|
|
|
|
GreenSpirit Newsletter
www.greenspirit.org.uk
~ We are a network of people who practise loving our living planet ~
November 2023
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GreenSpirit Calendar 2024:
Living with the Seasons
https://www.greenspirit.org.uk/community-calendar
The 2024 GreenSpirit Calendar: Living with the Seasons is now on sale.
If you are a GreenSpirit member, you will receive the calendar as part of your membership subscription. The calendar should be sent to you in November. You can join GreenSpirit here:
https://www.greenspirit.org.uk/join-us/
Anyone (including non members) can buy one or more copies of the calendar by credit/debit card or cheque (in the UK). The cost is:
* £9.00 by post in the UK
* £14.50 by post overseas
To pay by credit/debit card, go to:
https://greenspirit.enthuse.com/calendar2024#!/
To pay by cheque in the UK please make your cheque payable to “GreenSpirit” and include the address that you want the calendar(s) sent to. Send your cheque and details to GreenSpirit, 137 Ham Park Road, Forest Gate, London. E7 9LE.
Please allow up to 3 weeks for delivery in the UK and abroad. To guarantee your calendar by Christmas, please order your calendar by 4th December if you are in the UK and by 20th November outside the UK.
|
|
|
|
Advent - online
Monday 4th
December at 19:00 - 20:15 GMT
The beauty of the Advent season could easily be lost as, for many, it is the four-week, headlong rush to Christmas— a crazy-busy season of to-do lists... Many keep the December darkness at arm’s length, but humanity has a deep, inner congruence with the rhythms of the natural world, and the symbolism of Advent is beautifully aligned to the natural season leading to the Winter Solstice — the play of light and dark, the waiting, even a kind of deep and prophetic longing. Celebrate the quiet pull of the dark and light with us. Bring a candle, readings, songs, or something to share with us all.
The facebook event is at:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1693237207849054
Join us on Zoom to celebrate Advent. The zoom details are:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84079414983?pwd=cHFmYld6cFl6OUl0UkJlMnpYMEhndz09
Meeting ID: 840 7941 4983
Passcode: 413541
|
|
|
|
Winter Solstice - online
Monday 18th
December at 19:00 GMT
December is a holy month. The dark, silky silence that descends so early each day speaks of reverence. The promise that December holds — no matter how dark, how cold, how empty it can get, is that the light is coming back. We embrace the darkness and are eager for the coming Solstice when the whole world is “standing still” and holds its breath, waiting for light to be reborn. This sense of stopping, of the (temporary) deadness of the natural world, is central to our understanding of midwinter, and is fed every year, by our experience of what’s (not) going on outside in the natural world.
The facebook event is at:
https://www.facebook.com/events/6655560214493768
Join us on Zoom to celebrate the Winter Solstice. The zoom details are:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84079414983?pwd=cHFmYld6cFl6OUl0UkJlMnpYMEhndz09
Meeting ID: 840 7941 4983
Passcode: 413541
|
|
|
|
GreenSpirit Online Climate Café
Tuesday 5th December 2023 10:30am - 11:45am
https://www.facebook.com/events/325810210001767/
Jenny Joyce & Hilary Norton invite you to join our "Climate Café" - a simple, hospitable, empathetic space where fears & uncertainties about our climate & ecological crisis can be safely expressed. The climate emergency impacts us all in many ways, and it can be hard to share our thoughts and feelings. This is an advice-free zone where all feelings are welcome!
If you can bring an object which represents some of the feelings you may want to express.... a stone, dried leaves, shell, anything you'd like to show us .....
Feel free to bring a cuppa, biscuits, etc. For the zoom link, please email hnorton(at)greenspirit.org.uk.
|
|
|
|
Book Reviews
https://www.greenspirit.org.uk/bookreviews2/
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
by Amy-Jane Beer
Reviewed by Janice Every.
Amy-Jane Beer takes us on a journey of rivers, mostly in the UK, interweaving their flow with her memories – of rivers, studying them, kayaking and swimming them, and just being present with them. The rivers wind through memories of her childhood, friendships and travel.
Click here for the full review.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
by James Bridle
Reviewed by Ian Mowll.
In this book, James Bridle explores the fascinating, uncanny, and multiple ways of existing on Earth. He says that we need to expand our definition of intelligence and personhood to include the non-human world, and to build a more harmonious relationship with it.
Click here for the full review.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
|
|
|
|
Living Earth – News and Reflections from GreenSpirits
www.greenspirit.org.uk/blog3/
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Quiet Garden movement has been in existence for over thirty years, making it more or less contemporaneous with GreenSpirit. The movement arose from the vision of an Anglican priest, Philip Roderick, who saw a need for making the retreat experience available as part of everyday life. Retreat houses are great, but are beyond the means of many and require a time commitment which is not always possible.
Click here for the full article.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
|
|
|
|
GreenSpirit Book
Edited by Marian Van Eyk McCain
Click here to read the introduction of Deep Green Living.
Beyond simply living green there is an even more radical way to live. And that is to understand, with your entire mind and body and soul, that you are not simply ‘on’ the planet, you are an intrinsic part of the planet.
