Eco-Mindfulness Retreat - Uplift, Nurture, & Breathe
Retreat Details
In this full-day retreat, we will uplift what is joyful, nurture what is beneficial, & breathe mindfully in nature.
Join us for a revitalizing and restoring day of eco-mindfulness and eco-spirituality at Blacklick Woods Metro Park’s Beech Maple Lodge in Reynoldsburg, OH, on Saturday, July 15. This retreat is designed to uplift your spirit, nurture your inner self, and help you breathe mindfully with ease, wonder, playfulness, presence, and joy.
Grounded by the spiritual teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, our experienced facilitators will guide you through mindfulness practices, outside yoga & mindful movements, reflective journaling, and exercises in compassionate speaking and listening, all set in a beautiful Central Ohio metro park. You’ll also have the opportunity to sit quietly in nature, connect with others, and ground yourself in the present moment, taking home practices you can incorporate into your daily life.
The retreat is on Saturday, Jul 15, 2023, with check-in between 9:15 and 9:30. Vegetarian lunch and snacks will be provided (with gluten-free and vegan options available upon request). Feel free to bring your own yoga mat, journal, and rain gear (just in case), but we will also have extras if needed.
This retreat is perfect for anyone looking to reconnect with the Earth; uplift and nourish their mind, body, and spirit; and breathe deeply in each present moment.
Register now for this unique Eco-Mindfulness Retreat.
Saturday, July 15, 2023
Blacklick Wood Metro Park - Beech Maple Lodge
Sign in from 9:15 - 9:30 am
(Register on Eventbrite before July 6)
Retreat - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Vegetarian Lunch and Snacks Included (Vegan and Gluten Free Options Available).
Suggested Donation of $90
(Sliding Scale - Pay what you can afford)
Details
What to Expect:
- Practice Mindfulness While Accessing Ease, Wonder, Playfulness, & Joy!!!
- Explore EcoSpirituality & EcoTheology
- Engage in Uplifting Practices such as Mindful Yoga, Breath Work, & Meditative Movement
- Delight in Our Natural World as You Reconnect with Mother Earth
- Enjoy Quiet Times for Reflection & Sacred Journaling
- Practice Loving Speech & Compassionate Listening in Dharma Discussions
- Connect with our Blood, Spirit, & Land Ancestors through the Prayer of the Six Directions
- Experience Thich Nhat Hanh’s Spiritual Teachings
&and other Beneficial Traditions - Enjoy a Welcoming and Inclusive Space OPEN TO ALL
Schedule for the Day:
- 9:15-9:30 Registration
- 9:30 - 10:00 Socializing with Light Breakfast and Coffee, Tea, & Juice
- 10:00 Retreat Begins
- 12:30 Vegetarian Lunch Provided (With Vegan & Gluten-Free Options On Request) - Snacks will also be available during the day
- 5:00 Retreat Ends
What to Bring:
- An outside blanket (to sit on)
- A Yoga Mat (If you have one. We’ll have extras if you don’t)
- A meditative cushion (if you want)
- A water bottle
- Rain gear (just in case!)
- Feel free to bring your own journal, but we will also provide writing materials
Facilitated by Ali W. Malley & Michael R. Malley
More About Ali & Michael
Inspired by the Mindfulness Retreats of the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh (aka “Thay”), Ali and Michael have integrated mindfulness work into their lives for over 25 years. Together they co-founded Sacred Ground Church of the Wild & Sangha of All Beings, an interfaith spiritual community grounded by Thay’s teachings. They have led mindfulness workshops and classes for children, teens, families, and adults. Most recently, they have started a “Church of the Wild” - meeting in nature at local parks on Sunday mornings for spiritual community.
Michael and Ali’s spiritual lives have been shaped by gardening and camping; homeschooling, parenting, and grandparenting; and (at least in their better moments!) focusing their energies on investing in community with family & friends; resisting freneticism; valuing lightness & play; and re-sacralizing our world & our lives.
Ali and Michael are long-time residents of the University District in Columbus, Ohio. They live in a multi-generational household with their teenage son, three parents (in their 80’s & 90’s), their two cats, and their two dogs. They also have three adult children, a son-in-law, and three grandchildren residing in central Ohio.
Along with being a mindfulness instructor, Ali is a teacher, caretaker, and homemaker. She has been an elementary school teacher, a homeschool teacher, a parenting instructor, and a mindfulness teacher. Along with her caretaking and homemaking responsibilities, she is currently finishing her Yoga Teacher Training while writing books with Michael and co-leading Sacred Ground Church of the Wild & Sangha of All Beings.
In addition to being a mindfulness instructor, Michael is a storyteller, parson, wordsmith, teacher, and “maker of home.” He writes and speaks on spirituality, culture, tradition, ecology, and lore. Michael is also completing his Yoga Teacher Training while writing books with Ali and co-leading Sacred Ground Church of the Wild & Sangha of All Beings.
Ali and Michael are energized and enthused about facilitating the Eco-Mindfulness Retreat - Uplift, Nurture, & Breathe on Saturday, July 15. This retreat is designed to nourish our spirits, reconnect us to the natural world, and move us toward healing & wholeness. We hope you can attend!
Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Beech Maple Lodge
We will practice at the beautiful Blacklick Woods Metro Park in Central Ohio.
Solitary Time in Nature
Relating to our Mother Earth individually and collectively.
Mindful Walking, Sitting, and Eating
Practices to use in our daily lives.