Cultivating Connections Recommends: Events for Metro Louisville - March 2017
Affirming Connections between Planet, People, Power and Possibilities 
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Wednesday, March 1, 12pm
Louisville Sustainability Forum presents
Tim Darst on Renewable Energy
Passionist Sacred Heart Retreat Undercroft, 1924 Newburg Road.
Main Presentation:
How solar and other renewable sources of energy can replace
our use of fossil fuels
with Tim Darst
Renewable energy development has taken off in the United States over the past decade. Solar, wind, and other renewable technologies are projected to continue to grow rapidly. But renewables still have a long way to go to replace oil, coal, and natural gas as primary sources of energy.
Tim Darst will discuss how to meet Louisville's electricity needs (homes, businesses, etc.) with renewable energy and how to replace Louisville's vehicles with electric vehicles. He will present and discuss the results of a number of peer-reviewed scientific studies that he compiled as a part of his thesis for a Masters in Sustainability and Environmental Management.
Tim also has a Masters in Sustainability and Environmental Management from Harvard University. He is the Executive Director of Kentucky Interfaith Power & Light, a non-profit organization that works with houses of worship on sustainability issues. He serves on the board of directors of the Louisville Sustainability Council, Louisville Climate Action Network, and the Advisory Committee for the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government Waste Management District.
Additional Presenters
Miles Per Gallon" for American Homes
Ken Slattery, US Dept of Energy
Falls City Community BikeWorks
Jane Halliday, Admin/Development Coordinator
Now in its eleventh year, the purposes of the Louisville Sustainability Forum are:
1. We hold and promote the intention of sustainability for Louisville.
2. We establish and nourish relationships that strengthen
community and create change.
3. We create a space for discussion that inspires, motivates and deepens
our ability to catalyze social change.
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March 4 & 5 - Saturday 9-4 and Sunday 9-3
Re-Visioning Ourselves:
From "What Ails Thee" to Individual Calling
with Doug Van Houten and Marilyn Stoner
at Rice House at Harrods Creek Farm, Goshen, KY
THE WORLD AROUND US is coming unhinged and the wasteland grows. Collectively we enter an unknown future which presents immense dangers and possibilities. At this critical juncture we need now more than ever visions of renewal. Visions that address the challenges of our times.
One of the most heavily freighted tales of our times is that of the Wounded Fisher King. It is a potent myth of personal and cultural transformation running close to the life that many of us are living. The central message of this tale has never been truer: Whom does the Grail (my soul) Serve? When we live into this question we focus our gaze on the deeper meaning of our lives, thus increasing our vision of possibility. We burn off the superficial. We learn the unique gifts and powers of our souls and come to know our individual calling and our destiny! We learn who our people are and how to serve them.
Another equally poignant question that the Wounded Fisher King tale asks: Lord, What Ails Thee? To varying degrees, we are all imprisoned by our past circumstances and woundedness. By addressing these ailments we are broken open in all the right ways and can learn to befriend any fragmentation that has become a barrier to our full humanity. Along the way we cultivate the compassionate perspective of our whole Self. Our woundedness is a part of our becoming and a part of our mythic journey, the great story that we live. Jean Houston tells us, " the wounding becomes sacred when we are willing to release our old stories and to become the vehicles through which the new story may emerge into time."
All great cultures renew themselves by facing the perils and opportunities of their times. Individuals forge their vision and courage by embarking on an immense journey of transformation as they wander into the secret laboratories of the inner and outer wilds, wrestling with their shadows, perfecting their character, lamenting about the suffering of their people, having dreams and visions about how to repair the world, coming back to their people with a boon - their full voice!
During our time together we will dive deeply into what quest we are being called forth to seek. We'll net the waters of soul looking for the threads to our visionary self. Along the way, as called, we will explore the terrain of where our personal story and wound intersects with the world's wounding story as we are experiencing it daily.
Our multimodal practices could include ceremony, council, deep imagery, dreamwork, symbolic artwork, journaling, focused time alone in nature, rhythm, grief, enchantment and praise.
Fee: $150 - 225
(a sliding scale to fit your financial needs. Your generosity allows others to participate.)
Let us know if you need financial assistance.
$50 non-refundable deposit required to hold your space. Must register in advance.
Email doug@dougvanhouten.com for details and registration.
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Sunday,
March 5, 2 pm - 5pm
Really Really Free Market
Central Park, 1340 South 4th Street, 40208
We've always been told, "Nothing in life is free."
In our vision of society, EVERYTHING IS FREE!
Have you ever brought one dish to a potluck and gone away with a full belly and a balanced meal? Everyone brings something and goes away with more. We all have skills, ideas, objects, smiles, talents, friendship, excitement, discussions, and many other things to share.
If we bring them together at the Really Really Free Market, we can provide more balanced and full lives for us all.
