioregions, humans, and More-Than-Human communities of the Earth to speak to each other! Participants have said it "feels like playing outside" and "reminds them of when they were kids exploring in the woods or the creek near their homes."

As your guide, I will help you settle into embodied practice. Then, I will offer invitations to you to explore. Part of exploring includes not using the invitation, but rather responding to who or what is drawing your attention. The core practice is your own response to invitations on the land where you are. We will spend time responding and then return to our circle to share. Sharing is always optional. Holding supportive space while others share is an amazing offering. We follow this pattern until we end with a Tea Under the Trees.

*A walk is not a vigorous hike. You will likely walk 1-1.5 miles at a leisurely pace. The terrain is gravel with some uneven areas and roots. Several park benches line the trail.

What you need to know:

Cost: $25 Regular Registration, $35 Sponsoring Registration (Through Eventbrite)

Arrival: Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before the start of our walk. We will meet at the boat launch along the creek.

About the Location:

Be aware of any trail hazards in your bioregion such as poison ivy, uneven trails, etc.

A public restroom (Port-o-let) is available at the start of the trail.

Materials:

Water for hydration, sunscreen, bug spray, hat, comfortable shoes, a blanket or pad to sit on, Epipen if prescribed.

Wild Spirit Paths, LLC, will have camp stools and sit pads for use during the walk.

Forest Bathing or shinrin yoku is a nature-based mindfulness practice that invites us into our senses and relationship with our bodies and environment. Health benefits of this practice include lowered blood pressure, boosted immune system, enhanced focus and a sense of relaxation.

Taking Good Care: (AKA Release form)

Please complete the form here in order to participate in the walk:

https://forms.gle/MMZxhACSqurBNW2Y9

What is a Remotely Guided Forest Bathing Walk?

A remotely guided walk is an amazing experience for different bioregions, humans, and More-Than-Human communities of the Earth to speak to each other!

As your guide, I will help you settle into embodied practice. Then, I will offer invitations to you to explore. Part of exploring includes not using the invitation, but rather responding to who or what is drawing your attention. The core practice is your own response to invitations on the land where you are. We will spend time responding and then return to our Zoom circle to share. Sharing is always optional. Holding supportive space while others share is an amazing offering. We follow this pattern until we end with a Tea Party.

*A walk is not a hike. You will likely walk less than 1 mile and can fully participate without walking about if circumstances require.

What you will need to know:

Cost: Payment through Eventbrite

Location:

Choose a place outdoors (weather and health permitting) where you would like to be guided. Maybe this is a favorite park, your backyard, a nearby body of water. If the weather is inhospitable or you would not feel safe alone on a trail be sure to acknowledge this.

Be aware of any trail hazards in your bioregion such as poison ivy, uneven trails, etc.

Important points: Let someone know where you plan to go and when you will return. A location with public restroom facilities is an asset.

Technology requirement:

Smartphone devices with internet connection and video recommended for remotely guided walks.

You may require additional power supply for smartphones during the session.

If you are joining from home and using a laptop computer, be sure to have a timepiece with a timer that you can bring with you out into your yard so you know when to return to the group for sharing.

Materials:

Tea or coffee or your favorite beverage and a snack to save for the end of the walk Tea Party. Water for hydration, sunscreen, bug spray, hat, comfortable shoes, possibly a camp chair to sit, Epipen if prescribed.

Forest Bathing or shinrin yoku is a nature-based mindfulness practice that invites us into our senses and relationship with our bodies and environment. Health benefits of this practice include lowered blood pressure, boosted immune system, enhanced focus and a sense of relaxation.

Taking Good Care: (AKA Release form)

Please complete the form here in order to participate in the walk:

https://forms.gle/PVeRgchMxqaj1JbB6

What is an In-Person Forest Bathing Walk?

An in-person guided walk is an amazing experience for different bioregions, humans, and More-Than-Human communities of the Earth to speak to each other! Participants have said it "feels like playing outside" and "reminds them of when they were kids exploring in the woods or the creek near their homes."

As your guide, I will help you settle into embodied practice. Then, I will offer invitations to you to explore. Part of exploring includes not using the invitation, but rather responding to who or what is drawing your attention. The core practice is your own response to invitations on the land where you are. We will spend time responding and then return to our circle to share. Sharing is always optional. Holding supportive space while others share is an amazing offering. We follow this pattern until we end with a Tea Under the Trees.

*A walk is not a vigorous hike. You will likely walk 1-1.5 miles at a leisurely pace. The terrain is gravel with some uneven areas and roots. Several park benches line the trail.

What you need to know:

Cost: $25 Regular Registration, $35 Sponsoring Registration (Through Eventbrite)

Arrival: Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before the start of our walk. We will meet at the boat launch along the creek.

About the Location:

Be aware of any trail hazards in your bioregion such as poison ivy, uneven trails, etc.

A public restroom (Port-o-let) is available at the start of the trail.

Materials:

Water for hydration, sunscreen, bug spray, hat, comfortable shoes, a blanket or pad to sit on, Epipen if prescribed.

Wild Spirit Paths, LLC, will have camp stools and sit pads for use during the walk.