The World Peace Sanctuary, in Wassaic, will host a Connection to Nature Retreat on September 11, led by Michael ‘Pondhawk’ Gulbrandsen, of Nature's Whispers. 

“It is vital for our overall well-being to connect with nature and the earth,” says Ann Marie Robustelli, executive assistant of the World Peace Prayer Society.  

The day will begin at 10 a.m. with a Morning Tranquility Walk. “This is a wellness walk,” Gulbrandsen says. “We’ll show you different techniques for receiving healing from nature and how to connect to the magic.”

The walk will be followed at noon by a community lunch at the picnic tables. Participants should bring food for themselves plus anything they would like to share. There will be a world peace prayer ceremony at 1 p.m.; Dancing with Nature, with Gigi Oppenheimer of White Lotus Grace, at 2 p.m.; and Nature’s Sound Circle at 3:30 p.m. During this closing gathering, participants will join in “to reconnect with the land and the spirits of the grounds,” Gulbrandsen says. He will bring drums and rattles for participants to play. They can also sing, dance or howl like wolves.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers and bring plenty of water. Space is limited; reservations suggested. The retreat will be cancelled if rain is in the forecast.

 

WorldPeace.org/sanctuary/.