Cultivating Compassion Through Nature

Scientific studies show that nature plays an important role in enhancing our creativity, compassion and joy. In this Half-day workshop we will explore how the ABCs (Awareness, Belonging and Compassion) have a positive impact in reducing stress, anxiety and lifting our spirits.

As a participant you will experience ways of slowing down and relaxing through guided meditations and engage in activities that stimulate your awareness, belonging, caring. You will practice being in the present moment and reducing your stress level by using your five senses in nature.

Bring a box lunch if you wish to stay after the workshop and eat with the other participants.

Session Outcomes:

1. Explore the role of the ABC’s (Awareness, Belonging and Compassion) in increasing your well-being

2. Use your five senses to become more keenly aware of the present moment

3. Understand the role of nature in reducing stress and promoting happiness, creativity, and compassion

Note: Please bring warm clothing and rainwear in case the weather is chilly and/or rainy. Bring a water bottle and sunscreen in case it’s sunny and hot.

Andrés Edwards is a certified forest therapy guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) and an Ambassador of Compassion with Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. Andrés provides possibilities for people to embody their well-being offered by nature through experiences that encourage awareness, belonging and compassion.

Photo Credit: Avani Fachon

Details

-We will be meeting at the Red Barn Classroom in Bear Valley, Point Reyes

- Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in

- Refunds available for all classes 7 days in advance of the start date, after 7 days and before 2 days, participants can credit their class for a future date. All requests before 48 hours in advance will be declined. For COVID policy, see below.

- Please follow the parking instructions for the facility used that day

- Please provide an email you check regularly for updates and reminders about your class

- Registration is required online prior to the event in order to maintain class sizes

- Sales end 48 hours before the start date.

- Waitlists are available when the class sells out

What to Bring

Day Pack

Lunch

Warm Variable Weather Clothing

Hiking Shoes

Water Bottle

Notebook and Pen/Field Journal

Eventbrite Confirmation Email

Binoculars (Optional)

Camera (Optional)

About the PRNSA Field Institute

The PRNSA Field Institute offers hands-on environmental education classes throughout the year that foster enjoyment of Point Reyes National Seashore. Our classes are led by expert instructors, who take you out of your everyday life and into the natural world. We host a variety of classes about the arts and sciences and have something for everyone. You can reach the Field Institute at (415) 663-1200 x304 or by email at [email protected].

Interested in becoming a member of PRNSA? Click Here!

Interested in becoming a PRNSA Field Institute volunteer facilitator, or are you an outdoor educator or artist who would like to teach a PRNSA Field Institute class? Send an Email!

For any questions, please email us at [email protected].

COVID-19 Field Institute Guidelines

Please respect the following COVID-19 procedures:

· Perform a health self-check before coming to class using the CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus as a guide

· Do not attend class if you are experiencing COVID symptoms, know that you have had a close exposure, or are suffering from any flu-like or respiratory illness

· Contact the Field Institute if you will not be able to attend due to COVID. You may be eligible to receive a full or partial refund

· Participants exhibiting signs of respiratory illness may be asked to leave class

· Masks are optional at your discretion

· Please bring your own food and water

All guidelines are subject to change pursuant to State or County Health order updates.

Thank you for your cooperation in following these guidelines to help keep everyone safe.

Host or Publisher Point Reyes National Seashore Association