Nature Immersion: The Forest as Companion (Massachusetts)
— (EDT, UTC-04) — (EDT, UTC-04)
Genesis Spiritual Life & Conference Center, 53 Mill Street, Westfield
An exploration of relationships, reciprocity, and justice in the outdoors, co-facilitated with Dr. Jeanette Banashak of Spiritual Guidance Training Institute
Step into the forest as if entering a sacred conversation—one that listens as much as it speaks. This retreat invites you into a deep communion with the natural world and one another—through forest bathing (shinrin yoku), community practices, outdoor spiritual rituals, and nature-inspired creativity. Together, we’ll immerse ourselves in nature, as we wander at a gentle pace, guided by slow and playful encounters with the forest that foster reciprocal relationships. Along the way, we’ll explore how nature stirs creativity and discernment, gather for evening vespers of birdsong and poetry, engage in dialogue around eco-emancipation and earth-healing, and rest in a circle of trust, care, and curiosity.