See below for available online courses, monthly gatherings and 2024 program opportunities. Check back for frequent updates!
Reconnecting to Earth amid Climate Chaos |
Tuesdays, March 12 - April 9, 2024
Time: 10:30am - noon Location: In-person or via Zoom, Shepherd University Lifelong Learning, Shepherdstown, WV Leader: Leah Rampy The summer of 2023 offered a stark example of what the vast majority of climate scientists have been telling us: we are living in a dramatically changing world. Through reading and conversation, we'll explore the wisdom of our kin and the importance and urgency of learning from the natural world. Based on the book Earth & Soul: Reconnecting amid Climate Chaos by Leah Rampy.
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Singing the Trees: Reweaving connections in edge times |
April 19 - 21, 2024
Location: Rolling Ridge Study Retreat, Harpers Ferry, WV Leaders: Leah and David Rampy, Lindsay McLaughlin Poised on the edge of loss, we yearn for connections that offer solace and possibility. In this place where language fails, music invites us into an ever-deeper relationship with all beings – and with our heart’s longing. Trees, our elders who have graced Earth far longer than the human family, beckon us to wisdom, beauty, and peace. Join us as we sing and chant, engage in rich conversations, embrace attentive silence around and within, and exchange priceless, intangible gifts with the trees around us. Note: You need not consider yourself a singer nor even feel that you can carry a tune; all are welcome to join in!
Offered in partnership with: Friends of Silence |
Prairiewoods Spirituality in the 21st Century 2024 |
April 26 & 27, 2024
Location: Online or In-Person at Prairiewoods, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Speakers: Leah Rampy, PhD, Susan Bauer-Wu, PhD, and Rev. Veronica M. Johnson Join us via Zoom or in-person at Prairiewoods, a Franciscan Ecospirituality and Retreat Center, to be inspired by and learn from leaders who are committed to creating a hopeful and regenerative future.
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Earth Blessings - Reweaving Connections to Kith and Kin |
Through brief teachings, reflection, small group discussions, and spacious contemplative practices, Leah Rampy will lead us on a soul journey of grief and loss over the devastation of our earth to a place of joy and possibility that is possible when we reweave our connections to kith and kin who are awaiting us. Participants will leave with contemplative practices to support their ongoing journey of love and care for the Earth and all creation.
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Summer Book Study: Earth & Soul |
June 13 & 20, 2024
Location: Online Leaders: Payton Hoegh, featuring Leah Rampy Join The Center for Spirituality in Nature for a book study series examining Leah's new book, Earth & Soul: Reconnecting Amid Climate Chaos. Explore how restored relationship with Earth can guide us forward as we imagine and create a world beyond climate chaos. Leah will join the final discussion on June 20th.
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The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees Retreat |
October 10 - 13, 2024
Location: Montreat Conference Center, Montreat, NC Leaders: Leah Rampy & Beth Norcross The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees program explores the ancient spiritual and ecological wisdom that trees offer for living into deep connections with our human and non-human kin, Earth, and Divine Mystery.
During our days together, we’ll engage in rich conversations in plenary sessions and small groups, take time for spacious silence and reflection with the trees, and listen for their wisdom on this beautiful land. Practices that encourage spiritual deepening through connections with the living world will be invited throughout the course. |
Embracing Relationship and Revelation with the Living World |
October 24 - 27, 2024
Location: Dayspring Silent Retreat Center, Germantown, MD Leaders: Leah Rampy & Ann Dean Grounded in the gifts of authentic spiritual community, the beauty of the land, and the living Presence of God in all that is, we come to explore the gifts of silence. More than that, we come to realize the empowering truth of communion and community with all living beings. In these
challenging times, we long to be enlivened with fresh hope and wonder to engage our world with transformative courage. Our deepest call is to be open to the gracious One, trusting Love in all the vicissitudes of life. Earth’s own autumnal rhythms of change -- letting go, seeding, and resting -- can help us open more fully to embrace our struggles as well as divine possibilities. Let us come together in attentive silence at this threshold time in our world. Embraced by loving Wisdom, we can find new hope and healing strength for forging new pathways. |
Ongoing Programs
Contemplative Leadership Seminar: With Hearts Wide Open
Through six modules of content videos and audio, we will explore compassion and power as dimensions of contemplative leadership. This seminar offers space for reflection and support for contemplative practice at a time in our world where contemplative leadership is needed now more than ever. Offered in partnership with Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation Leader: Leah Rampy Location: Online |
Church of the Wild ~ Two Rivers is an emerging community, meeting in the midst of and sharing with the abundant life all around us. Our intent is to deepen our connection to the Holy by being more fully present, open and available in each moment. We learn from the earth and trees, the waters and sky, and from all living beings, human and non-human. Located where the winding Shenandoah joins the majestic Potomac River, we are nurtured by beauty, silence, and communion.
Founder and Leader: Leah Rampy Time: Meets the 1st Sunday of each month, 3 - 5pm Locations: Shepherdstown, WV and surrounding areas. |
The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees: Insights from Our Elders
A provocative 6-part program examining the ancient wisdom trees offer us for living into our deep spiritual and ecological connections with each other and Earth. Guided and self-guided available. Offered in partnership with: The Center for Spirituality in Nature Leaders: Leah Rampy & Beth Norcross Time: Self-Guided open now, Guided option each fall Location: Online |
Testimonial
Just wanted to let you know how much I am appreciating The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees course/exploration/journey. I am learning things I did not know, and have certainly had my awareness expanded and deepened as I continue my walks around the lake near my home. I notice much more than I used to. Thank you for your leadership in this.
Blessings, Mary
Blessings, Mary