~ Meet some of the instructors and their offerings ~
MYPATH to Nature, Fall 2023
(check back for Spring 2024 classes)
Autumn Foraging Hike & Tea Making… In this workshop we will be going over medicinal and edible plants and fungi, ethical and sustainable harvesting, the benefits of grounding and how to do it, giving thanks to the land, and tea making from what we find along our walk.
BuddhaNature Dharma Talk + Meditation + Bhumisparsha Exploration… Join Jenny, for a short dharma talk on awakening your Buddhanature-the luminous mind, our innate potential for awakening, our capacity to be free from our pain. Buddha-Nature is the ground of all being. We will explore its flavors of compassion + clarity. Before we move into a guided lovingkindness meditation, we will explore Bhumisparsha mudra or calling the Earth to witness mudra-Earth witness mudra. This Touching the Earth mudra symbolizes the moment that Buddha became enlightened – witnessed by the earth. It motivates action inspired by wisdom. It is a powerful image + posture to practice when meditating on letting go of attachment to all things + of anger in particular. Come find refuge in your own innate Buddha-Nature.
Cacao Medicine + Journaling + Gentle Movement + Secret Dub Sound Bath Journey… A ceremonial dose of cacao is served in the form of a warm drink. This heart opening elixir can facilitate a pleasant, perhaps blissful state where participants can delve deeper into personal and collective healing. This ancient medicine helps connect participants with their inner guide while it may increase clarity, focus, creativity and an overall sense of wellbeing. Ceremony, which is co-created, will include journaling, gentle movement, breath, a body-scan, sound bath journey, and a guided meditation, to illuminate your path back to Nature. Bring your favorite mug, a yoga mat, comfy stuff and a journal/pen. Join us as we start the weekend off journeying together, to deepen and nourish our roots, in sacred practice and community.
Cob Ancestral Playshop… This class will include individual, partner & communal movement, as well as group discussion, demonstration & hands-on community building. Be a part of a collaborative journey that celebrates individuality and artistry. We will craft a stunning structure using simple materials like earth, sand, straw, and water. This sustainable approach leaves a gentle impact on the planet.Together, we'll construct an enduring masterpiece that harmonizes with nature and represents the power of community. It is a chance to rediscover the magic of cob building and empower yourself to create functional art while respecting the planet! Explore this ancient building technique that connects us to the earth beneath our feet.
Gentle Hatha Yoga… In this Gentle Morning Hatha Yoga class, we will move slowly and mindfully through the postures as we seek to wake the body up peacefully and get in touch with the simple joy of the present moment. The class will flow through a series of gentle movements connecting the breath to the body and welcoming vitality and flexibility. Come prepared to leave feeling awakened, refreshed, and in touch with your joy. Props are welcome but not required.
Harvesting Intentions: Autumn Nature Mandala… Join Jenny for this collective community art- come cocreate, collaborate + connect with nature!! As we harvest our heart intentions- we reap, gather + store what wisdom + insight has been grown this season-let us reflect on the change + transformation in our lives. This autumn mandala will celebrate the cornucopia of our abundance, our interdependence with nature + honor this season of transition. Mandalas, intricate geometric configurations of symbols, have been used across cultures and religions as spiritual symbols and tools for meditation. Our Autumn Nature Mandala will represent the universe, unity, and wholeness. By participating in the creation of this nature mandala or earth altar, we engage in a moving meditation, channeling our energies, prayers, and intentions into its intricate patterns.
Hayride Farm Tour… Farm owner Pete Cashel will take you on a hay ride around parts of the 400-acre farm, discussing the area's history, geology, wildlife, ecological improvements Pete and Brenda have made on the farm, and their plans for the future. This is a great opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the land you'll be calling "home" for the next couple days!
Kirtan with Anahata Bhakti (2x)…. Kirtan is a form of devotional chant that is a core practice of Bhakti Yoga. Mantras, both in sanskrit and english, are chanted together, often in a call-and-response style, and accompanied by harmonium, guitars, keyboard, drums, and percussion. These songs can range from soft and meditative to upbeat and blissful. This practice of singing together helps calm the nervous system, clear the mind, and uplift and open the heart, often guiding us into an experience of deep wonder and connection. Though no experience is necessary and your voice is welcomed just as it is, you are also welcome to simply listen to the music if that is more resonant for you! We gather in the spirit of satsang, out of our shared love of Truth, in open and inclusive spiritual community.
Laughter Yoga… Laughter Yoga is Childlike Play at its best...as an Adult...getting in touch with your Inner Child. During these times of uncertainty, we are all feeling stress, anxiety, and fear. Laughter is our secret weapon to combat these negative feelings and will leave us with a sense of inner peace that we could all use right now. Laughter is contagious and has a powerful and immediate effect on our mind, body and spirit. It involves deep breathing, mindfulness, stretching, clapping and laughter exercises. Laughing for no reason is a purely physical process that uses simple breathing techniques and fun laughter exercises to elicit laughter, without relying on humor, jokes, or comedy. It's based on the scientific fact that the body cannot tell the difference between fake and real laughter. It decreases stress and anxiety, improves your mood, strengthens your immune system, is a natural pain killer, and oxygenates the body! Discover the amazing medicine of laughter. You will leave feeling less stressed and more joyful, all while improving your overall health. Laughter Yoga will help you! No flexibility or sense of humor required!!
