Spiritual Journaling in Nature offers a break from our hectic, overscheduled lives by providing space and time to breathe, center ourselves, and play in the woods by ourselves and with others — human and non-human! The program gives an overview of how to set up and keep a nature journal as a spiritual practice. We will talk together about the significant spiritual role the natural world played in the faith formation of our ancestors and discuss the important opportunity for spiritual deepening that nature offers. We will go through the elements of keeping a nature journal and explore how journaling in nature helps us to be centered, mindful and attentive to both Spirit as well as other creatures. There will be lots of time to practice, both independently and as a group, and delight in the beautiful woods and waterways of Rolling Ridge.
This weekend will be led by Beth Norcross, Founding Director of Center of Spirituality in Nature.
Beth is adjunct faculty at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., where she has developed and teaches courses on eco-spirituality and eco-theology. An enthusiastic and popular teacher, speaker, and preacher, she loves to share her passion and affection for both the earth and the Spirit with others. Beth has spoken to a wide variety of churches and organizations, and has written several articles and developed educational resources for congregations, including a spiritual study guide to Ken Burns' film, The National Parks: America's Best Idea.
Along with colleagues Laurel Kearns and David Rhoads, Beth co-founded the Green Seminary Initiative dedicated to infusing care for the earth into theological education. She also currently serves as chair of Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light, a Washington, D.C.-based group that, as part of the national Regeneration Project, encourages congregations to limit their carbon footprints by reducing energy use. For more information, visit Beth's website: http://www.centerforspiritualityinnature.org
Retreat fee is $200 (double occupancy), $210 (single occupancy) and includes food, lodging and program fees. To register, complete the online payment and registration forms, or download the registration form and send a $50 check made out to Friends of Silence, 120 Jubilee Lane, Harpers Ferry WV 25425.