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GreenSpirit Newsletter
www.greenspirit.org.uk
~ We are a network of people who practise loving our living planet ~
June 2024
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Anam Cara – Online - Daytime
Fortnightly (1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 10am except sometimes in school holidays). Next meetings:
Wednesday 19th June 10:00am
https://www.facebook.com/events/406295755371871
Wednesday 3rd July 10:00am
Wednesday 17th July 10:00am
A gathering of souls who sense they are on a journey; for companionship and support.
Discover and behold one another at the level of the heart. Creating/developing friendships we will extend compassion and aspire toward an authentic, organic spiritual transformational connection of mutual empowerment and blessing — “giving by receiving” and “receiving by giving”.
We will begin each session with a check-in and the creation of sacred space, (with meditation, a reading or silence). Then, maybe with the help of some questions we will share from our hearts and witness the sharing of others.
The zoom link details are:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82932062741?pwd=MjBJcTUyOUhqd2lyYnZibjl4TjZ1QT09
Meeting ID: 829 3206 2741
Passcode: 834410
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Conversation Cafe - online
Thursday 20th June 19:00 - 20:15
https://www.facebook.com/events/2629958100518901
Monday 15th July 10:00 - 11:15
https://www.facebook.com/events/1411759672805379
Wednesday 18th September 19:00 - 20:15
https://www.facebook.com/events/379459881764076
Jenny Joyce & Hilary Norton invite you to join our "Conversation Café" - a simple, hospitable, empathetic space where feelings & uncertainties about our future and the complexities of our world can be safely expressed. World events impact us all in many ways, and it can be hard to share our thoughts and feelings. We don't have the answers, but sharing helps us to build some resilience to deal with inevitable changes. This is an advice-free zone where all feelings are welcome!
Feel free to bring a cuppa, biscuits, etc.
For the zoom link, contact Hilary Norton at: hnorton@greenspirit.org.uk
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Compiled by Santoshan (Stephen Wollaston)
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Reviewed by Chris Holmes.
I confess to loving books of quotations and this is no exception. I counted 78 quotes from 38 authors, which, as the compiler Santoshan (Steve Wollaston) writes, contain ‘numerous key insights which can be seen as the core of Earth-centred wisdom’. Thus the book is a sort of primer of GreenSpirit philosophy, and while each quote is very accessible, easily read and understood in a very short time, each also holds within it much depth and wisdom.
Click here for the full review on the book
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Reviewed by Ian Mowll.
As the title says, this book is about reclaiming the story of England – in particular, forging a new narrative that embodies the diversity of our nation whilst drawing on our history. The author makes the point that ‘being English’ has been, to a certain extent, hijacked by the right wing and this needs to change. A new story is important because it can inspire us to take pride in our country and make it more equal and compassionate.
Click here for the full review.
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Reviewed by Santoshan aka Stephen Wollaston.
The Anthology of Poems for GreenSpirits is the eleventh title in the low-cost GreenSpirit Book Series, compiled by GreenSpirit’s very own Joan Angus, which comes across as a 188-page labour of love, consisting of nine essential sections covering topics such as Seasons, Lifestyles, Relationships, Meeting Nature’s Communities, and Healing.
Joan, who writes poetry herself and is one of the contributors, has been the principal poetry editor of GreenSpirit Magazine for several years, has made it her mission to gather various poems – for both the magazine and this anthology – that resonated with her own Nature-centred outlook.
Click here for the full review.
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Reviewed by Ian Mowll.
GreenSpirit member Lesley Illingworth gave a speech in the House of Commons building to support her art exhibition: Artists and Disability – Oppression: Up Close and Intensive.
Wind back in time and Lesley wrote a speculative letter to the MP Kwasi Kwarteng as part of her campaign to make MPs and the wider public aware of disability rights. To her surprise, Kwasi gave Lesley a 30-minute meeting to put forward her ideas and from this came an art exhibition of Lesley’s work in the House of Commons building. Not only that, but the artwork with supporting text was in the Upper Waiting Room, just by a long corridor of MP’s committee rooms.
Click here for the full review.
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This article was written especially for the GreenSpirit magazine by GreenSpirit Council member Chris Holmes, to coincide with the magazine’s 25th Anniversary Year.
Click here for the full article.
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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.
