The Embrace of Nature  

 

In these unprecedented times of “social distancing,” we have become acutely, even painfully aware, of our physical need to hold and be held. The everyday hug. The compassionate touch. The comforting embrace. The playful cuddle. The gentle squeeze of hands. The intimate caress. We are alone and lonely, longing for a closeness that we are denied by circumstances beyond our control. Even if we share our homes with others, the need for connection seems much larger than what any of us can hold.

 

One constant is the Natural world. Birds return and build nests, flowers bloom, tree buds begin to leaf out. The sun rises and sets. The weather, like always, is fickle. If anything, the natural order is finding new spaciousness as the din of our busy world is muffled. The constancy of nature offers comfort and solace, a place to bring our fears, grief and concerns.  A place to be held. 

 

The Embrace of Nature is an invitation to develop a reciprocal relationship with the natural world in which we can learn through the mirror of nature how to be held and how to hold in nurturing, comforting, and generative ways. 

 

The Program

 

We will gather by ZOOM for two sessions to explore The Embrace of Nature through brief presentations, discussion, and personal sharing. Between sessions, participants will be invited take short walks to explore their relationship with the natural world as a source of comfort, inspiration, and renewal. Individual follow up conversations will be available to each participant with individual guides within one month of the program.

 

          Open to all genders ages 18 and up.

 

Group Size limited to 12.  There will be a waiting list and we will be offering The Embrace of Nature again as well as a longer program.

 

Meeting Dates by ZOOM Video Conferencing 

 

May 6   1:30 – 3:00   Sign on at 1:15.

           

                     Walk in nature on your own time between sessions.

                               

                      May 13  1:00 – 3:00  Sign on at 12:45

                               

                      Individual follow up sessions by June 13.

 

Sliding Fee $35 - $60   We recognize that many people have limited resources at this time.  No one will be turned away.    50% of proceeds will be given to a COVID 19 response.  

 

Registration Process   Contact Fran Weinbaum at                           vermontwildernessrites@yahoo.com  to register

               

           Program Facilitators    

   

Fran Weinbaum has been guiding nature based rites of passage and life coaching since 1996.  A listening relationship with the natural world has guided her work and life including founding and now serving as elder/mentor for the Central Vermont Community Quest which offers adult wilderness rites of passage each spring.  Fran lives in East Montpelier with her husband Peter and her mom Elvira (for the duration of the pandemic) where she tends goats, garden and hearth. 

 

Hannah Morgan is a Mom, naturalist, and clinical herbalist. Hannah has worked as a nature mentor with youth for over ten years, and is continually inspired by her own childhood spent in the wilds around the place where she grew up. Through her work as a farmer, herbalist and writer, Hannah is continually fed by, and grounded in her relationship with the land. 

 

Ryan Gillard studied conservation biology and has spent years working as a nature mentor with youth of all ages. He currently works as program coordinator and math teacher at Maple Hill School. Ryan has always had a curiosity for the outdoors and finds his greatest sense of purpose when busy working on the land. 

 

Hannah and Ryan live with their son Jamie in Plainfield VT.