Why join this Deep Ecology retreat?

We are alive at an extraordinary moment in time. It is a time of growing uncertainty, yet also time of great possibility when creativity, courage and collective action can help cultivate change. This is a time when many of us are seeking ways to reconnect to one another and to the living Earth.

Deep ecology is a holistic approach to facing the current challenges on Earth that brings together thinking, feeling, spirituality and action. It involves moving beyond the individualism of Western culture also seeing ourselves as part of the Earth. This leads to a deeper connection with life, where Ecology is not just seen as something ‘out there’, but something we are a part of and have a role to play in.

In this retreat, we will draw on the work of Joanna Macy, John Seed and Arne Naess. We will use theories and interactive practices from The Work That Reconnects to reconnect to out own true nature, the web of life, and to our human community.

This work supports us to experience first hand that we are larger, stronger, deeper, and more creative than we have been brought up to believe. Opening our hearts and our minds to the love, the grief we feel for our world, empowers us to act on behalf of the Earth.

Retreat Overview

This retreat combines the transformational journeys of Deep Ecology and Yoga under the guidance of experienced facilitators in a nurturing and safe environment.

In the Deep Ecology sessions, you will be guided through the four stages of the spiral of the The Work That Reconnects in a journey of experiential practices, poetry, ritual, song, movement and silence. We explore and deepen our connections to Self, each other, and all Life, in order to take part in the Healing of our World.

Yoga brings us into balance and harmony, giving us the ability to enjoy life, fulfil our potential and find our true identity. We will be practicing traditional yogic practices including Asana, Pranayama, Yoga Nidra, Havan and Meditation. These yogic practices will encourage us to tune into both the universal nature alongside our own.

We hope that a combination of the two will empower you to act on behalf of Earth with clarity, love and direction.

No previous experience in either Yoga or Deep Ecology necessary.

Take a look at our blog titled – Deep Ecology – What’s it all about? Here we interview Inna Alex about her experiences of Deep Ecology and why the movement is important.

 Facilitator Training Optional Extra

This add-on option is available for workshop participants wishing to step into facilitating The Work That Reconnects or those already facilitating who wish to join a community of facilitators for experiential sharing.

Two co-creative sessions (one pre- and one post-workshop) support your own transformational Deep Ecology journey as well as to gain confidence assisting others on the path to coming back to life.

The first session will offer theory about the four successive stages of the work, group facilitation basics, and pointers for observing and learning from workshop facilitation during the weekend. Following the workshop completion, we will have an extensive de-brief, involving both practical aspects of facilitation and workshop layout as well as reflections on our personal journeys.

The Retreat Programme Includes

3 nights, shared accommodation (unless camping) with meals and full retreat programme, including:

• Four stages of the spiral of The Work That Reconnects: experiential practices, poetry, ritual, song, movement and silence.
• Hatha yoga classes
• Guided meditation
• Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation)
• Fire Ceremony (Havan)

Additional Info

Start Time: 11:30am Friday 23rd October arrival / registration
Finish Time: 12pm Monday 26th October

Optional pick up: Friday 23 October 11am pick-up at Golden Bay Visitor Centre (+$15)
Optional drop off: Monday 26 October 12.15pm back to Golden Bay Visitor Centre for 1pm bus (+$15)

*Prices include Shared Accommodation (unless Camping), all meals and the full Retreat Programme

Teachers

Inna Alex is a passionate community organiser, environmental educator, deep ecology facilitator and yoga teacher. Living at Tui Community, Golden Bay, NZ, she integrates her Permaculture knowledge by co-ordinating and co-teaching some of Earthcare’s Permaculture Education Programs, coordinating women’s gathering and an annual educational community festival, living actively in intentional community, teaching yoga, parenting her daughter Kiva and tending her garden.

Inna has been teaching Deep Ecology workshops around NZ for the past 10 years, having studied both with Joanna Macy and John Seed.

“For me, Joanna’s ‘Work That Reconnects’ is the bridge between our spiritual journeys & how we act in the world. I’m amazed how powerful this work is in enabling us to experience ourselves as part of the Living Whole and recommit to wholeheartedly engage in its healing. I am very excited to be offering this work in conjunction with a supportive yogic practice at such a special location.”

Testimonials