Take time for yourself and leave behind the noisy world we live in, and reconnect with ourselves, each other, and our more-than-human world. Join us on this guided journey to help you reconnect with your imagination and experience joy through nature and art.
What You Can Expect
We will begin our morning in Circle with a meditation to awaken our body & senses and begin to tune our senses into the present moment. After we are grounded and having left our “parking lot” mind, we will start our quiet, reflective walk together along the island, deliberately being mindful of the earth beneath our feet, the air flowing in and out of our lungs, and the sights, sounds, smells, and even tastes we experience as we walk. During our walk, we will play with different sensory invitations crafted to help you slow down and be fully present in the natural world.
As we walk will begin to observe the clouds. Are they high and wispy, like cotton balls scattered through the sky, or low and piled up o the horizon? We will take time to notice how the clouds reflect the light and observe all the different colors and tones in the clouds and how the colors, shadows, and highlights relate to each other and the shapes in the clouds.
Now in our mindful state with our senses awakened, we will create a piece of self-expressive art to remind you of this moment in time: with friends, enjoying the beauty of the sky over the sea. You will take your art supplies and find a quiet “sit spot” to work on your painting and further connect with our more-than-human world.
Nancy will demonstrate and offer suggestions for getting into a creative and playful mind space to make your painting. We will play with various techniques and collaborate with nature, paint, and self, to capture on paper a special moment in time. Our work may be abstract or more representational. Whatever spirit moves you to do. As we observe and paint, we take notes on the thoughts passing through the mind like soft clouds. Nancy will guide and offer one-on-one assistance throughout the process. This will be a magical experience. This offering is appropriate for all skill levels, from those fearful of drawing to those with years of experience. Individual styles are encouraged and celebrated.
Last Half Hour
We will gather in Circle and share our paintings and experiences (only if you would like) while enjoying a herbal tea from Tea and Tarot.
Things to Make Your Journey Comfortable
Please dress in warm clothes-layers are important as we will be alternating between moving and sitting, and there will be a breeze at the island.
Bring a trail seat, portable chair, and/or blankets, cushions, and/or whatever will make you comfortable sitting on the sand at the beach.
Sunscreen to protect your skin
Hat with a brim to shade your eyes
Water
Paper, pencils, and paint will be provided, but if you have a favorite sketchbook or journal and paints and drawing tools you love, feel free to use them.
Cost: $45.00 (includes supplies)
Limited to 5participants
PLEASE arrive by 8:45 AM
About our Guides
Nancy DeNicolo is a fun, engaging, approachable, and knowledgeable instructor who has over 40 years of work experience and continuing education in the art of teaching and the creative arts for self-expression and healing.
Kathleen Lowe, a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide in the practice of Shinrin-Yoku, started Friends of the Forest as a way to offer meaningful, direct experiences in nature that inspire individuals to develop a connection with wildlife and the environment around us. Her training includes special knowledge in guiding people of all ages in mindful outdoor experiences. She is a level one Certified Mindful Outdoor Guide through the Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership program.