The RRFM is an alternative to the capitalist free market, which isn't free at all. The RRFM is based on the gift economy -- where goods, services, food, skills, talents, discussions, workshops, and many other things that would benefit the community are free to take and give away.
The RRFM is not just a means of getting things without paying. Participation in the RRFM helps build real community values, demonstrates an alternative to the current system of greed, commodification, competition, and exploitation, and helps dispel the spectacular programming that comes from living in a capitalist society.
What can I bring? Anything you'd like to give. From clothes that no longer fit to food, books, stories, crafts, services, performances, music, a skill you'd like to share, or anything else that you think would benefit the community.
Don't have anything to give away? Don't worry; no exchange is necessary to participate. Please come out and take anything you like. It's FREE!
The RRFM is a strictly anti-capitalist event, so please leave your business cards at home. This event is not the proper place for advertising or promoting a business.
The RRFM is organized on anarchist principles of mutual-aid, cooperation, and voluntary association. It is a decentralized, non-hierarchical, alternative to the market economy, with one rule...share and share alike. Another world is possible, but only if you want it!
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Saturday, March 11, 9 am - 3:30pm
Speak Peace in Difficult Conversations: When Communication Really Matters!
A Compassionate Communications Workshop
Douglass Blvd. Christian Church, 2005 Douglass Blvd., 40205
Want to learn effective ways to hear and to be heard? Consider joining us for this training on speaking and listening compassionately at a time filled with uncertainty.
Oftentimes, when the stakes are high and something important needs to be discussed, we habitually resort to one of two ways of communicating: Explode - blame and attack the other person; or Withdraw - become quiet and avoid the situation
Neither of these options leads to communication that leaves us feeling connected and satisfied. Thankfully, Compassionate Communication can strengthen our capacity to engage in authentic conversations, whereby we are able to find ways for the needs of both parties to be heard and attended to.
Join us for this daylong conference to learn new skills that will help you to:
* Communicate in a way that inspires compassion and understanding.
* Initiate difficult conversations with more ease and confidence.
* Remain centered and peaceful while hearing difficult messages.
* Shift patterns of thinking that lead to guilt and shame.
* Express and receive gratitude with ease.
* Translate criticism and judgment into life-serving messages.
* Strengthen your capacity to work cooperatively.
Facilitator Susanna Warren is a Certified Trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication. She has a B.A. in Organizational Communication and a minor in Organizational Leadership and Executive Coaching.
Early Bird price is $85 through March 1st
$110 Standard price after March 1st.
Registration and details
here. http://www.speakingpeace.org/mar11/
NOTE: Please bring your own brown bag lunch.
Video here
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| Facilitator Susanna Warren |
Hosted by Compassionate Communication of Kentuckiana
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Sunday, March 12, 5:30 - 9pm
Louisville TimeBank Potluck and Fundraiser
Highlands Community Campus 1228 E Breckinridge 40204
This year marks the TimeBank's 5th birthday! We will be celebrating with a festive potluck, then a contra dance, called by member Deborah Denenfeld. We had such a terrific time last year, and many members of the community came to dance as well. It was by far our most successful fundraiser, which helps us with the expenses that we incur throughout the year.
Since it is so close to Pi day, we are going to celebrate it a little early this year,
and have pies during the dance.
Looking forward to seeing you and celebrating!
Potlucks are a big part of the TimeBank community. We come together to share food, fun and build community all at the same time. Members get to know each other, and people who are not members can learn a bit about timebanking from chatting with our members at the potluck. Many exchanges get set up at our potlucks too!
We always encourage members to bring guests and community members to join us.
Please bring a dish that serves 12 and your own table service (to make clean up easier -- if you forget, there is plenty to borrow from the kitchen). Parking and best access is behind the building.
Use the Sign Up Genius!
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Friday, March 17 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Creatures of the Night: Woodcocks
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, Clermont, KY 40110
Those who venture outside on winter nights are often rewarded by encounters with nocturnal and crepuscular creatures that are not active during daytime. Our Creatures of the Night series provides opportunities to experience sights and sounds of nature dramas that often go unnoticed. Journey into sections of Bernheim where some of these creatures may be most active during late winter.
Ages age 8 up only. No pets allowed. Registration and payment due by 4 p.m. on the day prior to the start of program. Call (502) 955- 8512 for last minute updates and changes due to weather.
Bernheim Members $10; Non - Members $12
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Saturday, March 18th, 10 am - 4 pm
Tree Planting with Louisville Grows
California Neighborhood
March 18 - Want to help plant more trees?
Volunteer to be a part of the California Neighborhood Tree Planting,
the first planting of 2017!
We need 200+ volunteers for this planting day, so sign up below!
All volunteers, no matter your skill level or training, are welcome to attend!
You must register in advance HERE!