Insulation
Nearly all houses can benefit from increased insulation, which will not only lower your heating costs but help to reduce global warming, especially if your heating is fossil fuel-based, such as oil, gas or coal. Simple measures such as insulating lofts properly and draft-proofing doors and windows can make a real difference, but it will be worth getting your house evaluated by a specialist who can advise on the possibilities for your property, an idea of costs versus benefits/savings, whether any grants are available, and what other techniques are available such as wall insulation. Even if you have an old (or listed) property with solid walls there are still options (https://mitchellanddickinson.co.uk specialise in period properties, for example).
You can explore a whole range of other possibilities in our Green Action Toolkit at:
https://www.greenspirit.org.uk/saving-life-on-earth/
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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/
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June Image and Quotation
Photo © Nicola Peel
It is because of our connections with nature that we find it so healing and often feel pulled to reflect upon its abundant beauty.
~ Santoshan (Stephen Wollaston)
https://www.greenspirit.org.uk/community-calendar/
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GreenSpirit Annual Gathering 2024
Date for your diary:
18th - 20th October 2024
Shallowford House, Shallowford, Stone, Staffs. ST15 0NZ
https://www.shallowfordhouse.org/
More details in due course.
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East London
Exploration of healing/energy/etc
East London Healing Group
Tuesday 18th June at 1:30pm
It seems that human beings are capable of far more than most of us previously realised. We are exploring self healing and healing others using energy, touch, intention. We're influenced by Joe Dispenza, Jean Houston, Sue Morter, Lynne McTaggart, Richard Gordon, Dawson Church and others.... come and join us learning together locally, E15 3QP, to create intentions together, share about the healing we've experienced and need. Details at:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1185538962809163
Summer Solstice
Friday 21st June at 18:30. 33 Park Road, Stratford, E15 3QP
For the Summer Solstice we will celebrate the great bounty of this time of year and the fire that energises and feeds us; and around a garden bonfire (if weather ok). Bring some poems, stories, songs, etc and maybe food to share; and we will make our own ritual. We will celebrate the turning of the Wheel of the Year. Full details at:
https://www.facebook.com/events/3802726693383772/
More details of the group including contact details here:
https://www.greenspirit.org.uk/localgroups2/east-london/
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Ryedale and Ryedale & Yorkshire Coast
Summer Solstice
June 20th marks the Summer Solstice, the beginning of Summer, a time of healing and empowerment. Rising with the sun on Thursday 20th, (4.32am) provides a significant circle of opportunity to mark the longest day - linking back to our ancestors and helping to clarify and revision our hopes and dreams. Join us if can and if you are able. We’ll gather at 4.15am in Malton – at the usual spot off Castle Howard Road. Message for meeting-point details if you’ve not been before. You’re welcome to share a reading, song, reflection, poem, dance ….!
Click here for full details on facebook including contact via messenger.
Click here for details of the group including contact phone number.
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Talks about GreenSpirit and Green Spirituality
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Want to find out more about GreenSpirit and green spirituality? 3 people offer talks which can be done in-person or often online.
To find out more, click on this link:
https://www.greenspirit.org.uk/talks/
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Spiritual and religious traditions’ teachings about transformation frequently draw upon the symbolism of death and dying to one’s previous self, which is invariably seen as a necessary stage of change and growth to go through in order to awaken to new ways of being.
~ Santoshan (Stephen Wollaston)
Quotation from the Introduction to Dark Nights of the Green Soul: From Darkness to New Horizons. Edited by Ian Mowll and Santoshan (Stephen Wollaston).
Ninth 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.
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Window on Lindow
This year marks 40 years since of the finding of the body of Lindow Man, now recognised as Britain’s most famous bog body. To celebrate this special anniversary, charity Transition Wilmslow, together with the newly formed Lindow Moss Landscape Partnership, the Friends of Lindow Moss and the Guild for Lifelong Learning, is organising a programme of activities from May to December; all details on www.discoverlindow.org
An important component of Discover Lindow will be an Art Trail around Lindow Moss: Window on Lindow.
Initiated and organised by ecologist, artist and friend of the Moss, Phil Barton
(https://philbartonartist.c4cp.net), the Trail will include works by children from five local primary schools and students from Wilmslow High School, as well as installations by Phil and other professional artists (Liz Ellis, Steve Sutton, Juliet Hamilton and Rupert Randall). The work will be on and around the cut over peat bog and will stay in situ from mid-June to late-October.
