The Heart of Nature ~ a 3-day self-compassion and somatic healing immersion

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IMMERSION DATES/TIMES:

1:00pm Friday to 5:00pm Monday.

*Limit of 25 participants only at this time – reserve your space today!

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IMMERSION OVERVIEW: 🌻

“Searching in all directions
with your awareness,
you find no one dearer
than yourself.” ~ The Buddha

In this one-of-a-kind nature-based retreat, we combine the power of mindfulness meditation, self-compassion practice, and eco-somatic therapy in the mountains of the Oregon Cascades. Through guided meditations and movement, interactive nature-based healing exercises, inspiring talks, and group discussions, we will embark on a 3-day healing journey into the depths of our being. Justin Michelson of Nature’s Heart will be joined by Rachelle Cornelius, a Eugene-based Eco-Somatic Therapist.

We provide a beautiful, custom-made, open-air meditation hall with a canvas floor, a full camp kitchen with organic meals, a compost toilet and wash station, camping areas, and countless acres of wild forest, meadows, and river. RVs and campers are welcome, too.

The event will be held in alternating periods of silence and structure conversation. It is a focused healing retreat, but also an opportunity to deepen into community.
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EQUITY AND SAFETY:

We are aware that this group is led and often attended primarily by people who occupy identities of privilege; often predominantly white, settler (people who are not indigenous to the lands they live upon) and cisgender (people whose gender corresponds with the sex they were assigned at birth). We want to invite shared responsibility for cultivating and maintaining a safe(r), inclusive, and equitable space for all and ask each of you (especially white and cisgender folk) to engage in any preparation needed for you to do to show up in practice with people occupying other identities.

(Courtesy of Darcy Otto and Youth Passageways.)

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FEES and DONATIONS: (work trade and scholarships available below)

Four days of Guidance with Two Teachers, Organic Meals, and Camping accommodations.

*A percentage of donations are paid forward to organizations working toward Environmental Justice.

1) Organization Fee: $250-$350
$250 – Subsidized (low income + BIPOC)
$300 – Sustaining
$350 – Supporting

*The organization fee is designed to meet the costs of administration, permitting, food, insurance, rent, outreach, supplies, movement-teachers, and set-up/clean-up. In this retreat, it’s also covering the cost of Rachelle, our therapist and movement teacher. It’s NOT designed to pay the main teacher, Justin, a living wage for preparing teachings, holding the retreat container, meeting with participants, or follow up. Hence, there is an additional Teacher Donation for that purpose, to support the work and livelihood of the teacher.
**Payment plans available (inquire within)

2) Teacher Donation (“dana”): (offered at the end of the retreat via cash/check)
*Offering mindfulness teachings on a donation basis comes from the tradition of Insight Meditation. It keeps these powerful mindfulness practices accessible, honest, and communal. However, it only works if attendees incline their hearts to understand and participate in it. We invite you to consider this as a spiritual practice of generosity and loving-kindness. The offering supports the livelihood of the teacher and their work.

**People often ask how much is appropriate. The guideline is to offer the teacher what feels generous to you while also within your financial means. However, when pressed for an amount, we often suggest $125-225 for a retreat of this length. Any amount is accepted.

***This donation is offered via cash or check at the end of their retreat. Please come prepared! Thank you. And let us know if you have any questions.

**These immersions are offered on a sliding scale basis (in addition to offering work-trade/scholarship) to increase accessibility to lower income peoples and the BIPOC community. However, there are many expenses for these immersions, including administration, website and credit card fees, outreach, food purchase and prep, wear/tear on gear, fuel/supplies, infrastructure upgrades, movement teachers, setup/clean up helpers, etc. – all this BEFORE the teacher is compensated and donations are paid forward to Environmental Justice organizations. Please donate at a generous level while staying within your means. If you feel moved to further support our work, send additional donations to [email protected].

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REGISTRATION:

1) CREDIT CARD or PAYPAL:
See the form at the bottom of this page!

2) CHECK:
Send to Nature’s Heart Retreats at 135 N. Moss St. PO Box 135, Lowell, OR 97452

If you use a check, please also fill out the following Google Registration Form: https://forms.gle/knxhLYVewq9DPpp66
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CANCELLATION POLICY:

1) Greater than one week ~ Full Refund Issued
2) Between one week and 3 days ~ Half Refund Issued
3) Less than 3 days ~ No Refund Issued

***Covid-19 (and related sickness) Exceptions** We will be continuing to provide full refunds to anyone who is symptomatic with Covid-19-like symptoms at any time before or during the immersion.
***Emergency Exceptions** We will also consider other emergency reasons for cancellation on a case by case basis.
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WORK TRADE: These positions require firm commitment and follow-through. Please fill out the application forms underneath the appropriate position. Each position is a different trade. Direct any questions or sign up via [email protected].

