Restoring Ourselves and the World: A Sustainability Sojourn in the Mexican Cloud Forest
A Magical Journey into healing and spiritual ecology in one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems
Why?
Personal healing and planetary healing cannot be separated. Participants will immerse themselves in nature to awaken an awareness of the interdependence of our earthly home, using that awareness to discover the ecosystem within our own hearts, longing for restoration. An extraordinary week for anyone seeking to discover the miraculous all around us and to rejuvenate mind, body and spirit.
The week will focus on simplicity, living on a solar budget, ecological restoration, feeding our souls, and seeing the divine in the natural world. We will observe and participate in local projects in reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and alternative technologies. We will enjoy hikes in the cloud forest, planting trees, bonfires, and worship by the river. Participants will explore how environmental stewardship and social and economic justice work hand in hand through the Work that Reconnects (Joanna Macy). We are privileged to have the Mexican leadership trained by Joanna Macy joining us for half of the sojourn.
The daily schedule will include opportunities for Qi Gong, yoga, meditation and personal reflection. Workshop sessions will tap into the Eight Pillars of Joy (the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu) and Quaker teachings.
Who?
The sojourn is being sponsored by the Eco-Justice Collaborative of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and led by Quakers Alan Wright and Paula Kline, (former Westtown School faculty). For more than 15 years, they led the Quaker Environmental Youth Leadership Workcamp in Mexico. In 2017, Alan and Paula co-founded the Center for Spiritual Ecology in Huatusco, Mexico. They have worked together in Meso-America since 1984 promoting social justice, sustainable living and eco-system restoration. They have successfully regenerated more than 200 acres of the native cloud forest ecosystem. In addition, participants will meet with local Mexicans and their families seeking to be examples of sustainable living.
Where?
The week will be spent at the Center for Spiritual Ecology outside Huatusco, Veracruz, Mexico. The Center, known as Ashram del Bosque, offers a unique space for learning, growth and healing. With the cloud forest as our teacher, we seek to establish a harmonious relationship with the natural world in a practical and lighthearted way, while taking concrete actions to reverse climate change. The vision that drives us is nourished by Quaker values and the legacy of those who have sought a more humane, wise and peaceful society.
Our time will unfold in both the forest and the stunning octagonal worship and learning space nestled into the side of the forest. Lovingly built with all natural materials, it uses eco-technologies that protect our air and water.
As we share intimate meals of organic, local vegetarian Mexican cuisine, we will build community and hope for the future. Return home renewed and refreshed.
How to register
Please complete this form to register for the Sojourn. For more information you can write to Paula Kline at kline.paula@gmail.com
How much?
Cost: $1100.00 (excludes airfare to Veracruz airport, travel to the site from the airport and meals on travel days) Includes meals and snacks on site, hospitality, programs by a number of workshop leaders and registration for The Work that Reconnects. Full payment is due April 30th.
REGISTER HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrmNc683mgmOnA34BPGLCSgXqdE0il1ongWUO_VkEGfV_tkw/viewform
