Lektion 1
Around The Campfire
Today we'll officially open our 10-day course by reflecting on how we are connected to nature, to our place, and to our community. Where do we live? Who are our people? Our ancestors and elders? What creatures and trees do we love? How are we part of the cycles of life? Let's sit together around a great campfire and listen. This practice helps us feel less lonely and more supported.
'The Great Campfire' practice begins at 7:02.
Lektion 2
Breathing With Trees
Today we’ll be focusing on the breath, practising ‘Breathing With Trees’, with a plant, a tree, or walking in the woods. We’ll be noticing the nature of our own breathing patterns and appreciating the special relationship that humans and trees have, in breathing. Breath is life. Each in-breath is a gift from the trees, each out-breath a gift back. Practising like this helps us feel connected, loved, or nourished.
'Breathing With Trees' practice begins at 14:12.
Lektion 3
Walking Softly, Sensing
Today, we’ll open up our 'sacred sensuality' in a place we love - the sound of the birds, feeling our feet on the earth, appreciating the warmth of sunshine on our skin. The story of 'The Land Of Flowers' reminds us that treasures of nature are not just valuable as resources, as food and shelter, but for the joy they bring us. We'll allow ourselves to 'chase this joy' as we appreciate the beauty around us and in us, in our practice, Nature Walk.
'Nature Walk' practice begins at 11:54.
Lektion 4
Listening Deeply To A Place
We’ll deepen our connection to place today and honour our innate ability to listen deeply. We'll find a place we love and befriend it! Over time, we'll learn about its nuances - the plants, the trees, the birds that live in this place, and feel more deeply connected to the seasons, to natural timing, to the cycles of growth, and to our true selves. We'll honour the first nations' peoples and our ancestors that have practised this way of being for millenia.
'The Sit Spot' practice begins at 13:16.
Lektion 5
The Earth Of The Body
Today, we’ll explore the nature of the body; the world of physical sensations and the relationship between the body and the earth. We’ll learn to ‘read’ whether parts of the body are tense or relaxed, warm or cold, moving or still, comfortable or uncomfortable. We’ll explore feeling ‘grounded’ and this affects mood and mind. We’ll ask our bodies what they really need, and allow the body to be held by the earth and feel completely supported by her.
'Supported By The Earth' practice begins at 12:26.
Lektion 6
Loving The World
Isn’t the planet amazing? Mother Earth supports our every need: the water we drink, the clothes we wear, the shelter we have, the food we eat. She is the ultimate source of unconditional love, providing for everybody. Let’s give thanks for the simple things that keep us alive! In knowing her generosity, we open our hearts to feeling loved and giving love. We’ll explore ways to actively return our thanks and love to the world.
'Gratitude For The Earth' practice begins at 15:32.
Lektion 7
The River Of The Mind
Today, we’ll explore the nature of rivers, and take a look at the mind-stream, at the thoughts that drift along in 'the river of the mind'. We'll ask ourselves, “What's flowing in the river of my mind? How do I let thoughts flow through without getting stuck in them?" And we'll discover what our minds need, for healthy mental flow.
'River Of The Mind' practice begins at 16:55.
Lektion 8
The Emotional Landscape
Today, we’ll be talking about the emotional landscape. Outer environments are all unique, diverse places with different native flora and fauna. In the same way, our inner landscapes are diverse: some are wild and full of colour and surprises. Some are neat and tidy and carefully maintained. We'll ask, 'What is growing in my emotional landscape?' and 'How can I garden my emotions?'
'Emotional Gardening' practice begins at 17:02.
Lektion 9
Nature Speaks To My Soul
What is my calling? Today, you're invited to ask soul searching questions, like this, in nature. Poets, yogis, and inventors have had major breakthroughs when connecting with nature. How do we do this? How do we open the heart and truly listen to the wisdom of the forest or the ocean? We'll learn from poets like Rumi, native traditions, and the vision quest. We'll be invited to go on our own soul quest.
'Soul Quest In Nature' practice begins at 17:36.
Practice phases: Getting into the body 18.18, Finding your place 18.36, Befriending the place 19.03, Asking a question 19.40, Appreciation and thanks 20.40, and Integration 21.09
Lektion 10
My place in the web of life
Today, we celebrate our journey and our learnings. We have listened deeply to the nature outside, and the nature inside; to our bodies, our hearts, our minds. We'll explore how we are each part of a great web of life, a continuation of our ancestors; a conversation with the plants, the water, the air that flows through us. We'll return to our campfire circle to give thanks and to pledge how we'll continue.
'Ceremonial Campfire' practice begins at 12:57.
