Classes/Events

Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust

2955 Edge Hill Rd, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006

Mindfulness in Nature – 3 Part Series

Saturdays, Sept 14, Oct 5, Nov 2, 2024, 10:15 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Come join us this Fall for the Mindfulness in Nature class series as we reconnect with ourselves and our natural surroundings. Through exploration of some of the key tenets of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and nature-based sensory activities, we will learn to cultivate the present moment as a means of connecting with both our inner selves and the environment around us. The classes will integrate techniques, such as guided sitting and walking meditation and breathing techniques with sensory activities in Nature, and include time for reflection and discussion, as we grow together. In this series, we will explore in greater depth how mindfulness meditation can help us turn towards our emotions and body sensations, how self-compassion is an integral component of mindfulness practice, and we will develop practices of gratitude and compassionate listening. While delving into each of the above, the classes will help participants discover how Nature can serve to both comfort and heal us. Please bring a mat, pillow, or chair to sit on (outside) for short meditations and discussion. In the event of inclement weather, we will meet indoors. This program is limited to 12 participants. No previous experience necessary. Cost is $75 for Members. $90 for Non-members.

Registration for all three sessions preferred, but individual session sign-up is available ($35 per session).

Mindfulness in Nature Weekend Retreat

Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingman’s Ferry, PA

October 18th – October 20th, 2024

Come explore the connection between Mindfulness (MBSR) practices and Nature in the beautiful Fall setting of PEEC as we deepen our connection with ourselves and our natural surroundings.

Weekend sessions will include guided sitting and walking meditation, breathing techniques, nature-based sensory activities, and time for reflection and discussion.

Please bring a mat, chair, or pillow to sit on outside. No previous experience necessary.

Limited to 15 participants. $300 Full Workshop

Pre-registration is required — please call 570-828-2319 to register. Here is the event link: https://www.peec.org/event/mindfulness-in-nature-weekend-retreat/

Some more info about the Retreat – Everyone will reserve their own private cabin, unless they request to share. The cabins that are reserved for the Retreat are the Log Cabins (with a full size bed and a bunk bed) and the Main Building Cabins (twin-sized bunk beds). I think there may only be three of the Log Cabins, so register early if you want one of those 🙂

The price for the Retreat weekend is $300, which includes the cabin and all meals. They are able to accommodate different diets; you should let them know when you register if you have special dietary needs. To view a tentative schedule, click here: Mindfulness in Nature Weekend Retreat – Draft Schedule. The boating/kayaking will be dependent on the weather being warm enough. If the price is prohibitive for anyone, please email Erica at enblatt@eco-educate.com and we’ll see what we can figure out to accommodate.

ONLINE SUMMER SERIES – Mindfulness in Nature – 4 Part Series

Wednesdays, July 10, 31, August 7, 28, 2024, 1:00 – 2:30 pm EST

Join us for a virtual journey into the beauty of nature, where you can cultivate mindfulness and inner peace from the comfort of your own home. Our online sessions explore key tenets of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), including guided sitting and walking meditations, breathing exercises, and nature-inspired mindfulness practices to help us rejuvenate and grow together. In this series, we will explore in greater depth how Mindfulness meditation can help us turn towards our emotions and body sensations, how self-compassion is an integral component of Mindfulness practice, and we will develop practices of gratitude and compassionate listening. While delving into each of the above, the classes will help participants discover how Nature can serve to both comfort and heal us.

Connect with like-minded individuals during the sessions and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature with “homework” in between, including suggested sensory-based nature practices. Then share your experiences at the next session. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to slow down and find serenity in the midst of our busy lives. Let’s embark together on a summer of self-discovery and Mindfulness!

Sign-up for all 4 sessions (preferred), or if you cannot make all 4 sessions, then you can register for individual sessions. If the set price ($80 for the full series; $20/class) is not affordable for you, please use the donation link under “Get Tickets” on the Eventbrite registration to pay what works for you.

Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mindfulness-in-nature-summer-series-online-july-10-31-august-7-28-tickets-920967537697

PAST SERIES

Eco-Mindfulness and Sweetgrass – Monthly 3-Part Series

Saturdays June 15^th, July 20^th, August 17^th, 2024, 10:00 am – 11:45 am

Come join us this Summer as we practice Mindfulness and Nature meditation together along with a monthly book discussion of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s best-selling book Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. Kimmerer beautifully weaves together indigenous story-telling and wisdom from Nature with knowledge based on her own professional background as an ecologist. Each session will include a short guided sitting meditation, a Mindful slow walk in the woods (weather permitting), and a discussion of one chapter of the book (June 15^th – Chapter 18, In the Footsteps of Nanabozho: Becoming Indigenous to Place; July 20^th – Chapter 28, People of Corn, People of Light; August 17^th – Chapter 30, Shkitagen: People of the Seventh Fire). Each chapter is written as a stand-alone essay, so feel free to read as much of the book as you would like. Participants are encouraged to bring their own questions and thoughts to share. The sessions will be facilitated by naturalist Erica Blatt, who has her PhD in Environmental Education and is certified in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Please bring a chair or mat (for the outdoors) that is comfortable for you. We will meet indoors if there is inclement weather. This program is limited to 12 participants. No previous experience necessary. Cost is $75 for Members. $90 for Non-members. Registration for all three sessions preferred, but individual session sign-up is available ($35 for individual sessions).

Mindfulness in Nature – 4 Part Series

Saturdays, April 6, 27, May 4, 18, 2024, 10:15 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Come join us this Spring for the Mindfulness in Nature class series as we reconnect with ourselves and our natural surroundings. Through exploration of some of the key tenets of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and nature-based sensory activities, we will learn to cultivate the present moment as a means of connecting with both our inner selves and the environment around us. The classes will integrate techniques, such as guided sitting and walking meditation and breathing techniques with sensory activities in Nature, and include time for reflection and discussion, as we grow together. In this series, we will explore in greater depth how mindfulness meditation can help us turn towards our emotions and body sensations, how self-compassion is an integral component of mindfulness practice, and we will develop practices of gratitude and compassionate listening. While delving into each of the above, the classes will help participants discover how Nature can serve to both comfort and heal us. Please bring a mat, pillow, or chair to sit on (outside) for short meditations and discussion. In the event of inclement weather, we will meet indoors. This program is limited to 12 participants. No previous experience necessary. Cost is $100 for Members. $125 for Non-members.

Registration for all three sessions preferred, but individual session sign-up is available ($35 per session).