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Saturday, March 18 12 - 2:30 pm
350 Louisville: Mobilizing for the Climate
Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church* 4986 Brownsboro Road, 40222
In light of the radically new political reality in our state and country, we at 350 Louisville are feeling the need to strengthen and renew ourselves. So we invite members of the community interested in climate justice work to this event; please RSVP below.
The purpose of the gathering is two-fold: (1) to create 350 Louisville teams that can respond more quickly and effectively to calls for action; and (2) to build community. The two main components of the meeting will be first, a potluck meal, and second, an "open-space" kind of session where folks self-select into teams around the different components of action-planning.
Spring is almost here. Let's follow nature's cue and renew ourselves. Please bring some food to share for lunch. And again, please RSVP.
Sign up
here.
Host Contact Info: bdrewf@yahoo.com
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Tuesday, March 21, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Metro Louisville Children & Nature
Let's Move! Outside Working Meeting
Chestnut Street Family YMCA, Ballroom
930 West Chestnut Street, 40203
Make your reservation here.
At this "roll up your sleeves" meeting we will follow up on the ideas and concerns
that emerged from our November Children & Nature Let's Move! Outside Summit.
Including:
* Share some updates and outcomes including results from the Green Space Survey
* Explore action steps for closing the gaps between youth and access to nature
* Review our new infographic about our children and nature work
* Explore other priorities for cultivating a nature-rich community
* Explore how we will communicate (internally and externally) about all the exciting possibilities
Leaders and advocates in youth development, health, conservation, recreation, stewardship and education are encouraged to attend. Seating is strictly limited for this event. Please reserve your space right away. Organizations are encouraged to send just one or two representatives.
Watch for updates on the Nature-Rich Louisville Facebook page.
Hosted by:
* YMCA of Greater Louisville * Wilderness Louisville, Inc. * Metro Parks and Recreation
* Cultivating Connections * Compassionate Louisville * Choose Well Communities
* Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
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Tuesday, March 21, 7pm
Greater Louisville Sierra Club presents
Arnita Gadson of West Jefferson County Community Task Force
The Clifton Center, 2117 Payne St, 40206
Join us as we welcome Arnita Gadson speaking on Louisville West End environmental concerns from her perspective as Executive Director of the West Jefferson County Community Task Force and former Executive Director of the Environmental Quality Commission of Kentucky.
Ms. Gadson has spent twenty years developing collaborations and partnerships in the area of environmental justice and equality. She restructured and developed the West Jefferson Community Task Force, a community grassroots organization, in response to long-term community concerns about the health impacts of volatile organic compounds being released by chemical manufacturers in close proximity to residential neighborhoods. Ms. Gadson helped secure passage of Louisville's toxic air regulations (STAR), which has had a significant positive impact on Metro Louisville's air quality, especially for tens of thousands of residents living in close proximity to the chemical complex manufacturing rubber and plastic products. She has a Master's degree in Management and Human Resources and a B.S. in education from Kentucky State University.
Please join us to learn more and find out how you can contribute to a healthier Louisville. Our programs are always free and open to the public.
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Monday April 3 - Friday April 7, 9am - 1pm or 9am-4pm
Wake up Nature - It's Spring! Camp
Louisville Nature Center, 3745 Illinois Ave, 40213
Discover spring at the Louisville Nature Center and
in the Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve.
Search the forest and find how nature emerges from its winter rest. Learn fun facts and get a close up view of the animals, plants, fungus and more that live in the forest. Age appropriate outdoor and indoor activities include hikes, crafts, games, experiments and more. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes and bring a bag lunch with a water bottle.
For ages 6 - 13.
Registration, application and payments required by March 24 3:00pm.
Costs and registration details on the
web.
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Tuesday, April 4 through Thursday, April 6, 9 am - 4 pm
Teen Leaders for Diversity Camp
Held at Peace Ed, 318 West Kentucky St., 40203
"I've improved my people skills - especially around resolving conflicts."
"Because of this camp I am better able to work with people that are different than me".
The work of National Coalition Building Institute is the foundation of our diversity workshops for 12 - 17 year olds. Teens explore and deepen the basic skills around affirmation, communication and cooperation by teaching each other how to celebrate their difference, understand stereotypes and interrupt prejudicial acts, remarks and slurs. The fee is $50 for this 3-day camp which includes snacks, lunch and materials.
Register for the April Teen Leaders Camp here.
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Saturday, April 8, 10 am - 5 pm
Finding Hope and Inspiration in the Natural World
A Work that Reconnects Workshop with Mark Steiner & Marilyn Stoner
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, Clermont, KY 40110
We live in challenging times. Many of us are terribly busy and spend most of our days in buildings and vehicles. We are overwhelmed with both information and responsibility. As a result it's hard not to burn out, become numb or lose heart. Fortunately a powerful source of balance and sustenance is available to each of us in the natural world and the wonders and resources that await us there.