Mindful Drumming… The Mindful Drum Workshop is a space for drumming that entrains one's brain to be in the present moment. In this workshop, participants will learn how to focus their mind in the present moment by drumming rhythms that connect to their heart center. Through intention setting, breathing, and drumming, participants will use their natural rhythm intuition to achieve a higher state of awareness which will result in oneness, increased brain activity, improved immune system function, enhanced mood, lower stress, happiness, and increased energy.
Mirroring Nature: Ecstatic Dance Journey… We are not simply existing in nature. We ARE nature. As we move about our daily lives, witnessing trees, squirrels, fish, deer, clouds, fire, lightning, creeks, soil, mushrooms, snakes, we observe these beings as part of nature—often we see ourselves as outside of nature—visitors to nature. …In this Ecstatic Dance Journey we will re-member and explore the ways we ARE nature… Connecting with the elements, embodying the frequency of Mother Earth, and reclaiming our place in the divine interconnection with source, this Ecstatic Dance Journey will be a collection of songs and gentle guidance intended to open us to a deeper awareness of our connection to Nature.
Nature's Medicine: Intro to Tinctures & Extracts… In this workshop we will be going over the medicinal properties in plants and fungi, why and how to use them, alcohol-free options, feeling empowered through wildcrafted medicine and how to navigate the medical industrial complex, the benefits of slaves and poultices, going over phototoxic plant compounds, small intro to alchemy and the power of infusing your medicines with prayer.
Nature's Yoga: Sun Salutations & Qi Gong… Sun Salutations & Qi Gong is Nature’s Yoga. You can learn both by closely observing Nature. As all living things inherently cannot live without the sunlight. In many cultures the Sun was their deity of worship. In India, they created a sequence of yoga postures, calling them Sun salutations… saluting not just the sun but the light within each of us. Qi gong is a vast array of traditional meditative natural movement practices for the cultivation and harmonization of one’s Qi… their very life essence. We’ll be practicing Zen Dimensional Qi Gong, which focuses on fluidity in easy, gentle, breath-based movements for centering, deep-rooting, strengthening, and enlivening. Also… expect laughter and FUN.
Oneness in Nature: Forest Immersion Experience… Experience the magic of nature as we immerse ourselves in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. Ken will lead us on a journey of discovery and connection as we delve deeply into nature with gratitude and humility. We will connect deeply with the elements of water, air, earth, fire and space within us and all around us. Realizing we are part of nature not separate from it. Falling in love with nature and ourselves. Making the shift in consciousness that we are intrinsically connected with all life and it’s only the colonized mind that separates us. Love unites us!
Open Mic w/ No Mic: Heartfelt Sharing Circle… Join host Jondra for a fire-side “open mic” (with no mic) A wholesome time with the most kind, open-hearted folk on earth! This is the perfect setting to jump out of comfort zones and share any music, poetry or stories that inspire you!
Open Paddleboards (All weekend)... Borrow our paddleboards to use on the lake! Do yoga, or paddle sitting, standing, kneeling, or use them as a nice floating device! Your choice!
Opening Circle… Join us as we open the weekend off with a few announcements, and intention settings. This is also a great time to meet and greet everyone!
Partner Therapeutic Playtime… Strengthen or create connection and trust with others through therapeutic and playful movement. Inspired by diverse techniques drawn from Partner yoga, Acro-Yoga, Contact Improvisation, Martial Arts and Thai Massage, we offer an opportunity of self-awareness that will naturally help improve connection with others. Simple therapeutic practices will leave you feeling open and uplifted. **No previous experience required. Bring a partner or connect with someone at the workshop.
Path of the Heart Through The Great Turning… The Earth is in pain, and her distress affects us collectively and individually. Instinctively, we turn away and close our eyes in order to keep surviving in this world. Ultimately, this is not a solution that serves us because it denies and suppresses what we are feeling, fearing, and what echoes in our hearts. When we push these thoughts and feelings down they create stress, anxiety, dis-ease in our systems. By opening our hearts and honoring what we see, collectively grieving, and honoring nature in her myriad forms we become more capable of coping in this changing world. Drawing on the teachings of Joanna Macy and The Work That Reconnects, we will hold space for each other, Earth, and ourselves.
Plant Spirit Meditation Workshop… In this workshop, we will explore the subconscious Nature Journey that is hidden within each of our hearts. Through multi-sensory perception, breathework, music, story, meditation, and sharing, we will invite intimate connection with all plants by entering into friendship with one plant - a local wild herb. Curious? Come find out more.
