From 1992 until 2003, I was part of a group of people who travelled to the sacred places of the earth. These are special places that are sometimes only known by local residents for their particular characteristics. Often, they are widely known and visited by thousands of people each year.
Through these experiences, my relationship with the earth and it's different life forms... the rocks, mountains, bodies of water, trees and animals, has grown and deepened. My respect for all life forms has increased and my sense of the interconnectedness of all life has been confirmed.
I have become aware, in my long process of reconnecting with all nature around me, just how disconnected I had become. Before the industrial revolution, most of us lived much closer to the land. We had to be, for our survival. We hunted and fished and grew our own food in our gardens. We spent much more time outside of our dwelling than we do today. We knew our land as we knew our own bodies. We had an emotional connection with our land, on which we depended for our health and comfort.
Today, in the industrialized parts of our world, somebody else slaughters our cows and pigs, grows our grains and vegetables and "cuts our firewood." Somebody else grinds our grain into flour and even bakes our bread. We have not lost our dependence on the land, but we have lost our awareness of our dependence on the land. Now, we are only aware of our dependence on the corner grocery store and gasoline station.
In these sacred places I have visited, as well as in the city parks and small patches of weeds in my neighborhood, I have learned to again connect to the earth on an emotional level. I feel an intense gratitude... to the trees and plants around me for supplying me with oxygen to breath... to the rain, for cleansing the air... to the rivers, for washing away impurites... to the smallest planktons in the sea, for beginning the chain of life... to the uniqueness of this planet among it's peers, for all of it's beauty and life-sustaining magnificence.
In some way, when I am out in nature, I give this sense of gratitude to the land and the life forms in that area. When I open myself up to receive, I can feel the movement of energy within my body, enlivening my cells and deepening my awareness of myself and my surroundings. It is this giving and receiving relationship with the earth, that I wish to share with others.
Reconnection Services
The method of sharing this reciprocal relationship with the earth, begins by going out into a natural setting. There, we will learn how to reconnect our bodies with the earth. This is called grounding and running energy.
For children's classes this will entail an imaginary story told to them while in a natural setting. Children will be encouarged to explore the details of nature around them by drawing and describing what they see and experience. Respect for nature will be emphasized and no one will be alllowed to disturb or take things they find back with them.
For adult classes, once we are comfortable and proficient at the practice of grounding and running energy, we will begin to move the energy around our bodies and use it to heal, enliven, unblock, cleanse and balance ourselves, depending on the needs of the group. At the same time, we are increasing our emotional bonds to the earth and giving back what we can. This not only helps to heal the earth, but it also increases our emotional responses with the people in our lives. Our reconnection with our "mother" creates ripple effects throughout our life.
We will use some of the exercises in the book by Dr. Michael Cohen titled, "Reconnecting with Nature." If you want to know more about Dr. Cohen's work in the field of ecopsychology, visit his site at Project NatureConnect.
Who will Benefit?
This work is best done in small groups of people from 6 to 12, starting with children age 8 or older through adult. Larger groups such as school classes can be done, but will need additional parent support. Children and youth who have behavioural, emotional or academic difficulty in a normal classroom setting may particularly benefit from this program.
Class Agenda, Location and Other Information
Each one day class has a morning session and an afternoon session with a lunch break in the middle. The class will be held outside in a natural area in the vicinity of the Jura Mountains of Switzerland, about one hour's drive from Geneva. One to two kilometers of easy hiking will be required. Modifications in location and program can be made for mobility restrictions and wheelchairs. Rain gear, sturdy shoes and a bag lunch are all that is needed from the participants. Classes are held rain or shine, but will be postponed or cancelled if severe weather threatens.
Scheduling
To schedule and plan a day of Energy Work in Nature, please contact me by email.
