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“Winter Solstice” December 19, 2009 Barren trees, browned grasses, gardens gone dormant. Winter begins with the shortest day of the year. As this part of Earth tilts away from the sun, reflection and meaning-making are called forth. We’ll celebrate both darkness and light with luminarias, fire, ritual, and the turning of the sun staff. Please bring a wintertime dessert or drink to share at this festive celebration! ECO-SPIRITUAL RETREAT: “Contemplating the Power of Emergence in Advent and Christmas” December 15 - 17, 2009
Bring your cosmic Advent ponderings to La Vista, and create your own Advent retreat by choosing one or more of these options: spending two days and nights of quiet contemplation on the 15th and 16th, creating your own schedule; joining us on the 17th to ponder emergence during an Advent day of reflection, with the option of staying over on the 17th.
Film Series - “The 11th Hour”
November 18, 2009 Presents our current state of life on Earth as the critical last moment when we can change course and stop our rush toward global ecological collapse. This moment of choice is presented by juxtaposing images of natural disasters and growing mountains of waste with images of exciting new ideas and technologies for a sustainable future. Film Series - “King Corn”
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 When two friends take a sample of their hair to be analyzed, what they find surprises them: they are mostly made up of corn! They set out on a journey to discover why they have so much corn in their bodies, eventually growing an acre of their own corn just to find out where it all goes once it is harvested. King Corn helps us to better understand government policies behind the corn industry and the ethanol movement. Film Series - "Flow"
September 30, 2009
Investigates what experts label the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st century – the World Water Crisis. Examines the growing privatization of the world’s dwindling fresh water supply, focusing on politics, pollution, human rights, and the emergence of a domineering water cartel. Portrays the people and institutions providing practical solutions to the water crisis, setting the stage for a global and economic turnaround.
“Autumnal Equinox”
September 19, 2009 La Vista Ecological Learning Center invites you to join us as we celebrate the change of season on the bluffs! The autumnal equinox, when daylight and darkness are equal in length, reminds us that balance marks a healthful existence. In a world that is often so terribly out of balance, it can be both healing and heartening to honor this special time. We'll celebrate with poetry, ponderings, procession, the turning of the sun staff, and a pot luck dinner at the lodge.
August 3 - 10, 2009 Come explore Creation’s integrity for a week along the bluffs! As we sit with the wonder, awe and newness of the Universe Story, we’ll also critically examine the perceptions that currently fashion our cultural world view. Recognizing the inherent spiritual dimension in the universe, a reconnection to the Creator through Creation will be facilitated. In addition to the guided activities and instruction, there is, thus, a strong emphasis on immersion into the natural world and on developing practical skills for a more ecologically-conscious lifestyle. “Earth Literacy Revisited” July 24 - 26, 2009 “Earth Literacy” alumni return to the bluffs to ponder anew the story of the Universe, be immersed in the natural world, and discuss how they have re-inhabited their lives and their bioregions in the past year. “Summer Solstice” June 21, 2009 Don’t you just love the early mornings and spacious evenings of Summer? This fruitful season begins with the longest day of the year on the Solstice. Plan on spending a refreshing and fun evening at La Vista! Please bring a summertime dessert or drink to share. “Celebrating Earth Day: An Environmental Art Workshop”
April 25, 2009 Let your creative juices flow and join us as we honor Mother Earth with an environmental art happening on the land at La Vista! Led by sculptor Jane Rieso and poet Elva Maxine Beach, participants will work collaboratively using materials found on the land to create natural sculptures which will remain at La Vista to be enjoyed by visitors to the Community Supported Garden. Poetry readings that honor Earth and the artistic process will be part of the experience. Together we’ll celebrate Earth, connect with others in a natural setting, and express our love and concern for Earth in a highly creative manner. Limited to 20 participants – reserve your place today!
April 25, 2009 Bring your Earth-themed poetry, music and works of art to share with an enthusiastic audience at our first-ever Earth Day Coffeehouse! This event will be held outdoors at our rustic lodge atop the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River! Along with your original or found poetry, your music and/or artwork please bring a springtime dessert to share. We’ll provide Fair Trade coffee and tea. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate human talent and honor Earth at the same time.
April 14, 15, 16 or 17, 2009 What better way to celebrate new life than to pitch a tent in the woods, pasture, bowl, or bluffs and spend silent time experiencing Earth awaken from her long Winter’s nap? Join us for our first-ever Springtime Wilderness Retreat during Easter Week! Optional evening meal and group activity provided.
March 21, 2009 After a long, cold Winter, Earth is balanced once again at this equinox (equal night) between dark and light. To ring in Spring, come spend a meaningful afternoon at La Vista, celebrating with poetry, ponderings, procession, and potato planting! Please bring a covered dish to share. “Choices for Sustainable Living” – Discussion Course March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15, 2009 Aware of the widely held belief that our consumeristic society is not sustainable, this course invites you to join with others to explore ways to meet your needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. This is a good way to examine your lifestyle during the Lenten season. “Voluntary Simplicity” – Discussion Course March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2009 Take this opportunity during Lent to explore the meaning of voluntary simplicity, consider the material and psychological distractions preventing us from caring for Earth, and discuss how life might be enriched through the practice of simplicity. “Blessed Darkness, Sacred Fire
January 17 – 18, 2009 What image does “January” conjure up for you? Cold? Winter doldrums? Cabin fever? This time of year also invites us to go within, to knit together what is seemingly opposed. Come find life in the midst of this season: bald eagles soaring along the bluffs, tracks of critters in the snow, new life lying dormant outdoors as well as within each of us. As always our delicious meals will reflect a seasonal tone as we strive to honor this place and the food that is grown here. Includes optional participation in the Winterfires Coffeehouse.
January 17, 2009 This gathering promises a warm intimate evening of poetry, story, and music. This is a magical night of sharing favorite poems or original poetry. Poetry and music are soul food. Shared around a glowing fireplace in our lodge, we are nourished through this long Winter season. Registration and optional donation appreciated. Please call 618-466-5004 in advance to register. |
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