Regenerative Gardening… Companion planting, soil ecology, fungal relationships and log inoculation, encouraging native habitat, building soil through compost and foliar spray, woodchip inoculation via wine caps, seed saving and foraging, empowerment of growing your own food and how soil interacts with the gut microbiome, turning food into medicine via building living soil.
Sacred Sound Bath + Cacao Medicine… Certified Sound Healer, Tisa brings her passion to share with us. This deeply powerful experience, can be life-changing. A ceremonial dose of cacao is served in the form of a warm drink. This heart opening elixir can facilitate a pleasant, perhaps blissful state where participants can journey deeper into personal and collective healing. This ancient medicine helps connect participants with their inner guide while it may increase clarity, focus, creativity and an overall sense of wellbeing. Tisa has chosen to gift us with the relaxation of our minds and bodies ~ Meditation is essential to maintaining balance. The sounds created during her Sound Baths help to initiate or deepen your own spiritual journey. The process can provide assistance on all levels of healing; emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual. By using special tools and techniques of stroking, beating, and rubbing the gongs we create ethereal and powerfully rejuvenating music. The results of the interpretive percussion performance for the audience is hearing and feeling the music's sound waves that are unique, pleasing, and relaxing. The unpredictable sounds produced by the gongs help the brain move smoothly from an active brain wave (Alpha) state to deeper states of relaxation (Theta or Delta). Allow yourself to enter a timeless space of listening as Tisa orchestrates her way through overtone rich instruments including Gongs, Antique Asian Bells, Ocean Drum, a variety of Singing Bowls and other items. Listeners have described the experience as an adventure in listening; sonic bliss; a deep and lasting vibrational rejuvenation for body and soul; a journey through the senses. Allow yourself to BE Still and Listen.
Satsang, Sound & Meditation: Facets of our True Nature…. Weaving meditative music, contemplative discourse, and guided meditation together for the purpose of exploring the qualities and facets of our own essential, true nature. In this class we will discuss the True Nature of who and what we are at our essence, and how the realization of our True Nature is related to spiritual liberation, moksha, enlightenment. We will discuss universal facets of our True Nature that we experience when True Nature becomes conscious of itself through our own human form, and how observing the natural world around us can help remind us of these qualities within our own being. We will discuss the ways in which we close and open ourselves to the experience of this True Nature that we are. The discussion will be followed by a partially guided, partially silent meditation designed to aid us in entering a conscious space of our True Nature.
Self-Care, Self-Massage & Sound Bath… Nothing is quite as relaxing as a really good massage. So, why aren’t all of us getting massages? The reason is simple: A lot of US don’t take the time or maybe we can’t afford to have a massage on a regular basis. Sometimes when you’re alone, maybe at work, you may just be a bit sore. Don’t wait around for someone to give you a massage when your body needs a little TLC, here and there. Not everyone has a partner to share and enjoy massaging each other. In this workshop you will learn how to Love and Care for Your-Self. This class will end in a soothing, juicy, rejuvenating, restful Sacred Sound Bath. This no props Yin Yoga class is sequenced around the Fall meridians of the stomach, spleen, lung, and liver. In this class we will use Yin Yoga poses to open these energy pathways in the body while enjoying selections of Autumn themed poetry. Be prepared to stretch deeply, relax your nervous system, and listen for beauty within and without.
Sing, Say, Drum, Pray… Come build CommUnity using nature as the inspiration to create the Divine Rhythmic Universal Medicine in us all. During this devotional drum circle gathering we will sing, say, drum, and pray our intentions.
Space: Geometrical Nature of Nature… Where are you and what is where, anyway? Between here and there, the Dance takes shape. Its curves and angles crystallize reality as the puzzle creates itself. Melt your mind and rest softly in Her loving arms.
Starry Night Yoga Nidra for Deep Sleep… (Yogic sleep) is a guided meditation that is aimed to get you into a state of consciousness between awake & asleep. It is an effective way of achieving relaxation physically, mentally and emotionally. This practice is meant to help you align with your highest truth in order to best serve our world and achieve your dreams. We do this using a sankalpa. This practice also includes a full body scan, breathing exercises, and healing imagery.
Sunrise Sacred Earth Connection… Enjoy the beauty of the new day as we hold sacred space together in community. This peaceful guided meditation will include eco-somatic exercises for heart-based earth connection. Embody the heartbeat of the earth, breathe with the trees, and align with the energy of the elements. With a playful spirit, we will co-create a sunrise altar using items found in nature.
Sweet Dreams: Sound Bath & Bedtime Tea… Wind down from your day. Sip on a special herbal blend of Sweet Dreams tea created by Tisa Powell. Join us for a night-time sound sanctuary in nature. Float into bliss before heading to sleep. As the gongs and other unique instruments lull you into a slumber. A sound bath is one of the most relaxing experiences you can give yourself. It is an effective form of deep rest and rejuvenation for your physical body & your mind. Just 30 minutes of rest and meditation in a sound bath is equivalent to 2 hours of deep sleep.
