Healing Our Nature Connection: A Contemplative Weeding Weekend

You are invited to a weekend of action and reflection, connecting the fragile landscapes of our local forests with the inner landscapes of our hearts.

Join as on April 20 (9:30am-5:00pm) & 21 (12:30pm-5:30pm) as we share stories, explore diverse spiritual practices, and use our hands to help heal local bushland.

This event is supported by a small grant from Yarra Ranges Council, in partnership with Hills Walking Together, Forest Therapy Victoria, Australian Catholic University, and Tecoma Uniting Church. Program will include Shin-rin Yoku (“forest bathing”) sessions, experiential learning, sharing circles, weeding for all abilities, a free sacred Langar meal facilitated by the Sikh community, and yarning on Country with Uncle Murrindindi, Ngurungaeta (head Elder and spiritual leader) of the Wurundjeri people, on whose traditional lands we will be meeting.

Special guests include Uncle Murrindindi, Diana Cousens (Vice President, Buddhist Council of Victoria), Jaswinder Singh (CEO, Sikh Volunteers Victoria), Aydogan Kars (scholar of Islamic mysticism, Monash University), Rachel Davies (scholar of Christian spirituality, Australian Catholic University), and Matt Glover (Principle Therapist at MGA Counseling Services and Lead Guide at Forest Therapy Victoria).

Event timings and locations:

Saturday 20 April, from 9:30am-5pm starting at Tecoma Uniting Church. Includes vegetarian lunch (Langar meal).

Sunday 21 April, from 12:30pm-5:30pm starting outdoors (location TBA). BYO sack lunch. Please bring your non-powered garden tools!

Donations of the following items will be much appreciated, to help Sikh Volunteers continue providing food to Victorians in need: onions, potatoes, 3L packs of tomato paste, cumin seeds, salt, sugar, refined oil, long-life milk, long-grain basmati rice

Feel free to contact organizer Rachel Davies with any questions: rachel.davies@acu.edu.au