In this four week course, you will have the opportunity to begin, renew, or deepen your relationship with Earth. Poet John O’Donohue invites us to embrace the Earth that we are writing a blessing: “on the day when the weight deadens on your shoulders and you stumble, may the clay dance to balance you” (Beannacht). We are living Earth on living Earth. We will look at the lineage of Earth-to-Earth Companionship from Forest Bathing or shinrin-yoku from Japan, Forest Therapy from M. Amos Clifford and the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. Finally, we will enter into an exploration of how we as Earth relate to Earth and all Creatures as anam cara or soul friendship. What is it like to be invited deeper than the healthful effects of being in nature to the soulful depths of mutuality and relationship with the Earth?
Required Reading:
Your Guide to Forest Bathing: Experience the Healing Power of Nature by M. Amos Clifford (either the 2018 or 2021 edition)
Recommended for those who want to read the full texts excerpts will come from:
John O’Donohue Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom
Robin Wall Kimmerer Braiding Sweetgrass
September Session: Sep 1-Sep 28
Course meetings: Virtually Guided Walks to take place Saturday 9/3 and 9/17 from 1pm-4pm ET
Total Tuition Cost: $85
To register:
If you are new to CHS, first complete this form, then the office will send you an invoice.
Current CHS students, please log in to your Populi account to register.
Justin Ferko
Professor: Justin Ferko is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (August 2022) and trained Spiritual Director (Oasis Ministries for Spiritual Development 2021). He will lead us on two live Zoom virtually guided Forest walks. The walks are welcoming to all with options to remain indoors if health or weather conditions require with a view of a window, a house plant or beloved pet. For those who are going outside, the walk will be less than ½ mile.