***Please bring your own cup/mug/vessel to have some Sweet Dream tea before we begin; along with your comfy blankets, pillows, furry socks and dress warmly since it will be chilly.
Taoist Elemental Alchemy… Taoist Alchemy holds that all of Nature is composed of 5 primal Elemental energies balanced in generative and yielding cycles. Experience these Natural Elements directly, through movements that stimulate their ever-present energies and reveal their transformative flow. Feel in your own body and breath the steadiness of Earth, the structure of Metal, the fluidity of Water, the force of Wood, the power of Fire. Simple QiGong practices will culminate in a moving ritual to celebrate the cycles of the Natural world.
Taoist Yin Yoga & Yoga Nidra… Yin Yoga is a style of yoga that is based on Taoism. It focuses on stillness and meditation in poses. In this class you will hold passive postures for around 3 minutes. Yin yoga clears energy blockages and stretches your joints and connective tissues, rather than the more superficial muscle tissue stretch in a more active yoga class. Yin Yoga can be a deep practice of presence, of surrender, and of showing up to do the deep work that needs to be done. Yoga Nidra or Yogic sleep is like a guided meditation while lying on your back, that is aimed to get you into a state of consciousness between awake & asleep. This practice includes a full body scan, breathing exercises, and healing imagery. This practice is known to be deeply healing and helpful with anxiety, depression, PTSD and heart problems.Great for beginners, and all levels of practice.
Thai Bodywork Learning Exchange… In this introductory workshop, we'll explore the basics of Thai bodywork and empower you with some tools and knowledge to share touch and massage with friends, family, and loved ones.Thai Bodywork is a partner movement practice and an integral part of the traditional healing system of ancient Thailand. It skillfully combines deep tissue massage, assisted stretching, and mindfulness to create a unique healing experience for both the giver and receiver. Rooted in Buddhist spirituality, Thai Massage combines the health benefits of passive yoga postures with deep tissue massage techniques to create a powerful healing effect in the body. Come with a partner or meet one here, and we'll learn and exchange a 30 min sequence you can take home and share with others! Thai Massage is done fully clothed on a cushioned floor mat, without the use of oils or lotions. No fancy tables or equipment is required! Just a kind intention to share joy, presence, and compassion.
The Body: Anatomical Awareness Workshop… It’s time to learn about the body! The anatomical awareness workshop is a somatic evolution through your conscious engagement with the natural healing processes of the holistic body. By deepening your understanding of the systems of the body and how to release the subconscious tension impeding them, you will witness yourself instantaneously regulating into greater vitality.
The Nature of Paddleboarding… *limited to 10 people* Enjoy one, two or three sessions of this two hour, two part stand up paddleboard class. The first hour is a relaxed introduction to successfully standing on and handling a paddleboard. The second hour will review more advanced paddling technique.
Time: Vibrational Nature of Nature… Flowing from past to future, yet ever in the eternal timeless moment… what’s that all about? Both real and illusory, time marks the pulse of Mother Nature’s dance. Melt your mind and rest softly in Her loving arms.
Women's Sacred Cycles: Moons, Seasons & Rites of Passage… From monthly Moon Cycle to Moonpause, women’s daily, monthly, and seasonal life cycles are a gift - a constant precious reminder of our sacred connection to nature. Our cycles and Rites of Passage may have been ignored or experienced in a less-than-positive light. Let’s gather in ceremony and re-vision those stories, choosing to honor our cycles and life passages, and learning to harness their joyful energy in a way that empowers and enfolds us in the embrace of nature. **(All genders are welcome to be present, to learn and quietly offer support).
Vedic Fire Puja: Lighting of the Sacred Fire… Join us Thursday eve in prayer/mantra and puja ceremony to light our bonfire, also known as the eternal flame that will be burning the whole weekend! Enjoy our nightly bonfire with friends and community.
Yin Yoga & Poetry of the Fall Meridians… This no props Yin Yoga class is sequenced around the Fall meridians of the stomach, spleen, lung, and liver. In this class we will use Yin Yoga poses to open these energy pathways in the body while enjoying selections of Autumn themed poetry. Be prepared to stretch deeply, relax your nervous system, and listen for beauty within and without.
Yin Yoga, Sound Meditation & Yoga Nidra… Yin Yoga is a style of yoga that focuses deeply on meditation, clearing energy blockages, and stretching your connective tissues with long held shapes. This style of yoga is based on the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism (finding harmony with the natural rhythm of the universe). This class offers space to pause from our outer modern world of sensory information overload and sit with our inner experience and feel through it. In this class we will hold shapes for 3-5 minutes and most will be seated. The entirety of the class will be combined with a live sound meditation with (optional) personal sound assists, including: drum, bowls, and tuning forks… while in yin shapes to help you melt deeper into your stillness. Ending with a short yoga nidra practice accompanied by a sound journey from various instruments, including crystal and Himalayan singing bowls, flute, gong, chimes, and more.
