Philosophy of Nature Day Retreat in Washougal, WA

Philosophy of Nature Day Retreat

Where:
At TreeSong Nature Awareness and Retreat Center, along the Washougal River, WA. (TreeSong is about a one hour drive from Portland, OR)

When:
April 21, 2018 (11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

Description:
What is the relationship between human beings and nature? A long tradition in Western Philosophy has depicted nature as something separate from, and inferior to humanity. Connected to this idea is the long-standing notion that nature is of instrumental value to human beings, but has no intrinsic value of its own that is worthy of our respect and care. In this workshop we will critically examine this tradition and the ways that it permeates our world, and we will work to move beyond it.

We will start our day together with an interactive lecture on the Western tradition of the philosophy of nature, and discuss the ways in which old beliefs and norms remain alive for us today. Then we will break for lunch and return to consider some passages from contemporary environmental ethicists that will inspire us to rethink the value of nature, and how we might cultivate a deeper connection with the natural world.

We’ll then have a chance to creatively experiment with prompts inspired by our contemporary authors, and spend some time “being present” in nature on the grounds of TreeSong and nearby trails. We’ll return from our meditative time outdoors to discuss our experiences and set intentions for creating stronger connections with nature in our everyday lives.

Cost: $60
TreeSong Nature Awareness and Retreat Center Handles Registration and Payment for this Retreat.
See TreeSong's webpage about the retreat here.

"Self-realization in its absolute maximum is,
as I see it, the mature experience of oneness in diversity"
Arne Naess, Deep Ecologist

Bring with you:
sack lunch
rain coat and waterproof shoes
hat and gloves (just in case)
watch or timepiece
journal/notebook you can write and draw in

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