Ecopsychology is about reconnecting our spiritual lives to the natural world. It’s also about understanding the oppressive social forces that lead to disconnection in the first place. This weekend-long retreat combines the spiritual and political dimensions of our relationship with the earth, integrating psychological, ecological, and social justice-decolonial concerns.
It is led by one of ecopsychology’s main figures, Andy Fisher, assisted by a long-time ecopsychology practitioner, Jill Dunkley. Andy Fisher, PhD, has been involved in the evolution of ecopsychology since the mid-1990s. His book Radical Ecopsychology is a central text in the field, and he is currently writing a follow-up work, Ecopsychology as Politics. When not writing, Andy is busy as an ecopsychology educator, mentor, and consultant (andy-fisher.ca). Jill Dunkley, M.E.S, C-IAYT, explores the intersection of embodiment, trauma-informed mindfulness, nature connection, and art through a social justice lens.
The retreat is open to everyone and takes place in a beautiful setting at the Sumac Centre located near Kaladar, Ontario. At the centre, we can learn and discuss around the fire circle and enjoy the trails and lakes of this forested land. There is a limit of 12 people with rooms shared between two people. All meals (vegetarian) are provided. In terms of accessiblity, there is a flight of stairs to the room that we will use in the case of inclement weather and there is walking on uneven ground required.
The cost for the course, including teachings, accommodation and meals is $550. $200 is due at registration to save your space and is non-refundable unless your space is filled or the course is cancelled. The remaining $350 is due September 15. Note: The fee includes a $10 donation to the Algonquins of Barriere Lake, in recognition of the fact that the training is held in unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory.
Contact Sue Sauve (suesauve575@gmail.com) for more information.
A follow-up questionnaire will be sent out to registrants in a few weeks with further details and seeking more information, such as dietary restrictions and emergency contacts.
More Information About the Course from Andy
Our time together will cover ground that is both spiritual and political, theoretical and practical, personal and collective. The subject matter of ecopsychology can be unsettling at times, given the depth of the ecological, social, and psychological challenges we face in these feverish times. The weekend will therefore involve conversations and exercises that may be emotionally difficult for you. I ask, then, that you check inside yourself to make sure you are confident in your ability to support yourself through these kinds of experiences. Please do let me know if you have any concerns about your participation in this respect.
The weekend will include being outdoors in a forested setting. Weather permitting, most of our time will be spent in a sitting circle or at the fire circle. But there will also be time to wander the trails or sit by the water. There are certain unavoidable risks involved in being outdoors in this kind of setting, including tick bites (possibility of contracting Lyme Disease and co-infections), bear encounters, poison ivy, etc. These risks are “standard” for outdoors activity, so I am mentioning them here not to raise any alarm but only in case it makes a difference for you. I will be sending out more information on what gear to bring, etc., closer to the weekend.
As another precaution, I ask that you not use alcohol or recreational drugs during the weekend. This will help keep our minds and spirits clear.
Finally, I will be asking you to complete a couple of personal reflection exercises ahead of time and to read a brief interview with me about my approach to ecopsychology. I will also be sending out some optional readings for those who want to go a little further.