BuddhaNature Dharma Talk + Meditation + Bhumisparsha Exploration… Join Jenny, for a short dharma talk on awakening your Buddhanature-the luminous mind, our innate potential for awakening, our capacity to be free from our pain. Buddha-Nature is the ground of all being. We will explore its flavors of compassion + clarity. Before we move into a guided lovingkindness meditation, we will explore Bhumisparsha mudra or calling the Earth to witness mudra-Earth witness mudra. This Touching the Earth mudra symbolizes the moment that Buddha became enlightened – witnessed by the earth. It motivates action inspired by wisdom. It is a powerful image + posture to practice when meditating on letting go of attachment to all things + of anger in particular. Come find refuge in your own innate Buddha-Nature.
Cacao Medicine + Journaling + Gentle Movement + Secret Dub Sound Bath Journey… A ceremonial dose of cacao is served in the form of a warm drink. This heart opening elixir can facilitate a pleasant, perhaps blissful state where participants can delve deeper into personal and collective healing. This ancient medicine helps connect participants with their inner guide while it may increase clarity, focus, creativity and an overall sense of wellbeing. Ceremony, which is co-created, will include journaling, gentle movement, breath, a body-scan, sound bath journey, and a guided meditation, to illuminate your path back to Nature. Bring your favorite mug, a yoga mat, comfy stuff and a journal/pen. Join us as we start the weekend off journeying together, to deepen and nourish our roots, in sacred practice and community.
Cob Ancestral Playshop… This class will include individual, partner & communal movement, as well as group discussion, demonstration & hands-on community building. Be a part of a collaborative journey that celebrates individuality and artistry. We will craft a stunning structure using simple materials like earth, sand, straw, and water. This sustainable approach leaves a gentle impact on the planet.Together, we'll construct an enduring masterpiece that harmonizes with nature and represents the power of community. It is a chance to rediscover the magic of cob building and empower yourself to create functional art while respecting the planet! Explore this ancient building technique that connects us to the earth beneath our feet.
Gentle Hatha Yoga… In this Gentle Morning Hatha Yoga class, we will move slowly and mindfully through the postures as we seek to wake the body up peacefully and get in touch with the simple joy of the present moment. The class will flow through a series of gentle movements connecting the breath to the body and welcoming vitality and flexibility. Come prepared to leave feeling awakened, refreshed, and in touch with your joy. Props are welcome but not required.
Harvesting Intentions: Autumn Nature Mandala… Join Jenny for this collective community art- come cocreate, collaborate + connect with nature!! As we harvest our heart intentions- we reap, gather + store what wisdom + insight has been grown this season-let us reflect on the change + transformation in our lives. This autumn mandala will celebrate the cornucopia of our abundance, our interdependence with nature + honor this season of transition. Mandalas, intricate geometric configurations of symbols, have been used across cultures and religions as spiritual symbols and tools for meditation. Our Autumn Nature Mandala will represent the universe, unity, and wholeness. By participating in the creation of this nature mandala or earth altar, we engage in a moving meditation, channeling our energies, prayers, and intentions into its intricate patterns.
Hayride Farm Tour… Farm owner Pete Cashel will take you on a hay ride around parts of the 400-acre farm, discussing the area's history, geology, wildlife, ecological improvements Pete and Brenda have made on the farm, and their plans for the future. This is a great opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the land you'll be calling "home" for the next couple days!
Kirtan with Anahata Bhakti (2x)…. Kirtan is a form of devotional chant that is a core practice of Bhakti Yoga. Mantras, both in sanskrit and english, are chanted together, often in a call-and-response style, and accompanied by harmonium, guitars, keyboard, drums, and percussion. These songs can range from soft and meditative to upbeat and blissful. This practice of singing together helps calm the nervous system, clear the mind, and uplift and open the heart, often guiding us into an experience of deep wonder and connection. Though no experience is necessary and your voice is welcomed just as it is, you are also welcome to simply listen to the music if that is more resonant for you! We gather in the spirit of satsang, out of our shared love of Truth, in open and inclusive spiritual community.
Laughter Yoga… Laughter Yoga is Childlike Play at its best...as an Adult...getting in touch with your Inner Child. During these times of uncertainty, we are all feeling stress, anxiety, and fear. Laughter is our secret weapon to combat these negative feelings and will leave us with a sense of inner peace that we could all use right now. Laughter is contagious and has a powerful and immediate effect on our mind, body and spirit. It involves deep breathing, mindfulness, stretching, clapping and laughter exercises. Laughing for no reason is a purely physical process that uses simple breathing techniques and fun laughter exercises to elicit laughter, without relying on humor, jokes, or comedy. It's based on the scientific fact that the body cannot tell the difference between fake and real laughter. It decreases stress and anxiety, improves your mood, strengthens your immune system, is a natural pain killer, and oxygenates the body! Discover the amazing medicine of laughter. You will leave feeling less stressed and more joyful, all while improving your overall health. Laughter Yoga will help you! No flexibility or sense of humor required!!
