NATURE’S LANDSCAPES: INNER & OUTER (Past Event)
Great Meadows is one of eight refuges that comprise the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The Refuge is roughly 80% freshwater wetlands along the Sudbury and Concord rivers. On our half-day retreat in the Sudbury location we will convene along the Red Maple Trail then take a mindful hike up the Weir Hill Trail along marshes, uplands, woodlands, fields, brook and pond. A naturalist may join us to orient us to our surroundings and support our deepening connection to the rich and diverse ecosystem. We will pause along the way for several nature-based mindful practices.
About the Retreat:
This half-day retreat is open to all. No prior meditation experience is necessary. Noble silence will be honored though the retreat facilitator will offer a brief orientation to each practice before guiding and there will be opportunities for questions and comments. If a naturalist joins us, they will also provide an orientation to the flora and fauna as well as to the history of the land. Unlike an interpretive walk during which discussion is encouraged, we will use the information provided by the naturalist to bring us into a more intimate relationship with the ecosystem, to reawaken our senses, and to anchor us in our meditation practice.
Considerations:
Though this retreat will have sitting practices, for most of the time we will be in movement. We will walk along The Red Maple boardwalk stopping for a standing meditation, then hike up the Weir Hill trail which takes us into deep woodlands. There will some incline and the path will be uneven. We will stop along the path going up for another practice, then once at hilltop will sit again for lunch and Open Awareness practice. The way down will be be a meander at your own pace. We will convene again at a meadow near our starting point for a closing practice and a time for connection and reflection. This agenda is subject to change depending upon weather and trail conditions.
Bring a bag lunch, water and a portable yoga mat or lightweight folding chair. It may be buggy so also bring what ever you use for protection from gnats and mosquitos!
FEE: There is a small fee for this retreat: $25.00. Details on how to make payments will be provided upon registration.