Join us on Thursday, May 23rd, from 6:15 to 8:15 PM for an enriching journey into nature through the lens of Ornitherapy. Introspection and self-reflection amplify the wellness benefits of bird observation.
By observing birds and savoring the present moment, you are engaging in a form of mindfulness known as Ornitherapy. This practice immerses you in the here and now, focusing on what is directly in front of and all around you. Ornitherapy blends the concepts of forest bathing with a connection to birds, nature, and your sense of self in relation to your surroundings.
Let the birds be your guide on a private 60-acre farm nestled in the woodlands and meadows of East Haddam, which offers a sanctuary for your mind, body, and soul. The meadows have already grown over 2 feet and are a haven for the songbirds that have migrated back. Some of the birds you can expect to see/hear/watch during evening song are Barn Swallows, Yellow Warblers, Ovenbirds, Cardinals, American Robins, Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks, Baltimore Orioles, Goldfinches, Scarlet Tanagers, Wood Thrushes, Great Crested Flycatchers, Eastern Wood Pewees, and more.
Ornitherapy seeks to use this introspection to reveal our place within the larger world. By engaging in mindful observation, we enrich our encounters with birds and the natural world, gaining insights into our personal connections and our role within our shared ecosystems. With this knowledge, we can begin to cultivate stewardship.
What to Expect
We will begin our journey together in a Circle with our initial guided meditation, "Appreciating our Breath." Concentrating on our breath is a powerful method for relaxing, unwinding from the day's stresses, and becoming fully present in the moment.
We will then embark on a slow, mindful forest bathing walk, allowing us to transition to a state of heightened sensory awareness. This journey invites us to connect with nature through our senses.
We will then set off to our individual sit spots to engage with a series of carefully written Ornitherapy prompts. In nature, you will find your personal sanctuary. It is here that you will engage deeply with written prompts, fully immersing yourself in the present through reflective journaling and the exploration of Ornitherapy.
We will continue our journey from the meadows into the forest, delving into the world of trees with a series of Ornitherapy prompts designed to explore beneficial relationships.
Next, we'll gather around the bonfire, immersing ourselves in nature's symphony, guided by prompts that help us engage with and appreciate the surrounding soundscapes as the sun dips below the horizon.
Our experience will culminate with a tranquil period of quiet journaling by the fire, reflecting on our journey. This will be followed by an open circle for sharing thoughts and reflections, accompanied by tea and snacks, concluding with a final meditation to close our gathering.
All attendees will receive a handout of Ornitherapy Mindfulness prompts to guide them through the offering and take home for their own backyard enjoyment.
FAQS
Kindly ensure to bring bug spray, although we will also provide some.
It is advised to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, along with hiking boots and socks for your comfort and protection.
Note that we will be seated on yoga mats on the ground, but we do have four pop-up stools available for use.
Please remember to bring your journals and a pen for writing.
You are welcome to bring water and any snacks you may require.
Please try to arrive by 6:10 so we can start prompting at 6:15 pm.
You do not need to have any experience looking at or identifying birds to benefit from Ornitherapy.
This offering is open to Eight women
$35 investment
The address will be sent upon registration.