Click here for full details of the book and how to buy it.
|
|
|
|
|
https://www.greenspirit.org.uk/saving-life-on-earth/
Make a Difference One Small Step at a Time
There are so many little things we can all do to reduce our impact on Planet Earth, live more ethically and lower our carbon footprint to help reduce climate change. It may seem overwhelming but by tackling things one small step at a time we can all make a difference. In each newsletter we’ll focus on just one action you can think about tackling today.
Borrowing Schemes
There are so many items we own and yet use rarely – such as power tools, ladders, carpet cleaning machines, decorating equipment, vehicle servicing tools etc. Not only are they expensive to buy in the first place, but their manufacture often has a high carbon footprint for the amount of use we get out of them. As your neighbours are likely to have the same tools, try setting up informal borrowing schemes between a group of you. Alternatively join a larger local scheme or consider hiring from a tool-hire facility rather than buying outright.
You can explore a whole range of other possibilities in our Green Action Toolkit at:
https://www.greenspirit.org.uk/saving-life-on-earth/
|
|
|
|
|
by Chris Holmes
Read all about this history of GreenSpirit, it's origins and influences. This article has been graphically upgraded on the website.
Click here to see the article.
|
|
|
|
Join GreenSpirit
Including the magazine, GreenSpirit calendar: living with the seasons, GreenSpirit members email newsletter and many other advantages.
£24 per annum or £12 for internet (paperless) subscribers or concessionary rate in the UK.
Click here to find out more and to join
Plus:
Free book when you join GreenSpirit!
Join GreenSpirit and you will receive a free copy of What is Green Spirituality? along with the GreenSpirit magazine, calendar and all of the other advantages of membership. See all of the advantages of membership here:
https://www.greenspirit.org.uk/join-us/#benefits
What is Green Spirituality? describes and illustrates, through the well-blended voices of thirteen writers, the basic concepts and expressions of this growing kind of spiritual attitude in today’s world – what it is, where it comes from and who practises it. More details at:
https://www.greenspirit.org.uk/books-greenspirit-book-series/#wigs
To join GreenSpirit, click on the link below:
https://www.greenspirit.org.uk/join-us/
|
|
|
|
|
November Image and Quotation
Photo © Phil Barton
All that is sweet, delightful, and amiable in this world,
in the serenity of the air, the fineness of seasons,
the joy of light, the melody of sounds, the beauty of colours,
the fragrancy of smells, the splendour of precious stones,
is nothing else but Heaven breaking through the veil of this world.
~ William Law
https://www.greenspirit.org.uk/community-calendar/
|
|
|
|
|
A full list of local groups is here:
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
East London
Winter Solstice - Wednesday 20th December 2023 6pm onwards. (33 Park Road Stratford, E15 3QP)
December is a holy month. The dark, silky silence that descends so early each day speaks of reverence. The promise that December holds — no matter how dark, how cold, how empty it can get, is that the light is coming back. Please bring a song, poem, reading or something you’d like to share, maybe seasonal foliage or some food to share. We will share a Solstice ritual and then some food and mulled wine together.
Imbolc - Saturday February 3rd 2024 6pm for a simple meal and 7pm for the ritual. (Ian’s house: 137 Ham Park Road, London, E7 9LE)
Imbolc, also known as Candlemas, occurs at the beginning of February. It marks the middle of Winter and holds the promise of Spring. Please bring any readings, songs, seasonal foliage and a candle. Contact Hilary or Ian if you would like to come, it helps with catering.
Full details of these events with contact details are here:
https://www.greenspirit.org.uk/localgroups2/east-london/
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Help with Local Groups
If you would like some mentoring around starting or running a local group, Chris Newsam (newcircles12(at)gmail.com or tel: 01653 693913) is happy to help.
Hilary Norton (hnorton(at)greenspirit.org.uk or tel: 07957 318501) is happy to help update your website presence on the GreenSpirit local groups website: www.greenspirit.org.uk/localgroups2
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Starting up a GreenSpirit Local Group
Have you thought of starting up your own GreenSpirit Local Group? People are often looking for meaningful contact with others who share green spiritual values. You can style your group in the way that you want, be that following the Celtic Wheel of the Year, meditations, reading group, walks in Nature, discussion group, circle dances – or whatever it is that inspires you. Here are some ideas for meetings:
www.greenspirit.org.uk/localgroups2/resources/ideas-for-meetings/
And here is a page with ideas for online/zoom meetings:
www.greenspirit.org.uk/localgroups2/resources/ideas-for-meetings/ideas-for-zoom-meetings/
And this is what you need to do to start a local group:
https://www.greenspirit.org.uk/localgroups2/about/
If you want to know more or have any questions about starting a GreenSpirit group, please contact:
Hilary Norton: hilarynorton(at)btinternet.com tel: 07957 318501
Chris Newsam: newcircles12(at)gmail.com tel: 01653 693913
Ian Mowll: info(at)greenspirit.org.uk tel: 0208 552 2096
|
|
|
|
|
Indigenous thinking locates human beings as deeply embedded within and dependent on the land, a relationship which requires a constant dialogue between humans and the plants, the animals, and the spirits of the winds and stars. This viewpoint takes as its starting position a deep knowing that the world is alive; I am part of it, and it is part of me.
