Beginning Again with Nature: Ways to Reconnect with the Natural World in Life and Work

Join us to step back from the hustle and bustle, to breathe deeply, and to "Begin Again with Nature." This workshop promises not just a day of serene connection but a renewed perspective on how to integrate the peace and wisdom of the natural world into the fabric of our busy lives.

In today's fast-paced world, where screens often replace skies and the hum of the city drowns out the tranquility of nature, it's easy to lose touch with the earth's natural rhythms. "Beginning Again with Nature" is more than just a workshop; it's a vital pause for busy professionals, dedicated parents, passionate activists, and anyone feeling the weight of their responsibilities. It's an invitation to step away, recharge, and rediscover the healing power of nature.

Overview
Our lives are increasingly indoor and digitised, leading to a phenomenon known as nature-deficit disorder—a term coined by Richard Louv in "Last Child in the Woods"—which highlights the negative effects of being disconnected from nature, including reduced sensory skills, attention difficulties, and a rise in physical and emotional ailments. "Beginning Again with Nature" seeks to counteract these effects with a transformative day-long experience. This workshop leverages years of research showing the myriad benefits of nature on our well-being, such as enhanced recovery from stress and improved mental health. It offers busy individuals a chance to break free from the daily grind and find solace, inspiration, and rejuvenation amidst nature.

Key Takeaways

Well-being through Nature: Discover the profound impact of nature on mental and physical health, offering a refreshing break from daily pressures.
Creative Outlet: Harness nature as a muse for artistic and expressive endeavors, enriching your personal and professional life.
Sustainable Practices: Leave with actionable insights for incorporating sustainable, nature-aligned practices into your everyday routines.

Preparation
We invite you to bring a slice of your life into this shared experience—a favorite poem about nature and a small, personally significant object. These will be our conduits for deeper connection and understanding throughout the day.

Location
Set against the backdrop of the breathtaking 2.5-acre property in Blewitt Springs, within the McLaren Vale region (45 minutes south of Adelaide), our workshop offers the perfect setting for both outdoor exploration and undercover contemplation, ensuring a fulfilling experience come rain or shine.

Workshop topics

Honouring the Earth: Setting Our Day's Intentions
Shared Insights: Poetry and Personal Objects
Film Screening: "Living in the Time of Dying" by Michael Shaw
Reflective Group Discussion on Film Themes
Immersive Nature Connection Activity
Creative Expressions of Our Natural Encounters
Sharing Our Creative Works and Insights
Delving into Nature Conservation Ethics
Guided Visualisation for a Balanced World
Crafting Your Personal Sustainability Action Plan
Empowerment for Future Endeavours
Workshop Conclusion with Gratitude and Reflection

Dress Code
Comfort is key. Dress for the outdoors, with contingency plans for all weather conditions, ensuring a pleasant experience regardless of the forecast.

Inclusions

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea
Complimentary copy of Wendy's latest book, Creeksong: One Woman Sings the Climate Blues (worth $40)
Workshop handouts

About the workshop leaders

Our workshop leader, Dr Wendy Sarkissian is a Canadian-Australian, whose multifaceted career spans the realms of community planning, academia, environmental and professional ethics and as a writer.

With a Masters in English literature from and a PhD in environmental ethics and planning, Wendy brings lots of knowledge and experience to her workshops. And she’s a planner with decades of experience as a community planning consultant.

As a Life Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia, Wendy's impact extends far beyond academia. She is the author and co-author of numerous books on planning , community engagement, and housing (including her new memoir, Creeksong: One Woman Sings the Climate Blues, 2023 (in print, ebook and audiobook formats); Kitchen Table Sustainability: Practical Recipes for Community Engagement With Sustainability, 2008; Creative Community Planning: Transformative Engagement Methods for Working at the Edge, 2010; SpeakOut: The Step-by-Step Guide to SpeakOuts and Community Workshops, 2009).

Canadian-born, Wendy's journey has taken her through a lifetime of experiences in numerous Australian cities and towns, enriching her perspective and informing her advocacy. Calling Vancouver, Canada, her home since 2017, Wendy continues to inspire and empower through her writing and advocacy.

Our workshop host, Becky Hirst, is a multi-award-winning community engagement specialist, author (For the Love of Community Engagement, 2021), public speaker, mentor, and trainer. She lives in the beautiful McLaren Vale region, 45-minutes south of Adelaide, with her partner Dan and two daughters.

Born and bred in Gloucester (UK), Becky began her community-focused career in 1999 in the early Blair years of UK politics – a time when social inclusion and community involvement were high on the agenda.

After migrating to Australia in 2007, and since founding her consultancy practice in 2009, Becky has worked with over 100 government agencies and local Councils, helping them to successfully involve people, groups and communities in problem solving and decision-making processes. She estimates that this work has included connecting with over 50,000 people in conversations about things that matter!

Becky is proud to be a co-instigator of Global Community Engagement Day, which is now celebrated internationally every year on 28 January. She is well known and respected for her innovative and creative approach to community engagement and has a genuine desire to build stronger communities through getting the right people involved in the right conversations.