Through a series of indoor and outdoor activities, we'll explore this territory of self, providing us with the opportunity to become more intimate with the fullness of who we are. This may bring into question many of our strongly-held beliefs, may bring us face to face with our fears, or may even dismantle the very notion of self. Activities will include different forms of dialogue, breaking into small groups to spend time in the forest to absorb and reflect on what we learned in dialogue, and some formal sitting meditations.
Tracking an animal into the deep woods can be an adventure of much uncertainty with many challenges requiring physical stamina, mental alertness and good judgment. Journeying inward to explore self can be as arduous as any trek in the forest. You need to be in good physical and psychological condition, have an open mind, and an open heart, and be willing to shed your ideas of the way you think things are.
To prepare for this workshop, we recommend that you read The Wild Within to familiarize you with the concepts we will use. Reading the works of J. Krishnamurti and David Bohm would also be helpful.
Paul Rezendes wrote the excellent Tracking and the Art of Seeing: How to Read Animal Tracks and Sign and The Wild Within. With his wife and partner, Paulette Roy, he co-wroteWetlands: The Web of Life. Paul is a naturalist and internationally published photographer (his beautiful photographs grace his books), and his 30 years of experience make him one of the leading trackers in the country. His love of nature, unique teaching style, sense of humor, and keen observation will change the way you see the natural world.