Mindful Drumming… The Mindful Drum Workshop is a space for drumming that entrains one's brain to be in the present moment. In this workshop, participants will learn how to focus their mind in the present moment by drumming rhythms that connect to their heart center. Through intention setting, breathing, and drumming, participants will use their natural rhythm intuition to achieve a higher state of awareness which will result in oneness, increased brain activity, improved immune system function, enhanced mood, lower stress, happiness, and increased energy.
Mirroring Nature: Ecstatic Dance Journey… We are not simply existing in nature. We ARE nature. As we move about our daily lives, witnessing trees, squirrels, fish, deer, clouds, fire, lightning, creeks, soil, mushrooms, snakes, we observe these beings as part of nature—often we see ourselves as outside of nature—visitors to nature. …In this Ecstatic Dance Journey we will re-member and explore the ways we ARE nature… Connecting with the elements, embodying the frequency of Mother Earth, and reclaiming our place in the divine interconnection with source, this Ecstatic Dance Journey will be a collection of songs and gentle guidance intended to open us to a deeper awareness of our connection to Nature.
Nature's Medicine: Intro to Tinctures & Extracts… In this workshop we will be going over the medicinal properties in plants and fungi, why and how to use them, alcohol-free options, feeling empowered through wildcrafted medicine and how to navigate the medical industrial complex, the benefits of slaves and poultices, going over phototoxic plant compounds, small intro to alchemy and the power of infusing your medicines with prayer.
Nature's Yoga: Sun Salutations & Qi Gong… Sun Salutations & Qi Gong is Nature’s Yoga. You can learn both by closely observing Nature. As all living things inherently cannot live without the sunlight. In many cultures the Sun was their deity of worship. In India, they created a sequence of yoga postures, calling them Sun salutations… saluting not just the sun but the light within each of us. Qi gong is a vast array of traditional meditative natural movement practices for the cultivation and harmonization of one’s Qi… their very life essence. We’ll be practicing Zen Dimensional Qi Gong, which focuses on fluidity in easy, gentle, breath-based movements for centering, deep-rooting, strengthening, and enlivening. Also… expect laughter and FUN.
Oneness in Nature: Forest Immersion Experience… Experience the magic of nature as we immerse ourselves in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. Ken will lead us on a journey of discovery and connection as we delve deeply into nature with gratitude and humility. We will connect deeply with the elements of water, air, earth, fire and space within us and all around us. Realizing we are part of nature not separate from it. Falling in love with nature and ourselves. Making the shift in consciousness that we are intrinsically connected with all life and it’s only the colonized mind that separates us. Love unites us!
Open Mic w/ No Mic: Heartfelt Sharing Circle… Join host Jondra for a fire-side “open mic” (with no mic) A wholesome time with the most kind, open-hearted folk on earth! This is the perfect setting to jump out of comfort zones and share any music, poetry or stories that inspire you!
Open Paddleboards (All weekend)... Borrow our paddleboards to use on the lake! Do yoga, or paddle sitting, standing, kneeling, or use them as a nice floating device! Your choice!
Opening Circle… Join us as we open the weekend off with a few announcements, and intention settings. This is also a great time to meet and greet everyone!
Partner Therapeutic Playtime… Strengthen or create connection and trust with others through therapeutic and playful movement. Inspired by diverse techniques drawn from Partner yoga, Acro-Yoga, Contact Improvisation, Martial Arts and Thai Massage, we offer an opportunity of self-awareness that will naturally help improve connection with others. Simple therapeutic practices will leave you feeling open and uplifted. **No previous experience required. Bring a partner or connect with someone at the workshop.
Path of the Heart Through The Great Turning… The Earth is in pain, and her distress affects us collectively and individually. Instinctively, we turn away and close our eyes in order to keep surviving in this world. Ultimately, this is not a solution that serves us because it denies and suppresses what we are feeling, fearing, and what echoes in our hearts. When we push these thoughts and feelings down they create stress, anxiety, dis-ease in our systems. By opening our hearts and honoring what we see, collectively grieving, and honoring nature in her myriad forms we become more capable of coping in this changing world. Drawing on the teachings of Joanna Macy and The Work That Reconnects, we will hold space for each other, Earth, and ourselves.
Plant Spirit Meditation Workshop… In this workshop, we will explore the subconscious Nature Journey that is hidden within each of our hearts. Through multi-sensory perception, breathework, music, story, meditation, and sharing, we will invite intimate connection with all plants by entering into friendship with one plant - a local wild herb. Curious? Come find out more.