1) Skilled Kitchen Assistant
This position requires a total of approximately 10hrs of focused work during the retreat. This equates to meal-prep for 2 lunches or dinner PLUS clean-shift oversight for 2 meals. This means that you will miss most of the session during which you’re doing meal-prep.

2) Group Camp Set-up
This position requires a total of around 20 hrs. of group camp set-up several days before the retreat, at the site.

3) Outreach and Registration Assistant (at least 1 month prior)
This position involves working with Nature’s Heart to tell more people about our programs through various online and in-person methods. It provides anywhere from a half to full trade for the event.
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SCHOLARSHIPS: Scholarships are available for low-income peoples and marginalized groups, including People of Color, Transgender, Elderly, and Disabled folks. Please contact [email protected] to share more about yourself. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

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TESTIMONIALS:

“What a soul enriching combination to be walking/hiking and meditating in nature, especially with a teacher/leader/guide like Justin, who so embodies his Love for both!! I am extremely grateful he is offering these day long/weekend retreats. Such a wonderful gift to give yourself! The ripple effect of deep peace I felt continued way beyond the experience itself!” – Past Participant

“The whole experience was really beautiful. Justin led us through various mindfulness exercises while also encouraging each of us to forge our own unique path of internal reflection and outward curiosity. I felt my energy take a huge leap forward during the retreat. Overall the experience was wonderful; I am definitely interested in a return experience this year!” – Past Participant

“Thank you again for a wonderful opportunity to drop into the nature in and around us in such a special place. The format of the day was wonderful, and I LOVE how you’ve brought together traditional Insight practice with focus on nature and the elements – a beautiful and impactful synergy.” – Past Participant
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APPROXIMATE RETREAT SCHEDULE (subject to change):

FRIDAY
1:00 PM Meet at trailhead, and basic introductions
1:30 PM Walk In
2:30 PM Setup Camp/Unpack
4:30 PM
Orientation in Meditation Tent
Share Intentions in Small Groups
Explore the Land
6:00 PM Dinner
6:45 PM Orientation to Kitchen & Retreat Sign ups
7:30 PM
Dharma Talk
Compassion Meditation
Dyads
9:00 PM
One Word Group Share
Into Silence

SATURDAY
6:00 AM Wake up Bell
6:30 AM Creative Movement/Shaking
7:00 AM Compassion Meditation
7:30 AM Walking Meditation in Tent
8:00 AM Breakfast
9:30 AM Yoga
10:00 AM Compassion Meditation
10:30 AM Walking Meditation Outdoors
11:00 AM Compassion Meditation
11:30 AM Walking Meditation Outdoors
12:00 PM Lunch
2:00 PM Eco-somatic activity 1
3:00 PM Eco-somatic activity 2
4:00 PM Dyads/brief group reflections/journaling
4:30 PM Yoga
5:00 PM Dharma Talk & Sharing
6:00 PM Dinner
7:30 PM Compassion Meditation
8:00 PM Walking in Tent
8:30 PM Partner Meditation
9:00 PM One word group sharing

SUNDAY
5:30 AM Wake up bell
6:00 AM Creative Movement/Shaking/Yoga
6:30 AM Compassion Meditation
7:00 AM Walking Meditation in Tent
7:30 AM Compassion Meditation
8:00 AM Breakfast
9:30 AM Yoga
10:00 AM Compassion Meditation
10:30 AM Walking Meditation Outdoors
11:00 AM Compassion Meditation
11:30 AM Walking Meditation Outdoors
12:00 PM Lunch
2:00 PM Eco-somatic activity 1
3:00 PM Eco-somatic activity 2
4:00 PM Dyads/brief group reflections/journaling
4:30 PM Yoga
5:00 PM Dharma Talk & Sharing
6:00 PM Dinner
7:30 PM Compassion Meditation
8:00 PM Candle Lighting Ceremony
8:30 PM Nighttime Land Awareness Exercises & Open Practice
10:30 PM One word group sharing with whoever is there

MONDAY
6:00 AM Wake up Bell
6:30 AM Creative Movement/Shaking/Yoga
7:00 AM Compassion Meditation
7:30 AM Walking Meditation in Tent
8:00 AM Compassion Meditation
8:30 AM Breakfast
9:30 AM Eco-somatic land activity
10:00 AM Compassion Meditation
10:30 AM Partner Meditations
11:00 AM Dyads
11:30 AM Dharma Talk and Questions
12:30 PM Lunch
2:30 PM
Final Small Group Sharing
Final Large Group Sharing
4:00 PM Taking Practice Home
4:30 PM Walk out
5:00 PM Depart
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GUIDES:

Justin Michelson – Nature’s Heart Meditation Teacher & Wilderness Guide.

Justin is a Eugene-area meditation and mindfulness teacher in the Insight Meditation tradition (Thai Forest). His passion for the Dharma and his love of Nature have informed and inspired one another for almost 20 years, taking him from retreat centers to mountain-tops to the plant nursery. He harvests the fruits of his contemplative journey to best serve people and the Earth at this challenging time.

