Ripple Effects: Human Connection and Water
This week centered around water, something with which I have had a deep and meaningful relationship all my life. As a girl, I grew up...
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PEACE IN THE WILD BY THE SEA
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We believe in the ability of nature to transform and renew people’s well-being and mental health. As psychotherapists and scholars, we have explored the health effects of being in nature, and found that people benefit tremendously from having a close connection with the forest. ​We all become better human beings when we encounter nature in an intimate way. Especially, those who suffer from stress and anxiety will discover great sense of calm and peacefulness. ​ Therefore, we created Peace in the Wild (PIW), a program that brings people and nature together in the beauty of Western Maryland. Former participants describe their experience as transformative in their relationship to the natural world. ​ Please consider contributing to our financial aid fund to enable people in need of monetary support. Every amount counts – even the smallest donations will help people cover cost of attending. ​ PIW is a charitable program. Once expenses are covered, all proceeds will be donated to a local non-profit nature conservation organization.
Who's PIW For?
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Feel most alive and happy outdoors and who want to build a relationship with the natural world
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Want to hit the reset button of daily life and experience a sense of groundedness
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Feel lost on their current journey or have lost sight of their vision for their life
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Are moving through a life transition
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Experience a lot of stress and anxiety and need the solace of nature to replenish
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Are in the process of grieving and want the nurturing support of being in nature and community
What to Expect?
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Connect with the beauty and peace around you through contemplative practices such as mindfulness, meditation, periods of silence and movement practices
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Reflect on the effects of nature on your psychological well-being and spirituality
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Connect with your fellow participants through small group sharing
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Experience a campfire circle
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Create a personal nature mosaic
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Practice "letting go" in nature
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Digital detox
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Through the connection to the natural world, we experience a deeper connection to self connection to spirituality, and connection to others
What's Included?
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Therapeutic Movement (Yoga or Tai Chi) to release stress and sync with the energy of the forest
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Nature Mandala
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Nature Rituals
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Meditation in Nature
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Shin Rin Yoku (forest bathing)
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Forest Therapy
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Earthing
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Silence & Solitude Practice
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Teachings on Nature Therapy
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5 Fresh, healthy vegetarian meals
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2 nights accommodation
Peace in the Wild Nature Weekend by the Sea
Friday - arrival 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm (Registration at Conference Center)
5:00 pm Welcome & Weekend Orientation
6:45 pm Dinner
8:00 pm Group Reflection, Council & Intro to Qi-Gong
9:45 pm Quiet time in cabins/tents
SATURDAY
07:15 am Morning Mindfulness
08:00 am Breakfast
09:30 am Creating Inner Peace – Ways to reduce stress/anxiety
12:00 pm Lunch & Solitude with Nature
03:00 pm Forest Therapy
05:30 pm Free Time OR Pre-dinner Qi Gong
06:30 pm Dinner
07:30 pm Council
08:30 pm Campfire Circle
SUNDAY
07:15 am Morning mindfulness
07:30 am Qi-Gong
08:00 am Breakfast
09:00 am Therapy on/by the Water (Canoeing OR beach-sitting)
11:00 am Gathering & Closing
1:00 pm Lunch and Departure
Retreat Menu
Friday Dinner
Moqueca (Brazilian Seafood Stew) with rice
Alternative Vegan Choice
Eggplant over rice
Available Upon Request
Saturday Lunch
Sesame Cold Noodle Salad with Chicken
Alternative Vegan Choice
Sesame Cold Noodle Sala with Tofu
Available Upon Request
Sunday Breakfast
Southwestern Country Skillet
With Charizo
Alternative Vegan Choice
Southwestern Country Skillet
Available Upon Request
Saturday Breakfast
Bagels & Fruit
Saturday Dinner
Dutch Oven Turkey, Green Bean, & Stuffing
Alternative Vegan Choice
Veggie Burger
Available Upon Request
Sunday To-go Lunch
Schoolyard Chicken Wrap
Available Upon Request, $15 Extra
Alternative Vegan Choice
Grilled Tofu Wrap
Available Upon Request, $15 Extra
The Retreat Center
WHAT DO PEOPLE SAY?
“What a special weekend! I am in awe about how smoothly and nurturing the weekend was for me! I had some idea what to expect and the weekend exceeded my expectations!! "
“I gave myself permission to step outside my comfort zone just enough to benefit from awesome personal growth. Receiving comfort from other fellow humans who feel the same anxiety as myself was very awesome."
“The whole weekend was perfect timing for my life's journey. I feel refreshed, enlightened and new! I've been sharing my experience with my dear friends who have been wondering what my weekend was like. Joy leaps out of me as I listen to myself explaining the "Peace in the Wilderness" weekend story. I'm full of smiles! "
WHICH ORGANIZATIONS WILL I BE CONTRIBUTING TO?
Fantastic local conservancy group focused on the Gunpowder river-shed.
Non-Profit which builds sustainable parks in underprivileged areas of Baltimore City
Talmar Grounds at Cromwell Valley Park offers a place for Veterans suffering from PTSD.
The Appalachian Mountain Club protects thousands of miles of wilderness throughout the eastern United States.
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