Practicing in Nature
Sunday August 3, 2025
9:00am - 2:30pm
Ragle Ranch Park
500 Ragle Road, Sebastopol
We will walk, sit, create, and otherwise immerse ourselves in the beauty that surrounds us with gratitude and wonder.
Meet at the Lions Grove Picnic area, Ragle Ranch Park (directions at bottom of page).
Dana is gratefully accepted.
The day will begin with an opening ritual as we set our intention for the day, followed by mindful silent walking on mostly flat and shaded trails, for a little more than a mile distance. There will be an Earth-honoring Service as we return to the picnic area.
There will be a role for a few folk who feel unable to walk but want to be a part of the day, who will stay at the picnic area, which is mostly shaded.
After a brown-bag lunch, we will engage in a creative activity that arises out of place and our experience, with small-group sharing and a closing ritual.
Gretchen and Shelly, with Chris, will guide the day.
Things to bring: Brown-bag lunch, water, sun hat and/or screen, comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, rakusus for the service, a folding/camp chair for sitting in the picnic area, which also has picnic tables.
Contact Gretchen for more information.
SCHEDULE
9:00am- Arrive Lions Grove Group Picnic Area, Welcome and Brief Orientation
9:30am- Opening Ritual, silent mindful walk
11:30am- Earth Dedication Service
12:00pm- Brown-bag lunch
1:00pm- Creative activity
2:15pm- Small-group sharing
2:30pm- Closing Ritual
End of day
ECOSATTVA VOW
by Joanna Macy
Based on my love of the world and understanding of deep interdependence of all things,
I vow:
To live in Earth more lightly and less violently in the food, products and energy I consume.
To commit myself daily to the healing of the world and the welfare of all beings; to discern and replace human systems of oppression and harm.
To invite personal discomfort as an opportunity to share in the challenge of our collective liberation.
To draw inspiration, strength and guidance from the living Earth, ancestors and the future generations, as well as siblings of all species.
To help others in their work for the world and to ask for help when I feel the need.
To pursue a daily spiritual practice that clarifies my mind, strengthens my heart and supports me in observing these vows.
Ragle Ranch is a Regional Park that requires a $8.00 fee to park. If you would prefer not to pay, there is parking available on Ragle Road and Covert Lane, just allow yourself more time to walk into the park.
After you enter the park, make the first right into the parking lot.
Take the paved path towards the volleyball nets and ball field.
The path will curve to the left uphill and you will arrive at the Lions Grove Group Picnic Area (picnic tables under Redwood Trees).
Call Shelly if you need help locating the Lions Grove