Since 2000, he has practiced with his root teacher, Rodney Smith, who asked him to share the teachings of the Dharma. He has also completed Spirit Rock Meditation Center’s Community Dharma Leadership program, Mark Coleman’s Awake in the Wild nature-meditation training, and has begun the MBSR certification through UC San Diego. He has also practices and incorporates the healing modality of Internal Family Systems theory with his students.

His teachings weave together kindness and compassion, dharmic wisdom and insight, and a deep love for the natural world and the Northwest Bioregion.

He has a background in environmental education, non-profit management, farming/gardening, and now owns a native plant nursery outside of Eugene. He lives in an earthen cabin at a retreat center in Dexter, OR, from where he leads retreats, runs his nursery, and teaches at the nearby Eugene Insight Meditation Center.

Rachelle Cornelius – Somatic Therapist and Movement Teacher

Rachelle is a local EcoSomatic and Expressive Arts Therapist and Coach as well as a nature based meditation and breathwork teacher and founder of Creative Spirit Collaborative and the non-profit Foundation for Alternative Healing in Eugene. Rachelle has the profound honor to work with clients as a steward of healing of wise relationships between humanity and nature, plants, and animals as well as wise relationships with the lost dark, creative, light, and inspirational parts of ourselves.

Rachelle’s life long history with dance and befriending the earth and animals from a young age and her own creative and healing process has guided her to the work that she offers. Rachelle has training in Ecopsychology, Transpersonal Psychology, nature based meditation through Awake in the Wild, and a variety of contemplative based movement practices. Rachelle has participated in a deep continual study of yoga philosophy since 2000 which has informed much of her work as well. Rachelle will incorporate much of this training into the her offerings with Nature’s Heart as well as providing additional individual therapeutic support for participants.

Connect with Creative Spirit Collaborative

Nature:

Nature is the best teacher. In its simplicity, it’s beauty, and its wholeness, nature imparts to us an easeful, authentic way of living and being. It shows us all (beginners and experienced alike) that meditation can be easy, natural, and full of joy and creativity.

It’s also a powerful medicine for the pain we each carry, reminding us that no matter what we’ve been told, we belong here. We have a home in the larger web of life we exist within. Held in this healing sense of connection, we find that challenging experiences flow with greater ease, acceptance, and understanding. We find that inspiration and awe awakens from the dormant places within. We find that deep insight and authentic transformation arises effortlessly in the reflection of Nature’s profound presence of Being.
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WHAT ELSE YOU’LL NEED:

-Supplemental Food (see above)
-Water Bottle
-Personal Dishware (please bring these items in a small separate bag or container that can be placed in a tote designated in the kitchen area)

-Clothes for warm and cool weather (long sleeves/pants & close-toed shoes for poison oak prevention.)
-Sunhat/Sunglasses
-Sleeping bag and pad
-Personal Tent, if desired (or sleep in the open-air meditation tent with other participants)
-Yoga mat (or use canvas floor)

-Bug Repellent (if desired – they aren’t bad)
-Sunblock
-Toiletries (if staying the night)
-Journal and pen
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THE POWER OF NATURE MEDITATION:

On their own, mindfulness practices have been medically proven to have a plethora of beneficial effects. Mindfulness can provide relief of anxiety, depression, phobias, ADD and other mental ailments; they encourage greater relaxation, joy, peace, and other positive attitudes/emotions; they have shown to increase physical healing, immune system function, and reduce chronic pain. Mindfulness practices even have been shown to increase generous, compassionate, and kind actions in the world!

Likewise, on its own, spending time in Nature – in the presence of living things (plants/animals) or the elements (being outside) – has shown amazingly similar positive effects from a growing body of international research studies. Nature immersion can provide relief of distressful states such as depression, and anxiety and encourage wholesome states such as relaxation and joy. It can increase mental focus, improve our immune strength, heal lifelong traumas, and work through intense life changes. Nature immersion can even catalyze transformative insights and “spiritual” experiences that we can carry through the rest of our lives!

Mindfulness and nature-immersion are showing themselves as unmatched medicines that produce well-documented positive effects on our overall well-being and happiness. When both of these medicines are consciously combined they become an incredibly potent tonic for our body, mind, and soul. Combining the intentional activity of mindfulness with the healing presence and transmission of Nature itself amplifies the positive potentials of both.

Whether we are looking for physical, emotional/mental, or spiritual help, or all of the above, practicing mindfulness in nature is a very promising solution that may help us on our journey!

For more information, see the “About Us” tab on our FB home page.
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HOSTS:
Nature’s Heart LLC is a sister organization to Eugene Insight Meditation Center 501c3. We are a 501c3 non-profit located in Eugene, Oregon. Find out more about us at

www.eugeneinsight.com
www.naturesheart.net

💙🙏

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