Buddhist Faith Fellowship

### Tree Huggers Wanted

Location: Wadsworth State Park, 721 Wadsworth Street, Middletown, CT
Meeting Point: Covered bridge nearthe paved parking area
Suggested Donation: $20–$25 (see below)
Please arrive 10 minutes early.

Dharma Wilding is not traditional Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing). It is deeply inspired by forest bathing and adds Buddhist teachings on compassion, impermanence, interconnectedness, and non-judgmental awareness. It is ideal for beginners and experienced nature practitioners seeking deeper calm, clarity, and a sense of belonging.

No prior experience with meditation or mindfulness is needed — beginners and non-Buddhists are warmly welcome.

We begin in the warmth of the afternoon and gently transition toward the quiet of evening. Guided by Rev. G.R. Lewis (BFF Guiding Teacher with over 35 years of experience), this session draws from 18 original exercises he developed — practices that will be featured in his upcoming book. You may experience short, accessible practices such as Tree Hugging Meditation, Tonglen with Nature, Mindful Walking with the Woods, Breath of the Canopy, and Forest Shikantaza.

Event Details

• Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Age: 14 and older
• Accessibility: Trails are generally easy but include bumps, roots, and gentle inclines — not suitable for every mobility level. Please assess your comfort with uneven natural terrain.
• Parking: Free for Connecticut-registered vehicles (standard non-resident fees may apply).

What to Bring:

• Comfortable layered clothing (woods can feel cooler)
• Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes suitable for natural trails
• Water and any personal snacks
• Lightweight foldable chair or sitting pad if preferred for meditation
• Insect repellent and sun protection as needed

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Suggested Donation: A $20–$25 donation is appreciated to support BFF’s programs, donations to local preserves, and the ongoing development of Dharma Wilding. Donations are made at initial meeting point when registering, through Venmo, PayPal or in cash at the site (cash preferred: no fees).

Weather Policy: Sessions proceed in light rain — please dress accordingly. In cases of very inclement weather or trail issues, the session may be postponed. Check this event page approximately 2 hours before the start time. If no update is posted, we will go ahead as planned.

We practice Leave No Trace principles and ask all participants to respect the forest and one another.

This intimate outdoor mindfulness event offers a fresh, transformative way to nourish body, mind, and spirit.

If you will be participating, IT IS IMPORTANT for you to read the rest of the details at Dharma Wilding web page, visit:

Awaken your spirit on a beautiful spring morning with mindfulness, heartfelt reflection, and a touch of renewal.

May 17, 2026 - 9 - 11:30 a.m.
Pre-registration is required. See below.
Open enrollment ends on May 15, 2025

Our 2.5 hour morning Silent Simplicity Mindfulness Retreat will include: basic sitting meditation instruction (Six Points of Posture), quiet sitting & walking, and noble silence. This special event will take place at the beautiful Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, 343 Washington Terrace in Middletown, CT.

This will be a perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit overlooking a harmoniously balanced and inspiring Shoyoan Teien Zen Garden.

Silent Simplicity is a retreat for everyone, focusing purely on the human practice of mindfulness. It’s not tied to any religion or 'Buddhist' tradition, making it ideal for people of all backgrounds—religious or not, first-timers or seasoned practitioners.

Limited enrollment. The retreat space is limited. Sign up early to have the best chance of getting a spot at the event.

What if one of the simplest ways to feel more grounded, refreshed, and alive is to step outside, slow down, and meditate beside a waterfall?

Join us for a peaceful spring morning of meditation, mindful walking, light hiking, and community connection at beautiful Wadsworth Falls State Park.

🌿 What to Expect
We’ll begin with sitting meditation by the lower falls, followed by walking meditation, and then enjoy a gentle group trek along an easy, mostly level trail. There will also be time to connect, socialize, and simply enjoy being outdoors together. Participants are encouraged to bring a foldable chair or something to place under a cushion, dress for the weather, and bring water if needed.

🌼 What You’ll Enjoy
✨ Meditating in the beauty of nature
✨ Breathing in the fresh, cascading air by the falls
✨ Walking mindfully through the vibrant renewal of spring
✨ Sharing community and meaningful connection outdoors

👥 Who This Is For
✨Anyone looking for a peaceful and grounding outdoor experience
✨Beginners and experienced meditators alike.
✨Those who enjoy gentle walking, nature, and contemplative practice
✨Anyone wanting to meet kind, spiritually curious people in community
No prior meditation experience is needed. This event is designed to be welcoming, accessible, and relaxed. The trail is described as a light hike on an easy, level path.

📍 Event Details
🗓 Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Wadsworth Falls State Park
Meeting Area: Wadsworth Falls Parking Lot (Middlefield)
Address: 25 Cherry Hill Rd, Rockfall, CT
🕘 Arrival: Please arrive between 9:50–10:00 AM
🧭 If You Arrive Late
Look for the multicolored Tibetan flags and follow the path to the lower falls.

☁️ Weather Note
Please check the event page about 2 hours before start time (around 8:00 AM) in case of cancellation due to weather.

💚 Suggested Donation
A $10–$20 donation is appreciated to support BFF’s programs, donations to local preserves, and the ongoing development of our outreach. Donations are made at initial meeting point when registering, through Venmo, PayPal or in cash at the site (cash preferred: no fees).

Come join us for a beautiful morning of mindfulness, movement, and community in nature.

Join us on Sunday mornings for a warm, accessible, and supportive community gathering rooted in mindfulness, compassion, and everyday Buddhist wisdom. These meetings offer a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds—newcomers and long-time practitioners alike—to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with what truly matters.

Note: Meetup RSVPs don’t reflect our full attendance. We usually have at least 12 people each Sunday, including regulars who do not RSVP online.

Each session includes:
• Quiet Sitting Meditation
A simple, relaxed period of mindful breathing and calm awareness to settle body and mind.
• Voice Meditation
A gentle, mindful vocal practice that helps open the heart, steady attention, and deepen presence.
• Dharma Talk and Practical Teaching
Dharma Teacher G.R. Lewis, with over 35 years of meditation experience, offers a short teaching on Buddhist practice, wisdom, and mindful living. Each week explores a new theme—ranging from compassion to resilience to the art of inner freedom—so there is always something fresh to learn and reflect on.

• Discussion, Q&A, and Shared Reflection
Participants are invited to ask questions, share insights, and explore how to bring mindfulness and compassion into daily life. This communal reflection helps deepen understanding and connection.

Our gathering is designed to be both practical and universal—you do not need to identify as Buddhist to participate. Everyone is welcome.

• Parking: Free street parking on Washington Terrace but there is also parking on Mt. Vernon Street which is the side street, next to the center.

• Meeting Rules: In order to maintain a harmonious and respectful environment, practice kind speech, be courteous, and abstain from talking about current politics or display or wear political or offensive symbols or imagery. Those unable to follow these rules will be asked to promptly leave.

• Suggested Donation: $10–$20 (cash, check, PayPal or Vemno)
Your support helps sustain the Fellowship and its mission of offering inclusive, heart-centered practice opportunities. Checks are payable to BFF of CT. Thank you in advance for your generous support.