September 22-27, 2013
Belonging to Earth: Finding Our Place in Nature
Esalen Institute: Registration Open
Steven Harper
In every moment of
our lives we are supported by natural systems both seen and unseen. Yet,
in our culture, many of us are cut off from the natural world. We have
little contact with wild nature, little idea of where we live, and
little notion of what directly sustains our daily life. Esalen,
surrounded and sustained by wild natural systems, is an ideal place to
learn more about our sense of place, of nature, and of belonging to this
earth.
This program will explore our relationship to the earth
through increasing our knowledge of the basic life and earth sciences,
and increasing awareness of self and nature. Participants will be
introduced to an overview of the natural sciences and then to the
geology, weather, ecology, native peoples, flora, and fauna that make up
the incredible landscape we call Big Sur.
This workshop will include evening introductory lectures,
dialog, and day-hikes that venture into Big Sur’s backcountry for field
sessions that expand our practical knowledge of nature and, more
specifically, of Big Sur. Attention will be paid to how we take our
newfound eco-literacy and integrate it with how we sense our belonging
so that we may more fully inhabit this extraordinary third planet from
the sun.
This program is open to all levels of experience in hiking and
the natural sciences. Participants should be prepared to hike in varied
terrain (4-6 miles), enjoy periods of silence, and have a curiosity
about nature and our place in the world. More information and a waiver
will be sent upon registration.
($20 park-entrance fees paid directly to the leader)
For an equipment list and frequently asked questions about Steven's workshops, visit FAQs.
Above the fog along the Big Sur coast.