Regenerative Gardening… Companion planting, soil ecology, fungal relationships and log inoculation, encouraging native habitat, building soil through compost and foliar spray, woodchip inoculation via wine caps, seed saving and foraging, empowerment of growing your own food and how soil interacts with the gut microbiome, turning food into medicine via building living soil.
Sacred Sound Bath + Cacao Medicine… Certified Sound Healer, Tisa brings her passion to share with us. This deeply powerful experience, can be life-changing. A ceremonial dose of cacao is served in the form of a warm drink. This heart opening elixir can facilitate a pleasant, perhaps blissful state where participants can journey deeper into personal and collective healing. This ancient medicine helps connect participants with their inner guide while it may increase clarity, focus, creativity and an overall sense of wellbeing. Tisa has chosen to gift us with the relaxation of our minds and bodies ~ Meditation is essential to maintaining balance. The sounds created during her Sound Baths help to initiate or deepen your own spiritual journey. The process can provide assistance on all levels of healing; emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual. By using special tools and techniques of stroking, beating, and rubbing the gongs we create ethereal and powerfully rejuvenating music. The results of the interpretive percussion performance for the audience is hearing and feeling the music's sound waves that are unique, pleasing, and relaxing. The unpredictable sounds produced by the gongs help the brain move smoothly from an active brain wave (Alpha) state to deeper states of relaxation (Theta or Delta). Allow yourself to enter a timeless space of listening as Tisa orchestrates her way through overtone rich instruments including Gongs, Antique Asian Bells, Ocean Drum, a variety of Singing Bowls and other items. Listeners have described the experience as an adventure in listening; sonic bliss; a deep and lasting vibrational rejuvenation for body and soul; a journey through the senses. Allow yourself to BE Still and Listen.
Satsang, Sound & Meditation: Facets of our True Nature…. Weaving meditative music, contemplative discourse, and guided meditation together for the purpose of exploring the qualities and facets of our own essential, true nature. In this class we will discuss the True Nature of who and what we are at our essence, and how the realization of our True Nature is related to spiritual liberation, moksha, enlightenment. We will discuss universal facets of our True Nature that we experience when True Nature becomes conscious of itself through our own human form, and how observing the natural world around us can help remind us of these qualities within our own being. We will discuss the ways in which we close and open ourselves to the experience of this True Nature that we are. The discussion will be followed by a partially guided, partially silent meditation designed to aid us in entering a conscious space of our True Nature.
Self-Care, Self-Massage & Sound Bath… Nothing is quite as relaxing as a really good massage. So, why aren’t all of us getting massages? The reason is simple: A lot of US don’t take the time or maybe we can’t afford to have a massage on a regular basis. Sometimes when you’re alone, maybe at work, you may just be a bit sore. Don’t wait around for someone to give you a massage when your body needs a little TLC, here and there. Not everyone has a partner to share and enjoy massaging each other. In this workshop you will learn how to Love and Care for Your-Self. This class will end in a soothing, juicy, rejuvenating, restful Sacred Sound Bath. This no props Yin Yoga class is sequenced around the Fall meridians of the stomach, spleen, lung, and liver. In this class we will use Yin Yoga poses to open these energy pathways in the body while enjoying selections of Autumn themed poetry. Be prepared to stretch deeply, relax your nervous system, and listen for beauty within and without.
Sing, Say, Drum, Pray… Come build CommUnity using nature as the inspiration to create the Divine Rhythmic Universal Medicine in us all. During this devotional drum circle gathering we will sing, say, drum, and pray our intentions.
Space: Geometrical Nature of Nature… Where are you and what is where, anyway? Between here and there, the Dance takes shape. Its curves and angles crystallize reality as the puzzle creates itself. Melt your mind and rest softly in Her loving arms.
Starry Night Yoga Nidra for Deep Sleep… (Yogic sleep) is a guided meditation that is aimed to get you into a state of consciousness between awake & asleep. It is an effective way of achieving relaxation physically, mentally and emotionally. This practice is meant to help you align with your highest truth in order to best serve our world and achieve your dreams. We do this using a sankalpa. This practice also includes a full body scan, breathing exercises, and healing imagery.
Sunrise Sacred Earth Connection… Enjoy the beauty of the new day as we hold sacred space together in community. This peaceful guided meditation will include eco-somatic exercises for heart-based earth connection. Embody the heartbeat of the earth, breathe with the trees, and align with the energy of the elements. With a playful spirit, we will co-create a sunrise altar using items found in nature.
Sweet Dreams: Sound Bath & Bedtime Tea… Wind down from your day. Sip on a special herbal blend of Sweet Dreams tea created by Tisa Powell. Join us for a night-time sound sanctuary in nature. Float into bliss before heading to sleep. As the gongs and other unique instruments lull you into a slumber. A sound bath is one of the most relaxing experiences you can give yourself. It is an effective form of deep rest and rejuvenation for your physical body & your mind. Just 30 minutes of rest and meditation in a sound bath is equivalent to 2 hours of deep sleep.
