When was the last time you created the space for gazing up and letting your mind wander into the spaciousness of the night sky? For thousands of years, human beings have engaged in a contemplative relationship with the darkness of night and the night sky and this exploration has evoked countless insights, reflections, and inspirations.
Join certified Forest-Bathing guide Marianne Rowe and astronomer Stephan Martin for a unique experience of being with the night as we contemplate where we are in the cosmos and in the calendar, balanced on the Spring Equinox.
In an audio-only Zoom call, connected in this unique virtual stargazing community, Steve will guide us to some of the hidden wonders of the night sky. Marianne will offer contemplation and sharing prompts to help deepen our experience of the wonder, mystery, and beauty of the universe and the night.
You can pre-register for this experience through the form linked below. The North Carolina Arboretum staff will be in touch to finalize registration and payment.
with Marianne Rowe & Stephan Martin
Friday, March 22
5:30 - 7:00 Pacific
$24
Stephan Martin is an astronomer, educator, and author who has taught astronomy, physics, and consciousness studies at colleges, universities, and learning centers across the US for over twenty-five years. Between 2003-2008 he studied directly with Brian Swimme and others at the California Institute of Integral Studies, out of which came his first book Cosmic Conversations, in which he held dialogues with scientists, spiritual teachers, and cultural creatives on the nature of the universe and our role in it. Since then he has led workshops on the New Cosmology at seminars and retreat centers across the US and Europe and has been active in exploring multidisciplinary approaches to exploring the universe. He is currently adjunct faculty in the Consciousness and Transformative Studies graduate program at John F Kennedy University where he teaches a course on “Cosmology and Consciousness.” Steve is also a co-director of the continuing care program at the Center for Spiritual Emergence in Asheville, NC where he assists clients in living more conscious lives from an expansive perspective.
As a humane being, co-founding teacher of Monterey Bay Meditation Studio, and licensed marriage and family therapist, Marianne is dedicated to cultivating eco-systemic consciousness and living in-cahoots with Earth, Cosmos, and Life in all forms. Marianne’s insatiable love of learning has led her into certifications as a nature & forest therapy guide, eco-therapist, California naturalist, and Authentic Relating facilitator, along with certifications in eco-psychology, climate stewardship and climate psychology. She has been practicing meditation since the last century and teaching mindfulness meditation to children and adults since 2006. Her sense of belonging and aliveness is sourced and deepened through walks, sits, and gazing with the Pacific Ocean, forest, night skies, along with evolutionary, envisioning conversations with beloved friends and colleagues. Read more.
This mini-retreat is part of the Outdoors, Mindfulness, and Spirituality/Evolution of Consciousness MBMS Pathways.