Deep Ecology Retreat

The Pantherkill Valley has long been used for sacred practices by its guests and inhabitants, making it an ideal place to explore deep ecology.  What is deep ecology? Join us as we deepen our personal understanding of the fundamental interdependence of all geo-physical systems and cycles in which we are all embedded. How does ecological awareness contribute to a spiritual sense of belonging and worth in our cosmos, and shape our collective environmental philosophy, to see the intelligence and worth of living beings regardless of their utility in human need? What does non-human intelligence look like? Can we radically restructure modern human systems to elevate our regard and understanding that this interconnectedness sustains life for all? How do we turn grief into productive healing of our great Mother Earth and all her elegant systems? Through direct engagement of our physical selves, we will contribute to the ongoing restorative ecology work at Menla. Through the direct engagement of our intellectual selves, we will deepen our understanding of the science of ecology. And through the direct engagement with our spiritual selves, we will deepen our sense of sacred connectedness and community.

Schedule

Thursday, June 7th

• 1 – 5pm Optional work/study session
• 3 – 8pm Check-in
• 6 – 7pm Dinner
• 7:30-9:30pm Opening Program
  • Introductions: big picture, personal stories of connection, love & grief for a struggling mother earth

Friday, June 8th

• 7 – 8am Morning Yoga
• 8 – 9am Breakfast
• 9am – 12pm Morning Program
  • Be Here Now—description of the ecosystem of Pantherkill Valley, geological history of the region, water, forests, soils, impacts of climate change and bio-diversity loss. Hike the Pantherkill Stream Trail. Observation, discussion
• 12 – 1pm Lunch
• 1 – 2pm Free time for Relaxation and Spa Treatments
• 2 – 5:30pm Afternoon Program
  • Hands-on learning—planting a perennial ecosystem, woodland & native plants. Examination of soil, different root systems, what are plant communities
• 6 – 7pm Dinner
• 7:15-9:15pm Evening Program
  • Water & Soil : what are water cycles, transpiration, sacred traditions around water, current global water situation…… what is your watershed address? What makes soil, nitrogen cycles, bacteria and mycorrhiza ~ and this thin skin that makes life possible on earth

Saturday, June 9th

• 7 – 8am Morning Yoga
• 8 – 9am Breakfast
• 9am – 12pm Morning Program
  • Part One: Atmosphere & Climate ~ a compromised balance. Medicinal Plants for humans and the planet
  • Part Two: Teaching, Q&A, time in the garden and grounds IDing wild & cultivated medicinals
• 12 – 1pm Lunch
• 1 – 2pm Free Time for Relaxation and Spa Treatments
• 2 – 5:30pm Afternoon Program
  • Hands-on learning—planting a perennial ecosystem, woodland & native plants. Examination of soil, different root systems, what are plant communities
• 6 – 7pm Dinner
• 7:15 – 9:15pm Evening Program
  • Sacred Geometry & applied observation, Sacred Sound, Gong Bath

Sunday, June 10th

• 7 – 8am Morning Yoga
• 8 – 9am Breakfast
• 9 – 12am Morning Program
  • Revisit the Big Picture and Be Here Now, Short Hike and Closing
• 12 – 1pm Lunch
• 1 – 4pm Optional Work/Study Session

* Please note that schedule is subject to change