***Please bring your own cup/mug/vessel to have some Sweet Dream tea before we begin; along with your comfy blankets, pillows, furry socks and dress warmly since it will be chilly.
Taoist Elemental Alchemy… Taoist Alchemy holds that all of Nature is composed of 5 primal Elemental energies balanced in generative and yielding cycles. Experience these Natural Elements directly, through movements that stimulate their ever-present energies and reveal their transformative flow. Feel in your own body and breath the steadiness of Earth, the structure of Metal, the fluidity of Water, the force of Wood, the power of Fire. Simple QiGong practices will culminate in a moving ritual to celebrate the cycles of the Natural world.
Taoist Yin Yoga & Yoga Nidra… Yin Yoga is a style of yoga that is based on Taoism. It focuses on stillness and meditation in poses. In this class you will hold passive postures for around 3 minutes. Yin yoga clears energy blockages and stretches your joints and connective tissues, rather than the more superficial muscle tissue stretch in a more active yoga class. Yin Yoga can be a deep practice of presence, of surrender, and of showing up to do the deep work that needs to be done. Yoga Nidra or Yogic sleep is like a guided meditation while lying on your back, that is aimed to get you into a state of consciousness between awake & asleep. This practice includes a full body scan, breathing exercises, and healing imagery. This practice is known to be deeply healing and helpful with anxiety, depression, PTSD and heart problems.Great for beginners, and all levels of practice.
Thai Bodywork Learning Exchange… In this introductory workshop, we'll explore the basics of Thai bodywork and empower you with some tools and knowledge to share touch and massage with friends, family, and loved ones.Thai Bodywork is a partner movement practice and an integral part of the traditional healing system of ancient Thailand. It skillfully combines deep tissue massage, assisted stretching, and mindfulness to create a unique healing experience for both the giver and receiver. Rooted in Buddhist spirituality, Thai Massage combines the health benefits of passive yoga postures with deep tissue massage techniques to create a powerful healing effect in the body. Come with a partner or meet one here, and we'll learn and exchange a 30 min sequence you can take home and share with others! Thai Massage is done fully clothed on a cushioned floor mat, without the use of oils or lotions. No fancy tables or equipment is required! Just a kind intention to share joy, presence, and compassion.
The Body: Anatomical Awareness Workshop… It’s time to learn about the body! The anatomical awareness workshop is a somatic evolution through your conscious engagement with the natural healing processes of the holistic body. By deepening your understanding of the systems of the body and how to release the subconscious tension impeding them, you will witness yourself instantaneously regulating into greater vitality.
The Nature of Paddleboarding… *limited to 10 people* Enjoy one, two or three sessions of this two hour, two part stand up paddleboard class. The first hour is a relaxed introduction to successfully standing on and handling a paddleboard. The second hour will review more advanced paddling technique.
Time: Vibrational Nature of Nature… Flowing from past to future, yet ever in the eternal timeless moment… what’s that all about? Both real and illusory, time marks the pulse of Mother Nature’s dance. Melt your mind and rest softly in Her loving arms.
Women's Sacred Cycles: Moons, Seasons & Rites of Passage… From monthly Moon Cycle to Moonpause, women’s daily, monthly, and seasonal life cycles are a gift - a constant precious reminder of our sacred connection to nature. Our cycles and Rites of Passage may have been ignored or experienced in a less-than-positive light. Let’s gather in ceremony and re-vision those stories, choosing to honor our cycles and life passages, and learning to harness their joyful energy in a way that empowers and enfolds us in the embrace of nature. **(All genders are welcome to be present, to learn and quietly offer support).
Vedic Fire Puja: Lighting of the Sacred Fire… Join us Thursday eve in prayer/mantra and puja ceremony to light our bonfire, also known as the eternal flame that will be burning the whole weekend! Enjoy our nightly bonfire with friends and community.
Yin Yoga & Poetry of the Fall Meridians… This no props Yin Yoga class is sequenced around the Fall meridians of the stomach, spleen, lung, and liver. In this class we will use Yin Yoga poses to open these energy pathways in the body while enjoying selections of Autumn themed poetry. Be prepared to stretch deeply, relax your nervous system, and listen for beauty within and without.
Yin Yoga, Sound Meditation & Yoga Nidra… Yin Yoga is a style of yoga that focuses deeply on meditation, clearing energy blockages, and stretching your connective tissues with long held shapes. This style of yoga is based on the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism (finding harmony with the natural rhythm of the universe). This class offers space to pause from our outer modern world of sensory information overload and sit with our inner experience and feel through it. In this class we will hold shapes for 3-5 minutes and most will be seated. The entirety of the class will be combined with a live sound meditation with (optional) personal sound assists, including: drum, bowls, and tuning forks… while in yin shapes to help you melt deeper into your stillness. Ending with a short yoga nidra practice accompanied by a sound journey from various instruments, including crystal and Himalayan singing bowls, flute, gong, chimes, and more.
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