Centre for Ecology and Spirituality
|
||
SACRED EARTH:
|
In June 2000 the Christian Brothers established a Centre for Ecology and Spirituality at Glenburn, not far from Yarra Glen. The Centre is born from a conviction that creation has blessed us with the gift of the Universe, of which we are a part, that provides a spiritual wholeness flowing from the flora, fauna and all the matter and life forms of Earth and space. This leads us to a caring for and kinship with Earth and its life, and an openness to discover the divine in all things and at every level of nature.
There are several strands to the theoretical concept of the Centre for Ecology and Spirituality. One comes from the new cosmology, or the newly discovered story of how the universe began and the emerging place of humanity in this story. The new cosmology situates the human in a highly connected web of life and demands a new look at the moral and mystical link between nature and mankind.
Another strand is related to this. The current exploitation of the Earth's resources and the pollution of its living systems is so urgent, that any educational or religious institution must take a strong stand to encourage sustainable living. There are both personal and political implications in such a stand.
Lastly, our Western traditional spirituality needs to expand to include lifestyle changes and sensitivities to creation, learning from the indigenous traditions and reviving much of the Celtic tradition of many white Australians. There is a notion of a holistic spirituality which recognises and celebrates the Earth, its life-forms and its seasons, the wisdom of women and of the body, and the presence of the divine at all levels of nature.
The Centre for Ecology and Spirituality is situated in bushland at Glenburn, halfway between Yarra Glen and Yea, just off the Melba Highway and an hour and a quarter's drive from Melbourne.
A small community house and a larger guest house are set in 15 acres of forested land, with a creek as one boundary. The community currently consists of two Christian Brothers, and the guest house can sleep up to 8 people in 5 comfortable bedrooms. Day groups of a larger size can also use the Centre. Besides a program of retreats and workshops set out for the year, the Centre is open for individual or small groups to stay e.g. staff planning days, workshops, team meetings, retreats. Input and spiritual companionship are available if required.
The two resident Brothers, Trevor Parton and Leonard Sheahan are also available to visit schools wherever there is an interest in the areas of ecology and spirituality. Their phone number is (03) 5797 8532, and email address centreecology@bigpond.com
GLENBURN PROGRAM - 2008
Feb 3-Apr 12 - Sacred Earth Course
Sacred Earth is an annual ten-week residential course in Ecological and Holistic Spirituality. Details are available in a separate brochure and on the website.
Feb 9 - Scrapbooking and Journaling Workshop
Conducted by Pauline D’Astoli. 9.30am -3.00pm ($40)
Feb16 - Permaculture Workshop
A day on the basics of permaculture design. ($30)
Feb 23 - Silk Scarf Painting Workshop
Basic and advanced techniques. Take home 3 scarves. ($50)
Mar 1 - Art as Spirituality Workshop
Art is a process that can surprise us into an awareness of the riches we hold within. No artistic ability required. ($30)
Mar 8 - Harvest Festival (Equinox)
A day of planting, harvesting and ritual. Vegetarian recipes. ($30)
Mar 10 - Walk the Land - Glenburn
Bushwalking in the hills near Gleburn; then a shared picnic lunch and a discussion. Optional pick-up by minibus at Lilydale Station at 10am. (no charge)
Mar 23 - Easter Sunday (Equinox)
Mar 29 - Sustainable Living Workshop
Resources and hints for living more sustainably at home. Participants receive take-home items. ($40)
Apr 5 - Walk the Land (see website for details)
Apr 8 - The Universe Story
The amazing story of cosmogenesis. 10.00am-1.00pm Part One of a series at Wellsprings Centre , Ashburton.(Ph:9885 0277)
Apr 15–24 - Lake Mungo/Flinders Retreat
May 10 - Walk the Land (see website for details)
May 16-18 - Wellsprings Retreat Weekend
A retreat on Ecospirituality, the privileged meeting place for all religious traditions. All welcome. Book through Wellsprings www.wellspringscentre.org.au (Ph:9885 0277)
May 30-Jun 1 - Deep Ecology Retreat/Workshop
Experiences of Council of all Beings, Cosmic walk and other processes of connection to Earth. ($135)
Jun 3 - The Spiritual Challenge of the Ecological Age.
An ecological sensitivity can nurture our prayer life and re-connect the culture to Earth. (7.30pm-9.30pm) Part Two of a series at Wellsprings Centre, Ashburton.(Ph:9885 0277)
Jun 15-21- Retreat 1 - Theme: The Earth Charter
A plan for humans to live sustainabily and spiritually in the Earth Community. ($410)
Jun 21 - Cosmic Day – (Winter Solstice)
A day devoted to talks and discussion on The New Story of the Cosmos as interpreted to us through the works of Thomas Berry and Brian Swimme. Celebrate the Winter Solstice.(9.30am.- 3.30pm. Lunch provided. Fee: $30)
July 11-13 - EarthSong Retreat: New Heart, New Mind.
A weekend retreat conducted by the EarthSong Core Group, complementing the programs provided by the group. See www.earthsong.org.au ($135)
Aug 3–9 Retreat 2 - Theme: Deep Ecology & Spirituality.
A deeper look at our ecological connections and the challenges it makes for our spirituality. (Fee:$410)
Aug 10-14 - Pastoral Associates Retreat
A quiet 4-day retreat, with opportunities for reflection, reading and meditation. ($280)
Aug 24–30 Retreat 3 - Theme: Eco-Spirituality
Walks and meditations in the beautiful forests and hills of the area. ($410)
Sep 6 - Walk the Land (see website for details)
Sep 20–26 Retreat 4 - Theme: The Earth Mystics.
Lectures, readings and meditation around the thinking of the Earth mystics of many traditions. Hildegard, Eckhart, Rumi, Hafiz, Merton. (also celebrate the Equinox) (Fee:$410)
Sep 27–Oct 3 Retreat 5 - Theme: Eco-Justice.
Justice and compassion in the context of a revelatory and sacred Earth Community. Activism.(Fee:$410)
Oct 14 - Ecology: Mysticism and Activism
How do we live in a way that is rich in spirituality and also in healthy response to the challenges of sustainable living? Part III of a series at Wellsprings, Centre, Ashburton. (10.00am-1.00pm)(Ph:9885 0277)
Oct 17–19 - Fire, Earth, Air, Water Weekend
Cosmology for the 21st Century. A look at the Universe Story and the new cosmology - dramatising and ritualising it. The Council of all Beings as an experience of deep ecology. (Commences 8.00pm Oct.17 Concludes 3.00pm Oct.19 Fee: $135)
Oct 19–23 - Earth Retreat (4 Day)
The Earth Retreat (4-day) is a time of reflection, walking and working in nature, reading and discussion on aspects of Earth Spirituality. (Fee $280) Note: It is possible to combine the above weekend and retreat into a six-day retreat.
Nov 16–22 - Retreat 6. Theme: Eco-Spirituality.
The Great Work by Thomas Berry. What might we be in the future if we take up this ecological spiritual challenge? (Fee:$410)
Dec 13 - Day of Reflection (Summer Solstice)
A day of reflection and review for the year. May be used as part of the pre-Christmas Retreat. (9.30 am - 4.00pm Lunch provided) ($30)
Dec 14–17 3-Day Retreat
An opportunity to spend a day or two at the end of a busy year in some quiet and reflection as a preparation for the Feast of Christmas. Relax in the pleasant Glenburn surroundngs. ($75 per day)
Enquiries: Centre for Ecology & Spirituality, 183 Burns Rd Glenburn 3717 Ph: 5797 8532
Email: centreecology@bigpond.com