| Welcome to Stirring the Soul~
the ecology of being human Stirring the Soul provides educational opportunities that integrate art, nature and contemplative practices. Gradually, as the Western world begins to understand the incredible depth and value that contemplative practices have to offer us, we are slowly seeing them being integrated into all aspects of society. It is easy to assume that a contemplative practice such as yoga is merely an exercise class though, based on how the media portrays it and the average consumer buys into it. Ultimately, yoga is a path of self inquiry, even when we do not know that when we first step onto the path.
So the ecology of being human is to use art, nature and contemplative practices to understand oneself as one understands the woods that they live among, or the art that emerges through them . Muir and Thoreau, Kahlo and Carr are all examples of people that had deep insight into themselves as a result of their chosen fields of contemplation, art and nature.
The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society defines contemplative practices as,
....quieting the mind in order to cultivate a
personal capacity for deep concentration and insight. Examples of
contemplative practice include not only sitting in silence but also
many forms of single-minded concentration including meditation,
contemplative prayer, mindful walking, focused experiences in nature,
yoga and other contemporary physical or artistic practices. We also
consider various kinds of ritual and ceremony designed to create sacred
space and increase insight and awareness to be forms of contemplative
practice.
Contemplative practice has the potential to bring different aspects
of one’s self into focus, to help develop personal goodness and
compassion, and to awaken an awareness of the interconnectedness of all
life. They have helped people develop greater empathy and communication
skills, improve focus and concentration, reduce stress, and enhance
creativity. Over time, these practices cultivate insight, inspiration,
and a loving and compassionate approach to life. They are practical,
radical, and transformative. | | Upcoming Retreats:
Yoga and Art, May 14-16th
at Wintergreen Studios
Register now!
Here's what one retreat participant had to say....
I just want to thank you
again for your amazing guidance at the retreat. You have no idea how powerful I
found the Tree meditation – it is still with me.
For more details and to register.
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Stirring the Soul is a collective of artists,
teachers, healers, activists and environmentalists. Together we create
opportunities for growth, insight, exploration and understanding of
oneself, and of nature. Yin yoga is the primary form of contemplative
practice used, although by no means the only one. All art forms are
suitable as are most experiences of being in nature. Each class,
workshop or retreat is a unique blend of these elements depending on
the instructors, and the environment. We are always happy to hear from
others who are also interested in exploring their full potential. If
you feel you have something that you would like to contribute, please let us know.
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Things to think about from Margaret Wheatley as inspired by Parker Palmer...
Action, like a sacrament, is the visible form of an invisible spirit, an outward manifestation of an inward power.
An expressive act is not to achieve a goal outside myself but to express a conviction, a leading,
a truth that is within me.
An expressive act is one taken because if I did not,
if I did not take it, I would be denying my own insight, gift, nature.
But as we act, we not only express what is in us and help give shape to the world.
We also receive what is outside us and we reshape our inner selves.
When we act, the world acts back.
The world acts back and we and the world, and we and the world are co-created.
Right action is a process of birthing that cannot be forced but only followed.
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