For full information go to:
https://greenspirit.org.uk/pdf/discover-lindow-2024.pdf
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Soil to Soul - Reconnect to Nature & Rewild Your Soul
15th June 2024 – £90 per person
Join farmers and eco-therapists Tom Mettyear and Mark Sparrow on their organic, regenerative & nature-based Dorset farm, enhancing your connection with nature, farming, food, health and the vitality of your soul.
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On this immersive day on an inspiring farm, you will have the chance to move into a still and peaceful space where you can begin to understand more intimately your relationship with nature and your own true nature. Through sensory experience, nature walks, guided observation and supported meditation, you will have the opportunity to absorb the health & vitality of the land and the chance to sink into a new relationship with the more-than-human world around you. Along the way you will enjoy fabulous food grown, foraged & prepared on the farm.
For a truly immersive experience, the farm campsite will be open on the nights before and after this event exclusively for participants. You can either pitch your tent for free or for £15 per person hire one a beautiful bell tents (you will need to bring your own bedding).
To book please visit www.angelcottageorganics.co.uk or email angelcottage@runbox.uk
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Faith, Hope, Resilience
A reflective day
Saturday 9th November 2024
With Alan Heeks and Simon Lockett
How can we find our steady centre in these uncertain times? Where do we place our faith and our hope? This day of exploration and support will include times of prayer, meditation and sharing, with periods outside for walking contemplation as a micro pilgrimage, and for communing with Nature as a micro vision quest: recognising the power of space and silence.
Our venue is Garn Farm, a conservation smallholding and woodland near Longtown, in a beautiful valley overlooking the Black Mountains. See more at www.warmthandwonder.co.uk.
Alan Heeks has many years' experience exploring Nature and faith as sources of resilience, and is deeply interested in how communities can deepen to help us adapt to climate change.
Simon Lockett is a pioneer in re-introducing pilgrimage to Herefordshire, and has a long-standing love for contemplative prayer and spiritual connection with the natural world.
Practicalities
• Cost: £40, concessions £25. Bring lunch to share.
• Timing: Arrive 9.30am for 10am start. Finish 4.30pm.
• Bookings/enquiries: Contact Alan Heeks, alanheeks@gmail.com, 07494 203014. Group size limited to 12 people.
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Changing our Minds: Connecting to Country
A season of free on-line conversations from St James' Piccadilly, London.
We are living in a polycrisis that threatens to overwhelm us. We need profound change in our understanding and behaviour if future generations are to have a liveable future. The ancient Greeks had a word for this kind of change: Metanoia, a transformative change of heart or spiritual conversion.
The Australian continent and Torres Strait Islands are home to the oldest continuous indigenous cultures in the world, spanning 300 language groups and tens of thousands of years of sustainable living.
In this second series of online conversations exploring ways into an Ecozoic future, four respected Australian elders share their experience, commitments and visions.
Click here for the webpage.
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Photo © inLite studio/shutterstock.com
In recognizing our power over the tiny lives we often don’t even perceive, Nature grants us an opportunity to develop respect and consideration in every footstep. It also offers an awareness of our individual strength.
~ Eric Alan.
Quotation from Deep Green Living edited by Marian Van Eyk McCain. 6th 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
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Marian Van Eyk McCain - Green Lifestyle, Gaian Spirituality and Writing Books
Interview by Leslie Tate - Author and Poet
Click here for the interview.
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Getting the climate story right: 2024 General Election
by Climate Outreach
Click here for the page for the download link
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Spiritual Ecology Conference
Saturday 29th June 2024
St Ethelburga's 78 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AG
Click here for full details.
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Exhibition: The Goddess, the Deity & the Cyborg
Murray Edwards College, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge. CB3 0DF
8th March - 8th September
Including art work by GreenSpirit member Juliet Wimhurst
Click here for details.
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The Deeptime Cafe
A chance to connect with other Deeptimers
July and August are free and open to all.
Second Thursday, 7-8 pm ET; Third Friday, 12-1 pm ET
(That is Eastern Time, USA)
Full details at:
https://dtnetwork.org/product/deeptime-cafe/
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London Permaculture Festival 2024
Sunday 7th July 11am - 6pm
Cecil Sharp House, Camden
Click here for full details and tickets
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Resurgence Summer Camp
Friday 12th - Sunday 14th July 2024
Green & Away, The Fold, Bransford, Worcester, WR6 5JB
Click here for full details.
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GreenSpirit
137 Ham Park Road, Forest Gate, London
United Kingdom
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You received this email because you signed up on our website or joined GreenSpirit.
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