Soul Rewilding - reconnecting to nature around London

"The radical otherness of birds is integral to their beauty and their value. They are always among us but never of us. Their indifference to us ought to serve as a chastening reminder that we’re not the measure of all things.” Jonathan Franzen

The dawn chorus is like a never-ending wave of thanksgiving and joy that goes round the earth 24 hours a day, seven days a week and fifty-two weeks of the year. Science tells us there are three reasons why birds sing: to advertise their strengths, to attract a mate and to defend territory. How reductionist. That's only half the story! Birds sing because they can. It's their gift, their song of thanks and joy. Thanks that they have survived the night, the cold, the predators.

This vigil is an opportunity to experience the beauty and mystery of dawn chorus birdsong in spring as it first emerges and then climbs to a joyous crescendo. The vigil is followed by a talk and discussion about birdsong, the folklore and spirituality of birds and their place in creation.

Wrap up warm bring a blanket and a sit mat to ensure you're warm and comfortable. We'll meet at the entrance to the Tooting Common Athletics track at 4.15 am. Hot tea provided.

"The radical otherness of birds is integral to their beauty and their value. They are always among us but never of us. Their indifference to us ought to serve as a chastening reminder that we’re not the measure of all things.” Jonathan Franzen

The dawn chorus is like a never-ending wave of thanksgiving and joy that goes round the earth 24 hours a day, seven days a week and fifty-two weeks of the year. Science tells us there are three reasons why birds sing: to advertise their strengths, to attract a mate and to defend territory. How reductionist. That's only half the story! Birds sing because they can. It's their gift, their song of thanks and joy. Thanks that they have survived the night, the cold, the predators.

This vigil is an opportunity to experience the beauty and mystery of dawn chorus birdsong in spring as it first emerges and then climbs to a joyous crescendo. The vigil is followed by a talk and discussion about birdsong, the spirituality and folklore of birds and their place in creation.

Wrap up warm bring a blanket and a sit mat to ensure you're warm and comfortable. we'll meet at the entrance to the Tooting Common Athletics track at 4.15 am

"Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth." Herman Hesse

Walking with trees is a soulful opportunity to begin to re-discover the sacredness of nature by learning about the biology, mythology, history and spirituality of classic native British trees on Ashtead Common.
Please arrive at 9.45am on Saturday 9th May at Ashtead train station ticket hall for a prompt start at 10am. We will finish by 12pm.

We will be taking a relaxed mindful walk across Ashtead Common as we connect with different trees on our way.

Wear sturdy shoes, comfortable clothing and depending on the weather, a rain proof coat. Bring a sitting pad, portable seat, or rug to sit on as well as something to drink.

Walking with trees is led by Mike Mullins, a leadership development facilitator, executive coach and retreat leader who has a passionate interest in how we can see and hold all nature as sacred in these times of ecological crisis.