I’ve recently gotten involved with a group at the local Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Gainesville dedicated to ecospirituality and green religion. It’s a small group so far, we’ve only had planning meetings, but we’re enthusiastic about the prospects. The copy below describes the group, and lists our first few planned sessions!
Free and open to the public:
Earthkeepers: Ecospiritual Practice
Gatherings to Cultivate and Practice Ecospirituality
Kick-off: Sunday November 6
4:00-5:00pm
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, “Common Room”
4225 NW 34th St
Gainesville, FL 32605
Ecospirituality is the recognition of our spiritual connection to nature; includes:
- knowing and honoring the sacredness of the earth and the life it supports;
- the deep sense of place, of belonging, that comes from understanding the ways we are part of an ecological web of interdependence;
- experiences of awe, wonder, and beauty evoked by the natural world and the interdependence of its parts;
- an ethical commitment to environmental activism to preserve and protect the earth and its creatures.
Some Sundays will be indoor practice, in the “Common Room” at the UU Fellowship. Other Sundays, we have outdoor practice in various settings. Indoor practice features chalice lighting, check-in, a presented program followed by a brief walk outside, then sharing, reflection, and a closing. Outdoor practice will feature guided outdoor walking meditations and shared reflection.
November Schedule:
Nov 6: Common Room. Facilitated by Dylan Klempner. “Going Locavore.” The main program features the Bioneers podcast about eating local – how to do it and why it matters.
Nov 13: Outdoor Practice at San Felasco County Park (not the State Park) – on NW 43rd Way, off of 43rd St. Facilitated by Rev. LoraKim Joyner. There will be ways to participate for walkers and nonwalkers. Wear suitable clothing for walking in woods if you plan on the walking option. Either way, bring a journal and pen. Begins promptly at 4:00pm.
Nov 20: Common Room. Facilitated by Rev. Meredith Garmon. “All Love Begins with Seeing: Poetry and Justice for All.” We’ll hear and discuss this Bioneers podcast about creating justice through art – and art through justice.
Nov 27: Thanksgiving holiday; no ecospiritual practice meeting.