How to Open the Path of your Heart
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7/22/2020 0 Comments What is Forest Bathing ?The healing energies of the natural world have been known about for centuries. Forest Bathing is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, which can be loosely translated to “taking in the medicine of the forest”. This practice was established in the 1980's in Japan as a direct response to declining health in the population. It is a simple yet profound way to tap into natural healing powers that are readily available to all of us.
Extensive research shows that Forest Bathing can offer relief from anxiety and depression, provide a deeper sense of mental relaxation, better sleep and an increased feeling of gratitude and overall sense of well-being. HOW DOES FOREST BATHING WORK? "Bathing" does not refer to water or swimming but to being fully emerged in the flow of the forest air and its natural components including phytoncides, chemicals released by the trees, which studies have shown to have a beneficial anti-microbial effect on human bodies and boosting the immune system. During Forest Bathing we respond to a series of invitations - suggestions from the forest itself to slow down and to experience the natural world primarily through our senses and in a variety of ways. Forest Bathing is not an outdoor exercise or ramble in the woods but rather a slow, deliberate, and mindful encounter with nature meant to increases our awareness of our surroundings, eventually leading to a reciprocating relationship with the forest. The aim of aim our “bath" is to achieve downtime with a meditative feel. Each session offers the possibility to experience yourself as part of the web of life and gain new perspectives on ways of transformation. The insights and guidance you’ll receive are based on your own felt sense — you will feel whether what the forest shows you rings true and is authentic for you. WHAT TYPE OF ACTIVITIES WILL I ENCOUNTER? Forest Bathing typically lasts about 2 hours and doesn't cover much distance (less than 1/2 mile) on a level and unobstructed path. We will mostly be in silence. Each session closes with a brief tea ceremony and time for sharing and reflection on how to integrate your experience into daily life. A session of forest bathing might consist of becoming aware and moving through a series of Invitations like these:
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WHAT IS THE BOOK OF CHANGES Known in the West for over three hundred years the I Ching, or Book of Changes, is the most popularly recognized Chinese wisdom book. It can serve as a guide to an ethical life or used as an oracle to shine light on a current question or situation and give indications of future developments. One could say that the I Ching is a mirror of one’s own concerns or expectations. It does not convey truths and or predict a future, but inspires you to find answers within your own unconscious, hidden level. HOW DOES THE BOOK OF CHANGES WORK? Essentially, the Book of Changes is a system used to indicate future trends and developments. More importantly, though, it is a book of wisdom. Because the readings it gives are simple, yet elegant, profound and intuitive, it is often consulted for its advice and insight into human nature. Traditionally an oracle is cast using a set of 50 yarrow sticks. In our personalized inquiry and reading, lasting approx. 45-60 minutes we will use a set of ancient coins to compose a hexagram consisting of 6 lines based on the seemingly random results of the coin toss. We will then explore the explanation of the hexagram from The Book of Changes together and discern the indications of future developments it suggests. Book a Session 7/22/2020 0 Comments How to Create a Sacred SpaceWHAT IS A SACRED SPACE
The many weeks of lockdown during the Coronavirus pandemic showed us how the physical presence of other the members of our spiritual community is an integral part of our experience and practice. Not being in a communal space containing symbols and sacred objects representing elements of our spiritual tradition, reminded us that sacred spaces have power and play an essential function in our life. While never a substitute for a Church, Zendo, or Mosque, creating a sacred space in our home not only creates a visual reminder calling us to reflection or prayer but also provides a place of peace, calm, and renewal that we can take refuge in at any point in our day. WHAT TYPE OF ACTIVITIES WILL I ENCOUNTER? Incorporating some of the principles of the practice of Forest Bathing in this workshop we’ll learn how to bring nature inside and how to let our intuition guide us in creating a sacred space in our own homes. We will look at examples of places that have been transformed into a sacred space and explore and share ideas of how we can create one for ourselves. During our time together we will talk about:
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