An Urban Dive into Deep Nature Connection Practices

The old ways are new again for the many now seeking to (re)learn the skills, practices and mindsets of our ancestors – everything from our food to footwear.

It’s a movement that’s become known as ‘rewilding’; a return to a wilder or more natural, instinctive way of being. In contrast to the ‘back to the land’ movement of the 70’s, rewilding is as much urban as it is rural – wildness rather than wilderness.

Learning daily practices to ground ourselves in the rhythms of nature, and acquainting ourselves with the plants, animals, and elements  of our bioregion, we can begin to cultivate deep connection with earth wisdom, ourselves and each other.

Are you ready to create time for deep connection in your life?

Rewild Fridays is an ongoing program dedicated to exploring deep nature connection practices, nature play and traditional earth skills within a small group.

Together we will explore and experiment with practices and activities that will serve to embed us further into the land we live, the more-than-human-world, and each other. The goal here is connection – to self, earth and community – which is our birthright and the doorway to a life of vision and joy.

What do we mean by Deep Nature Connection Practices?

Spending time outdoors does not necessarily cultivate a deep connection to nature. Pioneers in the field drawing on anthropological study of indigenous cultures, science, and a long hard look at the effectiveness of environmental education have found that there are core practices that quickly create strong bonds of connection between humans and nature.

Simple and repeatable practices such as tracking, bird language, sensory awareness and attuned mentorship are some of the most effective and ancient techniques that exist to enable profound connection with nature, with ourselves, and with each other. By understanding our relationships with the animals, plants, weather and wind, and various aspects of the natural environment around us, we re-pattern our brain and nervous system to activate what are known as ‘the attributes of connection’ – happiness, vitality, the ability to listen deeply, increase empathy, helpfulness, true aliveness and gratitude for life, compassion, forgiveness and the quiet mind.

What might we get up to?

Here are some of the activities we may explore. Repeated over many weeks, these practices strengthen the threads of connection until they become strong ropes of relationship.

• Sit spots
• Tracking
• Bird Language
• Mapping/Navigation
• Indigenous Knowledge
• Natural Movement & Awareness
• The Art of Wandering
• Nature Games and Play
• Nature Literacy and Ecology
• Wild Edibles and Medicinals
• Fire-by-Friction
• Natural cordage and rope
• Shelter Building
• Eco-Dye
• Hide Tanning
• Basket weaving
• Hide Tanning
• Ceremony
• Community Building
• Campfire cooking

The Facilitators

Melissa Turnbull  and Claire Dunn are both passionate about nature connection and have been studying for many years with experts in the field such as Jon Young from the 8 Shields Institute. The main facilitators of the program, Mel and Claire will also invite various experts in the field such as naturalists, ecologists and skills experts to guide. Indigenous involvement is also something that will be sought (see more below).

The Details

Rewild Fridays is a regular dedicated program of study and nature adventure held on Fridays between 9.30am – 3pm in parkland settings within Melbourne’s inner north. It is envisaged that every fourth or so Friday we will adventure to a location within 1 hour of Melbourne for an immersion in a wilder landscape or during particular foraging seasons such as mushrooming in autumn.

Since this is a pilot program, we will offer the opportunity for people to ‘drop in’ for Fridays (bookings still essential), but the greater invitation is for a committed group to gather and learn together regularly.

Why is this not on a weekend?

Rather than an extra-curricular activity, we would like this to be considered a commitment akin to any other program of study. And besides, we like family/play time on weekends.

How much will this cost?

We are offering a four class pass, (to be used within the first 6 Fridays of the program) as well as a drop in option.

A Four class pass is $300 Full Price or $250 Low Income

Drop in class is $85 Full Price or $70 Low Income

To book, head here

Participation is to be confirmed one week before.

Why is this so cheap?

We realise that most day long programs are substantially more expensive. As this is a pilot program, we are offering the first half of the year classes at a discounted rate.

Dates

The initial four class pass can be used for the following dates: March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23, (break for Easter), April 6, (break for Wild by Nature Village Camp), April 20.

The intention is to then continue with the following dates until a winter break in June: April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25

We acknowledge that we will meet and learn on Wurrundjeri and Boon Wurrung Country. We acknowledge the the Kulin Nations as the First Peoples of this land. We thank them for caring for the land and the waterways and value the sharing of their knowledge and stories. We pay respects to their Elders: past, present and emerging. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.

For more information and booking enquires email:  claire.mosley2@gmail.com