Snowy River National Park on the Buchan River, Vic
This next exploration will be located at the edge of the Snowy River National Park on the Buchan River, Victoria. Easter, 9th - 19th April, 2009.
The emphasis of this workshop is on using the experience of being in wilderness and in community to bring alive the meaning of social and sacred ecology.
Sometimes we forget that our human existence and wellbeing are dependent on our relations with human, other species and nature’s elements. Regenerating the human/nature relationship takes us further into a commitment with life. Social and sacred ecology addresses the rest of nature as a potential partner and source of learning and healing. The facilitators of this experience are elders in this work.
Some of the questions which will be explored are:
- How do we achieve a work/life balance that is sustainable?
- How will time to regenerate in nature support my current life choices?
- What do I need to think, feel and do to become a person committed to the earth's life, for life?
We will be camping on the river flood plain at the entrance to a large gorge.
The experience is designed to help us remember that we are nature as well as human. This intensive offers an opportunity to be part of a small community exploring our relations to a wild place and practices involved in making "sacred" that which gives life.
Over 10 days participants will reflect on their social and environmental life supports for personal wellbeing. We practice survival skills, walk the land, listen, reflect and draw energy from being solo in a special place. At night we share stories around the fire.
About the location
This is where the rivers join and farmland meets the national park. We camp on the river flood plane at the entrance to a large gorge. This is next door to the farm that Peters family owned for a generation. There are many different micro naturescapes that ideally suit a variety of participants being able to discover a place that meets their needs.
This location, as with Morton Island, is a place of ‘contested natures', displaying the effects of the various human uses of the region. Indigenous connection, recreation, logging, fishing and farming can be addressed through orientation classes, individual explorations and local research, and observation in the field. It is intended that local stakeholders will brief participants on the dynamics of the region and how best to connect with this wild place.