~ Donna Ladkin.
Quotation from Pathways of Green Wisdom: Discovering Earth Centred Teachings in Spiritual and Religious Traditions edited by Santoshan (Stephen Wollaston).
Fifth title in the GreenSpirit book series, which is a low-cost series that offers ebook editions ‘free’ for members of GreenSpirit.
For more details of this book visit the GreenSpirit Book Series web page here.
Or find out about the whole book series on the facebook page here.
|
|
|
|
Elderhood: A Sacred, Earthy Calling?
A men's peer group: 1st - 3rd December 2023
Llanthony Valley, Black Mountains, Wales
We're living in a world of rising crisis and turmoil. We're growing older, we have some talents and resources, but limited time here. How do we use them? What's the balance between nourishing our souls/the inner life, and doing what we can for the troubles around us? Is elderhood, and the fellowship of elders, a path that can help?
This will be a peer group for a maximum of seven men, organised by Alan Heeks : we will shape the way we use the time together. Our venue is Trwyn Tal, a 30-acre hill farm with amazing views and upland walks, set in the sacred landscape of the Llanthony Valley, about half an hour from Abergavenny (nearest train station), and about 1.5 hours from Bristol by car. Cost £155 plus food. For more info or bookings, please contact Alan Heeks: alanheeks@gmail.com or 07494 203014.
|
|
|
|
A Haiku for every Day of the Year
In this book, the rhythm of the seasons are reflected in both the author's Haiku and photographs of the local area. There is also an awareness throughout of the impact of the Covid pandemic and global concerns of the time, interspersed with a little humour.
To buy a copy of this book, contact the author - Karina Russell on tel: 07422 964737 email: karina.russell@phonecoop.coop
|
|
|
|
|
Photo © Pavelk/shutterstock.com.
Eden, I think, is not simply a mythical place, or a metaphor for original innocence, or an outworn and divisive religious symbol. Eden is a state of being, and we are free to return every time we know ourselves again in deep communion with the rest of life.
~ Eleanor O’Hanlon.
Quotation from All Our Relations: GreenSpirit – Connections with the More-than-Human World edited by Marian Van Eyk McCain.
Second title in the GreenSpirit book series, which is a low-cost series that offers ebook editions ‘free’ for members of GreenSpirit.
For more details of this book visit the GreenSpirit Book Series web page here.
Or find out about the whole book series on the facebook page here.
|
|
|
|
In Brief
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Global Day of Action for Climate Justice for COP 28
Saturday 9th December - Save the date
Click here for more details
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Climate Consciousness Summit 2023
Join Pocket Project Online at the UN Climate Change Conference
1st - 10th December 2023
https://pocketproject.org/climate-consciousness-summit/
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Seeking The Light & Truth Within: Felicity Warner & Sacred Oils
Interview by Rev Helen James with Felicity Warner. Felicity is the founder of Soul Midwives and Principal of the Soul Midwives School. Author or 'Gentle Dying', 'A Safe Journey Home', 'The Soul Midwives Handbook' & 'Sacred Oils'. See the interview in this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6dDZ89OGTw
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Veganic Gardeners Question Time - 25th October 2023
See the catch-up video of this online event at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktBK5ODV9ks
Includes how to grow organically using only plant-based fertilisers.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Space to Emerge
3rd - 6th May 2024
Fellfoot Wood, Newby Bridge, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8NN.
https://www.spacetoemerge.com/
At Space to Emerge, we aim to create a community to restore community.
Setting up our camp in the beauty of a bluebell wood overlooking Lake Windermere, we are a coming together of people who are awakening to a different sense of being on this Earth.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Treeapp
Plant trees for free by watching ads on this app from sustainable brands or choose to fund trees. Find out more at:
https://www.thetreeapp.org/#app-section
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dose of Nature
A registered charity established to promote the mental health benefits of engaging with the natural world. Find out more at:
https://www.doseofnature.org.uk/
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Resurgence Festival of Wellbeing
Missed the event? Information about the event and videos can be purchased in due course at:
https://resurgenceevents.org/wellbeing23
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The New Ecozoic Reader: Special Issue:
Reflections on the book Cosmogenesis by Brian Swimme
https://ecozoicstudies.org/the-new-ecozoic-reader/
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Wonderful youtube video about the New Forest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oP84ZfhoEY
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
8 Out Of 10 Bats
A platform for young and diverse voices
A series by Chris Packham
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFBhM7mr3JiFXFWLfMgO7GQ
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Eric Maddern, a man of the woods with a fascinating story from Cae Mabon
Click here for the podcast
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Collected Thoughts of Thomas Berry
On October 20, 2023, the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology celebrated its 25th anniversary. In celebration, the Forum began releasing to the public some rare Thomas Berry content, including this collection of audio recordings titled “The Collected Thoughts of Thomas Berry.”
Listen to the audio recordings here
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
|
|
|
|
GreenSpirit
137 Ham Park Road, Forest Gate, London
United Kingdom
|
|
You received this email because you signed up on our website or joined GreenSpirit.
|
|
|
|
|
