Coming Back To Life - Deep Ecology Immersion

Now more than ever we need to understand our belonging to this Earth, that we are the Earth. Many of us, deeply know and feel that the crises of our times is related to a pervasive cultural disconnection from nature. This weekend immersion is an opportunity to dive deep into ourselves and heal that sense of disconnection. 

Arne Naess, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at Oslo University, who coined the term "Deep Ecology" wrote: "it is not enough to have ecological ideas, we have to have an ecological identity, ecological self". 

A Deep Ecology Immersion is an invitation to consider what becomes possible when our sense of belonging is rooted in deep connection within a broader ecology of being, and to cultivate an ecological identity. This 3 day workshop is a co-created space (re)connect, remember the power of community and embody our humanity in ways enriched and enlivened by our capacity for wonder. Inspired by the work of John Seed and Joanna Macy,  the spiral of The Work That Reconnects will guide our flow, taking us on an embodied transformational journey through gratitude, grief, imagination and into active hope.

• Friday 5th February 4pm - Sunday 7th February 3pm 2027

• Coastal Forest Lodge, Forest Rd, Bellbrae VIC, 3228

• Tickets Price Range - $180-$680. We want this to be accessible to everyone, if cost is a barrier, please reach out to casmoss@pm.me We would love to explore options with you. 

• Wholesome vegetarian meals will be provided and we will do our best to cater for all dietary requirements. 

• Accommodation includes shared cabins with ensuite and the option to BYO tent or vans if you prefer. 

• This is a co-created space, please come prepared to contribute to the flow of the weekend (e.g. tending fires, washing dishes, preparing meals).

We will explore a series of guided practices that ‘show how grief, anger and fear are healthy responses to the harsh realities of our time, and that when honoured through the revolutionary practice of the Work That Reconnects, they free us from paralysis and move us towards creative action’. Collectively, we will explore imagination, nature connection and active hope, fueling us with the spark to feel enchanted by the magic of life. 

The weekend will offer opportunities for connection, conversation, storytelling, reflection, play, movement, stillness, joy, music and deep nature connection. The immersion has been intentionally designed to move you through a full spectrum of emotions, leaving you feeling alive and nourished. 

You will experience: 

• Embodied, practical and contemplative practices that deepen our relationship to self, other, and the more-than-human world. 

• The magic of the Work That Reconnects, a series of practices designed to free us from paralysis and move us towards creative action. 

• Opportunities to explore the land through walking and nature connection practices. 

• Time to slow down and reconnect with our ecological selves. 

• A shared sense of community as we care for place and each other during our stay. 

• Nourishing, vegetarian meals shared in community. 

• Opportunities to meet and reflect alongside others who are curious about creating a more compassionate and connected way of being. 

Accomodation

Coastal Forest Lodge is located on Wadawurrung Country, just 2km off the Great Ocean Road. It is nestled on the edge of the Anglesea Heath Natural Heritage Area and is a glorious bush environment with abundant wildlife, wild spaces and plenty of beautiful places to meander. We will be outside and amongst the elements for most of our time together, so please come prepared. Sleeping arrangements include ample shared cabins with ensuites (BYO sheets, pillow and sleeping bag). If you would prefer to pitch a tent or sleep in your van, you are most welcome to. 

https://coastalforestlodge.com.au/

We have based our pricing structure on The Green Bottle method developed by Alexis J. Cunningfolk. This economic justice tool represents the idea that financial resources, including income, are not and should not be the only determining factor in whether or not someone can access this immersion.  

Please refer to the diagram below and choose your contribution towards the workshop based on your financial means*

More info on this method can be found here: 

Green Bottle method developed by Alexis J Cunningfolk

The Sliding Scale: A Tool of Economic Justice (aka The Green Bottle … 

*If financial means is a barrier to you, please reach out to casmoss@pm.me

Karina Donkers

Karina is an eco-social worker who works in the climate sector, centring climate justice in the work towards creating a more beautiful future for all living things. In the past 13 years she has been deep diving into deep ecology, nature connection, soul descent work, rites of passage and embodiment work and has loved learning in person from teachers and mentors such as Joanna Macy, Tom Brown Jnr, Jon Young, Bill Plotkin, John Seed, Clare Dunn and many others. She is fiercely passionate about supporting the collective to have a deep remembering of their ecological selves and uncover their ecological niche in the world so we may weave the change we need at these times.

Harry Menzies

Harry is an independent early career researcher, environmental campaigner, and climate adaptation practitioner. In aspiring to work toward radical and transformative change in response to the climate crisis, he finds solace in troubling times from deeply engaging and practising regenerative relations with the-more-than human world.

Cassie Moss 

Cassie is an educator and facilitator, deeply passionate about creating spaces that allow people to connect to themselves, each other and the more-than-human world. She has a rich background in permaculture and environmental education, with a focus on regenerative education, play-based pedagogies, and nature connection. Cassie grew up and currently resides on Wadawurrung Country, where she works as a Forest School Guide, creating place-based experiences, firmly rooted in Deep Ecology practices that invite children into strong relationship with land, risk, and story. Her journey has been transformed by the work of Joanna Macy and John Seed, and she feels humbly honoured to be a part of co-creating these practices for others. 

Jess Magner 

Jess revels in the feeling that comes with being in service to others and the more-than-human world through her work as an Outdoor Educator, Guide and Nature Connection Facilitator. Drawing inspiration from Indigenous ways of being and teachers of Deep Ecology, Jess’ offerings encourage a slower, more playful and intentional way of interacting with all of life.  She is currently being held by the coastal and heathlands of Wadawurrung Country and is exploring her connection with the outer landscape through a deepening awareness of her inner landscape, the menstrual cycle.  She believes that the world does not need saving; the world needs people who have come ALIVE!