ONLINE Nature as Guru

Program Dates & Times:

November 7th | 5:30 – 7:30 pm

November 8th | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm / 2:00 – 4:00 pm

November 9th | 8:00 – 10:30 am

This weekend will invite you to dissolve the separations that many of us feel between ourselves, our lives and the natural regenerative worlds we live in. We will use imagery and poetry from plant and fungal life, oceanic and land creatures, and the deep ecology around us and within us that is often subjugated and ignored in the rush and anxiety of 21 st century life. As Robin Kimmerer says in her magical books and talks, “let yourself love and feel loved once again by nature” Our time together will include active and passive yoga suitable for a wide variety of levels, breathwork, meditation, mandala and eco-oriented reflection.

Testimonials

“I’ve participated in a variety of Mary’s retreats for nearly 20 years.  I’ve yet to experience another teacher who can create and hold such safe space for a diversity of people.  Her teaching is graced with incredible skill and permission.  She takes participants into deep realms of the self, to listen and receive what’s so easily lost in the noise of our conditioning and daily lives.  She does so by connecting us to the sacredness of Earth, all of its inhabitants, and our shared humanity; this through her learned and intuitive wisdom, archetypal and Earth imagery, poetry, meditation, creativity, yoga asana, breathwork, and more.  Retreating with Mary is a deep reset and remembrance of who I really am, what matters most, and grounds me in the potency of my deepest truth.”

“I am very grateful that I have had the opportunity to have participated in many retreats, workshops, and classes with Mary over the last decade. She has been one of my primary teachers and influences in the world of embodiment, yoga and ecology. I can truly say her offerings have supported me in cultivating true respect and love for myself and the world around me and has greatly influenced the work I carry into the world. Mary has harvested decades of experiential knowledge and study of the practice of yoga, and has woven this experience generously into teachings that are rooted in the earth, beautifully poetic, artful, kind, accessible and compassionate. She creates an environment of inclusivity and connectivity within groups, in which I have experienced communities and friendships being seeded and have watched grow. Wherever you are on your path of yoga, you will be beautifully guided into the territory of your being and your belonging with Mary.” 

Program Schedule

November 7th 

5:30 – 7:30 pm – Introductions: Opening the Gate to the Garden

• Gentle yoga practice focusing on the elements and leading into restorative poses and a guided metta meditation.
• Participants will be asked to do some simple nature inspired walks/reflections during the weekend.

November 8th 

10:00 am -12:00 pm

• Tree Meditation followed by an active practice exploring plant inspirations and the themes of grounding and reciprocity. Modifications for more challenging poses are offered to those that need alternatives.
• Between sessions, participants are invited to try taking an eco-oriented walk.

2:00 – 4:00 pm 

• The afternoon will begin with a simple flowing practice honoring oceanic life and the creative essence within.
• You will then use the mandala as a vehicle for nature to speak through us. 
• Final restorative relaxation.

November 9th

8:00 – 10:00 am

• Listening Meditation leading into a lively flowing practice incorporating inspiration from our animal kin.

10:00 -10:30 am 

• Closing Circle