About us
We will be walking and immersing ourselves in nature—observing the birds, trees, plants, animals, and landscapes around us—while also learning to foster deeper, healthier connections to ourselves, others, wildlife, and the earth.
Spending time in nature leads to greater human satisfaction, happiness, and health. By slowing down and paying close attention to the living world, we deepen our awareness, ground ourselves in the present moment, and grow our compassion and justice centered behaviors to care for our planet and all its inhabitants.
Our walks are open to spontaneous conversation, gentle nature practices, reflective questions, and readings, as well as opportunities to identify and enjoy the behavior of birds, plants, trees, and animals.
These nature-centered gatherings invite us to grow our ability to transform ourselves and our world as an intentional mindfulness practice. This is enhanced by an emphasis on our connections to the humans who gather with us and the other species we encounter along the way. With strong connections to the living community around us, we can save ourselves and all life.
This group was founded by Rev. Dr. LoraKim Joyner, renowned avian conservationist and author of Birding for Life. Though she is leaving the state, the Centering Nature Leadership Team hopes to carry forward Rev. Dr. LoraKim’s vision to build a just and compassionate community together, made up of those who respond to this form of mindfulness practice.
Nature walks are co-led by the Centering Nature Leadership Team from First Unitarian Church of Des Moines and is funded by the REACH program (Radical Engagement And Creative Happenings) through the church.
Everyone is welcome to join this community rooted in care for life.
Upcoming events
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Nature Walk at Walnut Woods State Park
Walnut Woods State Park, 3155 Walnut Woods Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA, West Des Moines, IA, USSlow down and join us for a fall nature walk at Walnut Woods State Park!
November’s theme is “healing,” inspired by Rachel Carson’s words: “There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature - the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”
Time spent in nature supports both body and mind. Gather with us in the woods to soak up that healing energy as the seasons shift.
When: Saturday, November 14, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Where: Bird blind parking area, Walnut Woods State Park, 3155 Walnut Woods Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Distance: About a mile, more or less, on park trailsAlong the way, we’ll have time for conversation, reflection, and quiet. We’ll identify and learn more about plants, trees, and birds. And we’ll connect more fully to one another and he ancient land in which we live, and explore the spiritual side of nature as a mindfulness practice.
The Centering Nature Leadership Team from First Unitarian Church of Des Moines will co-lead this nature walk.
Please let us know if you plan to attend! RSVP here on Meetup and/or email us at centeringnature@ucdsm.org.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, binoculars if you have them, and water and nourishment as needed. Please do not attend if you’re feeling unwell.
10 attendees
Past events
35
