Do you find yourself feeling powerless, angry, sad, or desperately trying to hold on to small bits of hope when you hear the news about climate change? When you see the changes happening in your own backyard, local park, or favorite walking spot? Wondering what you can do with these feelings, if there are others that experience the emotional and physical impact of ecological uncertainty as well?
Join us at the farm on March 24th for a day-long retreat where we aim to provide support and resources in the face of climate change. We will engage in a short bit of meditation to center ourselves, nature-based activities, creative processing, and group discussion. Our goal is for each of us to leave with a new sense of courage and hope through connecting with others, as well as some action steps that we can take toward emotional climate resilience in our own lives.

 

Retreat Schedule
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM Arrive, Welcome Announcements at 10 AM
10:10 AM – 10:25 AM Connecting with the land outdoors
10:25 AM – 10:30 AM Introductions / Sharing your experience in pairs
10:30 AM -11:30 AM What is happening inside our bodies and minds when we try to process ecological uncertainty
11:30 AM – 11:45 AM Break (We are supplying some light refreshments and tea, and you are welcome to bring your own snacks)
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM Havening Somatic practice; exploring where the grief sits in our bodies – a guided meditation
12:15 PM – 12:30 PM Journal/Draw
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch (Please bring your own lunch – we have a microwave and fridge available)
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Creative expression of how ecological uncertainty impacts our lives, any rays of hope;
we have a collection of art supplies you may use, and feel free to bring your own
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM Group Sharing & Discussion
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM Break
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM Action Step Exploration in pairs
3:30 PM – 3:45 PM Connect with the land outdoors
3:45 PM – 4:00 PM Hope Share
4:00 PM Go forth with Courage & Hope

 

Facilitators for this retreat include:

 

JoAnn Coates-Hunter, Director at Fox Haven

JoAnn has been an educator and administrator for 40+ years outdoors and indoors. She has led various retreats and workshops over the past 30+ years and enjoys the Joanna Macy approach to The Work That Reconnects, which inspires us to embrace the time and space we are in together and know that we can and do bring positive, healing change to a planet full of life.

 

 

 

Ashley Hoffman, Herbalist, Teacher, Artist, at Fox Haven, Masters in Counseling student.
Ashley Hoffman was born and raised in Frederick County and she integrates her deep connection to the region into her role at Fox Haven. Advocating for accessibility in herbalism, Ashley leads garden tours and classes to foster positive connections between individuals, their health, and the environment. Currently enrolled in the clinical mental health graduate program at Hood College, Ashley explores the intersection of mental well-being and nature.  She is dedicated to nurturing a community where wellness, nature, and creativity harmoniously come together.

 

 

 

Jan Hummer, Contemplative Facilitator, Founder of Open Minds

For over 20 years, Jan has worked with nonprofits on the east and west coasts, teaching mindfulness education in urban and rural settings. She is a doctoral candidate at Prescott College and will graduate with a Ph.D. in Sustainability in Education. As the co-founder and director of Open Minds, Inc., Jan facilitates mindfulness, bereavement, and climate joy programs in the tri-state area. Additionally, Jan was certified as an end-of-life doula in 2021. When Jan is not working you can find her walking with her dog Carol, creating art, being with family, and cooking.