10–12 Mar 2023 AEDT
Village Hall, Narara Ecovillage, 33 Gugandi Road, Narara NSW, Australia Map
A two-day workshop retreat with John Seed and Suzie Brown and guests.
Immerse yourself in the beautiful natural surrounds of the ecovillage as you experience group deep ecology, nature connection and mindfulness activities.
Our busy, urbanised lifestyle tends to take us away from feeling our natural connection to and interdependency with nature. This workshop will reawaken this ancient wisdom we all have within us that we are part of this living natural system. In remembering this, we have the opportunity to feel whole once more.
The workshop retreat will include: deep ecology activities, meditations in nature, connection to the plants, animals and landscape, bird language and behaviour, animal tracking, bush tucker and edible weeds, and campfire stories & songs. You’ll also get to experience life in the Narara Ecovillage and there will be tours of the village on offer.
The workshop is not suitable for young children though teenagers are welcome, if they are willing and able to do meditation and sit quietly.
All meals will be provided and two-day workshop registrations will be accepted only. The workshop is designed as a two-day immersive retreat so we ask that you arrive on time by 9.30am on the Saturday and stay until 4pm Sunday.
Sorry no pets allowed.
For those travelling from afar, accommodation will be offered in ecovillage B&B rooms or camping in our campground for one or two nights.
So we can accommodate everyone and keep prices down, singles may be required to share a twin room. If so, we will match you with a person of the same gender. For those who are not willing to share a room, we can offer a limited number of “single supplements” to reserve a private room.
Price:
We have limited scholarship places available for those unable to afford the workshop fee – contact us to find out more. For this and all other inquiries email: deepecologynarara@gmail.com
Biographies
John Seed is a world-renowned deep ecology teacher, writer and environmental activist. He founded the Rainforest Information Centre and has dedicated his life to the protection of rainforests and their biodiversity since 1979. In 1995 he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) by the Australian Government for services to conservation and the environment. John lives at the Narara Ecovillage.
Suzie Brown teaches Insight (Western Buddhist) Meditation and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and teaches courses in Climate Resilience and Nature Connection. She has been an environmental activist for over 20 years. She founded Australian Parents for Climate Action in 2019, was the founding CEO, and is now a Board Director. She lives at the Narara Ecovillage.
FAQs
What is the Cancellation Policy?
Cancellations of workshop bookings or accommodation may be made up until 9.30am 4th March
2023 (7 days prior to the start of event) and will incur an administrative fee of:
Cancellations after this time will result in the forfeiting of the entire booking cost unless you or we can find another person to take on your booking (e.g. if there is a waiting list).
You may transfer your booking to another person to come in your place at anytime.
What age children are able to attend this event?
The workshop retreat will involve some guided meditations and sitting quietly. The weekend is not suited to young children however teenagers are welcome if you feel they will be able to participate fully in the meditations and other activities. We ask that all participants be willing and able to attend and participate fully in all the activities (in the absence of unforeseen circumstances such as illness).
Can I just come for one day?
We are only accepting two-day bookings for the workshop as it is designed as a two-day immersive retreat and it would be disruptive to the group if people came for just one of the days, or if you missed a half day. We would like all participants to be there by 9.30am on the Saturday and stay until 4pm on the Sunday.
Can I come as a day student and not use the accommodation?
Yes, you do not need to stay on site if you live locally or wish to stay elsewhere.
Can I stay in my campervan?
Yes, our camping option allows for vans. The price is the same as standard camping.
I know pets are not allowed, but I have an assistance dog. Is that allowed?
Yes. Please mention this in the notes on your form so we can allocate dog-friendly accommodation.
I require wheelchair access. Is this available at all venues?
Some of the venues and activities are not easily wheelchair accessible and will include outdoor activities on rough bush trails. Most workshop venues and toilets require going up one step. We have a folding removable ramp that could be put in place by an assistant.
Camp sites require travelling over rough ground. Some B&B accommodation is wheelchair accessible, so this can be arranged if required. The ablution block at the campsite has ramp access. However, the road between the ablution block and the campsite is a rough, gravel road with ditches.
What are the accommodation options?
We can arrange one or two nights’ accommodation for you on site in either B&B accommodation or camping. The B&B accommodations are in village homes or in Paperbark House, our village hostel. Most rooms have en-suite bathrooms or an adjacent private bathroom. If camping, you need to bring your own tent or van, and bedding, and supply your own breakfast. An amenities block with toilets and showers is provided plus a basic camp kitchen. You can also buy breakfast at the Coffee Cart. We have a limited number of powered sites.
What food will be provided?
All B&B accommodations will provide breakfast for you. If you are camping you will need to bring your own breakfast. As part of the workshop fee we will provide lunch on both days and dinner on Saturday night, plus some tea and snacks for morning or afternoon tea. There is a coffee cart on site with espresso coffee and meals available to purchase on the Saturday only. If you have any dietary needs or allergies please provide this information on the booking form and we will ensure your B&B host has this information, as well as the lunch and dinner cooks.