Earth Connection Circle - June 2021

Every day, the wild knocks at our door. As the first rays of sunlight warm the land and the dawn chorus begins, Nature gently whispers to our soul, “Awaken wild human. Today is your day. Step outside and behold, the wonderful gift of life on earth.”

How often do you hear that whisper? What happened last time you whole heartedly answered the call of the wild?

If you’re anything like us, answering nature’s call brings immense meaning and joy to your life. But we also know that countless inner and outer obstacles can get in the way of meaningfully connecting with nature each day.

Earth Connection Circles meet you wherever you are on your nature connection journey and provide a supportive group environment to explore and authentically share that journey with others.

What are Earth Connection Circles?

Earth Connection Circles support and strengthen our connection to the Earth, ourselves and our human community. We meet online for a three week series of gatherings via Zoom, as well as a Facebook Story catcher group in between gatherings.

Our gatherings provide space to slow down and tune into ourselves. It’s a simple but necessary act in our busy, distracted and over stimulated world. We offer simple practices that support you to be grounded and aware of what’s alive in your inner world and what you’re bringing into the Circle.

An essential part of Earth Connection Circles is story sharing. Our stories are gateways. Gateways to the mystery, wonder and wisdom of nature. Just as importantly, our stories are gateways to our own truth and wisdom. 

There are as many different stories as there are people on Earth and moments in a lifetime. In Circle you might share a simple moment of beauty in the great outdoors or even your backyard, an encounter with a wild place or being, wisdom accumulated from extended time on the land, or it might be grief and rage experienced from witnessing ecological destruction. Whatever you feel willing to share is welcome. Perhaps you don't even know what story you'll share until you are in the circle and that's ok too. You can play with trusting that something will arise to share.

And finally, just as important as telling our stories is witnessing others with curiosity and compassion as they share theirs. Our hope is for everyone to feel seen and heard and for the entire group to feel bound together by the unfolding collective Earth story we are all a part of.

Over the 3 week journey you will experience:

- Weekly 2 hour gatherings on Zoom, facilitated by your hosts Michael Norton and Rachel DeSumma, both experienced in guiding others in nature connection practices.

- A small, intimate circle in which to share your nature connection stories, reflect on stories of others and have your stories reflected back into the circle.

- A deeper understanding of how stories connect us individually and collectively to nature, and practices you can take into your day to day life. 

- Ongoing opportunities to share and listen to nature connection stories with other group members through our “Story Catcher” group on Facebook Messenger. 

- Being part of a small and intimate group experience, capped at 6 people.

With Earth Connection Circles you are invited to pay what feels appropriate and affordable for your participation, while recognising the considerable time, effort and skill invested by Michael and Rachel to offer these circles.