Blog Post Title One
Sometimes nature based work is diluted in a category of spiritual, new-earth manifestation without materialization (this couldn’t be further from the truth). This work—in every branch from psychology and philosophy to horticultural therapy, ecological and community activism, and seasonal facilitation—is grounded, sometimes dirty, and ever-evolving.
That’s why every bit of content aims to serve as another stepping stone upon the soil of your growth a change maker and in service to others. Every season I love to offer prompts and ideas born from things that have worked (or haven’t) in my portfolio or that I have learned through research, mentorship, and case studies of students. I appreciate calling forth both the beautiful flowers and the mud—what to be alert for and avoid, as well as tools to inspire and integrate.
Here are this seasons…
Spring offers the emergence of new life, an energy of awakening, and elongated light.
However, it also spotlights parts your participants might not be ready see, places of frustration, and fear of taking on new forms. Consider this when creating Spring workshops and content.
Don’t assume how someone associates a feeling (ie: we are all excited about the warmer weather…)
Don’t presume that everyone loves being outside (offering water or wipes, having a list of comfort gear including a change of shoes, or suggesting a stadium blanket or eyewear can create empathy)
Encourage curiosity and seasonality (ie: what does this shift in temperature call to the surface for you? You may want to cue permissions for a range of emotions)
Hold space for nuance and duality (Spring straddles Winter and Summer—there is an in-between energy that may offer your participants wider perspectives)
Be very clear about the intention of your workshop (ie: this is for frustrated mothers…this is for enthusuiasts who enjoy and are capable of vigorous 2 hour hikes…this is for Middle School science students)
Ideas for Springtime Nature Based Workshops*
𓇬 The Nature of Change: encourage participants to witness what's emerging and what's waning from winter to spring. You can offer paints, journal time, a sharing circle, etc and adapt accordingly.
𓇬 Land Based Offerings and Inquiry: ethically collect items from land and build a communal offering. Ask each participant to share what inner curiosity brought them to choose that item.
𓇬 Personal Prompts in Group Setting: choose a natural outdoor location and ask: what have you unlearned that allowed a new thought to grow? Consider making a group master list and email it out, create a ritual, or invite breakout groups and additional PLANT exercises before or after the group setting.
*All of these exercises can be adapted for individual insight and various scopes of practice.
I have included some visuals from our Spring carousel. Tag @plant__council so we can repost your inspiration and what you are sharing!
PLANT COUNCIL is an initiative of our non profit organization EARTH CHURCH 508(c)1(a)
𓇚 Our mission is to restore union with the natural world through leadership, education, and ecological regeneration.
𓇚 Tell us about what GROWTH means to you this season for a free invite to our facilitators group!