Interdependence Weekend - Zen and Bird Retreat

For this weekend we will be emphasizing how our interdependnce with each other, other species, and Earth's systems call forth from us a commitment to Unconditional Solidarity as a path for societal and individual transformation. In this age of extinction, ecosystem collapse, and dysfunctional politics, Zen and birding offer two ways to cultivate our spirits and connect us to wellsprings of peace and hope.

Sit. Bird.
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During our time together we will introduce Zen practice and engage in nature and birding mindfulness exercises (journal, walk, reflect). You will experience nature and birds, learn about transformative conservation and Unconditional Solidarity and engage in caring for yourself and all beings. Our goal is a restorative community, during our time together and for the future.
(in collaboration with One Earth Conservation and One Earth Zen).

You can come for a partial day, spend the night, or spend the entire weekend.

Led by:

Rev. Meredith Garmon, PhD, and Rev. LoraKim Joyner, DVM
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Meredith is a former assistant professor of philosophy, then was a Unitarian Universalist minister for 21 years, and now, as an Associate Zen Teacher (Open Mind Zen), leads One Earth Zen.
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LoraKim is a wildlife veterinarian, parrot conservationist, Certified Trainer in Nonviolent Communication, and Unitarian Universalist Community Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia.
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Logistics:
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Costs: $10 for each of the vegetarian meals. Meredith will be the chief cook and we all will contribute with preparation and clean up. If you wish to spend the night, we ask for $35 a night.

You can pay when you arrive by check, cash, Zelle, Paypal, or Venmo.

RSVP: Let us know as soon as you can if you wil come, and for how long.

Contact us to arrangement payment and for more information.
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Schedule Draft: (we are open to ideas on how to plan this together to meet your needs and goals):

Friday:​
Evening meal - 6 p.m.
Evening nature and zen meditation - 7:30 p.m.

Saturday:
Sunrise birding from the porch with coffee - 5:30 a.m. (optional of course)
Bird/nature walk - 7:00 a.m.
Breakfast - 8:00 a.m.
Zen practice - 9:30 a.m.
Lunch- 12 p.m.
Free time - 1: p.m.
Unconditional Solidarity: A Practice and a Commitment - 3 p.m.
Dinner: - 6 p.m.
Zen practice - 7:30 p.m.

Sunday:
Sunrise birding from the porch with coffee - 5:30 a.m. (optional of course)
Bird/nature walk - 7:00 a.m.
Breakfast - 8:00 a.m.
Zen practice - 9:30 a.m.
Closing Conversation - 11 a.m.
Lunch- 12 p.m.