Day Program: Mindful Birding Workshop
July 28, 2024
Day Program, Four Seasons: Nature Retreats, Meditation & Mindfulness, On Land Retreats
Mindful Birding Experience – When Nature Greets the Soul
Mindful birding is a practice that combines the joys of birdwatching with the benefits of mindfulness. Exposure to nature is linked to many health benefits and by learning to appreciate the natural world we can find peace in our daily lives while enjoying the beauty of nature. Mindfulness combines Eastern philosophy with Western science and is the practice of purposefully focusing our attention on the present moment. Using birds as our guides creates a sense of curiosity, wonder, and awe.
Due to our innate connection with nature, mindful birdwatching is a source of peace for our hearts and minds. For our ancestors, however, having an in-depth awareness of and understanding of birds and nature was vital because it informed them of happening in the wilderness. This practice referred to as “bird language” is still part of the culture of many native communities, such as the San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert, and some Amazon rainforest communities. In our modern lives, we may not need this practice to survive, but we can tune into the language of our winged companions and gain great pleasure and insights from their conversations.
Come to Drala Mountain Center for an introduction to mindful birding and a more in-depth study of bird language. By embracing these practices participants enrich their lives through peaceful contemplation, receive the health benefits of the outdoors, and contribute to the preservation and appreciation of our natural heritage and our environment.
This 2.5 hour workshop will be outdoors. Please dress for the weather, bring water, and binoculars are optional.
Program Schedule:
Registration: 9:30am
Program: 10:00am – 12:30pm
Lunch: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Location:
Participants will meet at the Guest Services Cabin. After entering the main gate, just past the stop sign across from the main parking area, you’ll see the Guest Services Cabin on the right. Please park in the main lot (to your left, across from Guest Services) and walk to Guest Services.
Extend Your Experience:
Consider staying overnight to enjoy the sacred land of DMC for a bit longer!
Additional Reading:
“Seeing Through Native Eyes: Understanding the Language of Nature” by Jon Young, John Gallagher and Walker Korby
Blog Post: https://soulagencylife.com/blogs/news/how-ornitherapy-can-improve-your-mental-health-and-well-being
https://soulagencylife.com/blogs/news/book-review-the-nature-fix-by-florence-williams
https://soulagencylife.com/blogs/news/mindfulness-as-a-tool-to-healing
Your Guide
Dr. Barb Patterson
Barbara has over thirty years of experience teaching outdoor education. As a professor of Ornithology in the Natural Resources Department at Front Range Community College and a graduate of the Kamana Wilderness Awareness Native Ways of Knowing Program, Barb has intertwined her natural science background with native philosophy.