2012 Zen & Deep Ecology Wilderness Retreats
Treetop's Zen and Deep Ecology Wilderness Retreats are intended to bring about a profound transformation in our experience of the natural world and of ourselves. The twice daily practice of zazen (Zen meditation), along with powerful ecopsychology nature-connecting exercises will open us to experience the world before us intimately and directly. This realization that the woods, waters and mountains are none other than our body, that every plant and animal is unique and sacred, is the realization that unifies Zen Buddhism and Deep Ecology.
It is not necessary to have previous experience with zen meditation. Beginner meditation instruction will be provided for anyone who is new to sitting.
2012 Zen & Deep Ecology Wilderness Retreat Schedule
Paradise Below Zero - March 9–11, 2012
(Difficulty: moderate)
The Edge of the City - May 11–13, 2012
(Difficulty: easy)
Acadia National Park - September 14–16, 2012
(Difficulty: easy to moderate)
Nahmakanta - October 19–21, 2012
(Difficulty: moderate)
All of the Zen and Deep Ecology Wilderness Retreats will begin at 7:00 AM on Friday morning at the Treetop Zen Center.
We will then head off to our destination, returning late in the day on
Sunday. On each trip we will meditate, move through the woods
and waters in silence, experience new insights through ecopsychology
exercises, share meals in the traditional “oryoki”
style, have formal Dharma Talks and discussions, drink tea, laugh, and
swap tales of our experiences.
Unless otherwise specified in the trip description (below), cost of these trips is $175/person. Participants will be expected to bring their own equipment. (A complete list will be provided for each trip). However, some gear may be available for use by prior arrangement.
Paradise Below Zero (March 9–11, 2012)
Even though below-zero weather is unlikely in March, we are using the Paradise Below Zero name because this trip is inspired by the book of that name, authored by Calvin Rutstrum. Rutstrum — a regular winter traveler in the wilds of the Canadian north — developed a deep love and appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the natural world. He taught that with proper preparation and clothing, we can enjoy and learn from that world regardless of the weather.
From the snug refuge of our woodstove-heated tent, we will venture out into the vast silence of the wintry landscape, where ecopsychology exercises and other activities will open us to experience that environment in a new way. Then we’ll return inside and warm ourselves with hot beverages as we meditate, reflect, and share the experiences of the day by the flickering stovelight.
Registration
Form
The Edge of the City (May 11–13, 2012)
There are many edges in nature. Edges are the places where ecosystems meet and where we find the richest species diversity. However the edge we will explore on this trip won't be where natural environments meet—it will be where the wild approaches the human-created world, at the edge of the city of Portland. We will experience this space deeply, exploring a number of diverse locales with silence and contemplation, ecospychology exercises, dharma talks, and oryoki meals.
There will be several options for this trip. It will from Saturday morning through Sunday evening. You can join us for the whole weekend, spending Saturday night at our campsite in Bradbury State Park. Or you can join for the day on Saturday or Sunday. The cost will be $45 for the day or $75 for the weekend.
Registration
Form
Acadia National Park (September 14–16, 2012)
Nowhere on the east coast of
the U.S. do we have the spectacular marriage of mountains and ocean
that exists at Acadia National Park. While crowded with visitors during
the summer months, the park changes soon after Labor Day. This is the
Acadia that we will explore. Often early September days are clear, the
sun and ocean have not yet cooled, and the biting bugs are gone, making
this an ideal time to visit. From tidal flats and pools to mountaintops
we will hike, sit, experience and contemplate this spectacular and
unique area.
Registration
Form
Nahmakanta (October 19–21, 2012)
Nahmakanta is a Maine Public
Reserve Unit encompassing over 43,000 acres of remote hills and
ponds. The Appalachian Trail winds its way through here, part
of the legendary 100-Mile Wilderness section, as
it approaches its northern terminus on Mt. Katahdin.
Elsewhere on the unit are the Debsconeag lakes and ponds, interlaced
with seldom visited hiking trails whose crests offer striking views of
Katahdin and where moose may appear just around any corner.
In Nahmakanta it is possible to
find true quiet, absolutely free of the sounds of mechanized human
activity. We will walk in silence among these hills and sit
in quietude by the ponds. We will experience what few persons
in 21st century America will ever know — deep connection with land that
is still wild.
Registration
Form
