Being creative in this strange time of COVID-19 on Bowen, has been less difficult than imagined. After offering a highly successful social distancing dance party on the Bowfest field, I wondered what else I could offer.
For more than 40 years I’ve practiced Vipassana meditation and received teachings, both in India and the West. For many years I have given guided meditation sessions at the Orchard Recovery Centre. Recently, I gave a four-day meditation and writing retreat in Mexico. In 2017 I took a mindfulness teacher training course in Germany with one of my long-term Vipassana teachers to add some extra tools. This teacher always emphasized we are working on ourselves for the benefit of others.
During this pandemic time when I have cut off much of my socializing, my consolation is communing with nature, and working in my garden. Every evening I walk amongst the trees. Sadly, I have to pass the wasteland across from my house where some of my favorite trees were butchered for the supposed fire hall, which many voted for. (Whatever happened to that idea.) My garden, sadly, at this time has become two thirds unwanted plants, and strangling vines. With need for a little help, this is my plan.
I would like to offer a four-hour workshop starting with meditation and some guided instruction. Then an hour or so of garden work, removing unwanted weeds. This will be done mostly in silence to really connect with nature. Our awareness will help with the social distancing. During this time if any leaves, plentiful flowers, or weeds attract you, keep them in mind for the nature mandala, which we will create in the upper part of the garden as a culmination of the workshop. (You can also bring small things from nature with you.)
My friend Vera, who has lived in Greece, will offer a gratitude exercise.
There will be a lunch break and I will supply some finger snacks. Due to COVID rules, please bring what you would like to eat. The hours will be 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (I am flexible with hours.) My initial date is Saturday, Aug 15, which will be changed if weather wet. There is no cost for the workshop. Contact me either on Facebook or kanet@telus.net to discuss further details. Space is limited, if interested contact asap.