This ground-breaking workshop is designed to invoke a sense of inspiration, hope and renewal by exploring and affirming our connections with nature. It is an interactive experience featuring innovative processes based on the work of Joanna Macy, internationally acclaimed author, eco-philosopher and activist. Our time together will include experiential practices, movement, inspirational readings and teachings, as well as simple rituals. This work is engaging, invigorating and provides practical and accessible tools for dealing with the challenges of life in the 21st century.
Presenting are Mark Steiner and Marilyn Stoner of Cultivating Connections who both serve as official facilitators of the Work That Reconnects. Presenting since 1991, Mark's specialties include Creation Spirituality, environmental spirituality and the universe story. A recently retired psychotherapist, Marilyn specializes in guided imagery, creativity and the spirituality of nature.
Fee is on a sliding scale. Additional information and registration details via phone at (502) 955-8512 or coming soon to Bernheim's
website.
By rediscovering our innate connections with the natural world
we make way for a new life-sustaining culture
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Saturday, April 22 9 am - 12pm
Louisville EarthWalk
Iroquois Park, 5216 New Cut Road, 40214
The Louisville EarthWalk is a family-friendly event designed to celebrate the planet and raise awareness about ways members of the community can take steps to create a more sustainable city. It will include a wide array of inspirational activities, including motivational speakers, music, and art that celebrate and promote sustainable and healthy lifestyles. The centerpiece will be a 5K walk.
Caring for our planet and advocating for clean air and clean water is becoming more important as populations grow and environmental regulations come under attack. The Louisville Earth Walk offers an easy and fun way to help many of the local groups that are working hard to improve the air and water quality in Louisville. While cars and power plants are getting cleaner, people are consuming at greater rates than in the past. The Earth Walk partners promote a more sustainable life style through education and advocacy. As federal and state governments are moving to eliminate environmental protections, these groups are stepping up their efforts to protect Earth.
At the Earth Walk you will learn ways that you can reduce your impact and live more sustainably as well as advocate for better laws at the local, state and federal levels. Assemble a team from your congregation, work place, or friends and family to get bragging rights for the top teams. You can also walk as an individual and earn incentives (details TBA) for the pledges you get from family and friends. Register today and start on your way to help make Louisville a healthier, more sustainable place to live.
Register
here!
Download a flier and pledge form
here!
The Louisville EarthWalk serves as a fundraiser for local organizations who are actively working to strengthen sustainability initiatives throughout the region. They include: 350 Louisville, Bicycling for Louisville, Cultivating Connections, Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion, Greater Louisville Sierra Club, Kentuckians For The Commonwealth, Kentucky Conservation Committee, Kentucky Interfaith Power and Light, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Louisville Climate Action Network, Louisville Sustainability Council, Passionist Earth and Spirit Center, and Project Warm.
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The Work That Reconnects
A note from Mark: Marilyn and I are excited to be offering a Work that Reconnects workshop at Bernheim Forest on April 8th. This work, by it's very nature (pun intended) is a much needed balm for these strange and challenging times. The perspectives and processes at the core of the Work that Reconnects both strengthen our awareness of our relationship with the amazing creativity of the natural world and support our ability to access that creativity in our daily lives.
You can learn more at Joanna Macy's website http://joannamacy.net/, by watching videos like the one below, and of course, by attending on April 8th.
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| Shamballa Warrior Prophecy |
Aims of the Work That Reconnects
The Work That Reconnects helps us discover our innate connections with each other and with the self-healing powers in the web of life. This aim is essential for the emergence of a life-sustaining culture.
In order to do this, we aim:
* to provide us the opportunity to experience and share with others our innermost responses to the present condition of our world.
* to reframe our pain for the world as evidence of our interconnectedness in the web of life, and hence of our power to take part in its healing.
* to provide us with concepts- from systems science, deep ecology, or spiritual traditions- which illumine this power, along with exercises which reveal its play in our own lives.
* to provide methods by which we can experience our interdependence with, our responsibility to, and the inspiration we can draw from past and future generations, and other life-forms.
* to enable us to embrace the Great Turning as a challenge which we are fully capable of meeting in a broad variety of ways, and as a privilege in which we can take joy.
* to enable us to support each other in clarifying our intention, and affirming our commitment to the healing of the world.
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ENJOY READING "NATURAL LIVING JOURNAL" FREE ON -LINE at
www.natural-living-journal.com.
Articles in February - March 2017 issue include:
Letting Love In; Enhancing Our Joy With Laughter Yoga;
Co-Creating Your Life; Creating Photography as Art;
Pure Love and Compassion Fill Our Heart with Peace;
Musical Waves;
Growing Herbs in Pots Indoors;
Healthy Oils & Fats are Incredibly Important for Us;
Everything I Do Feels Like I'm Dancing;
Simple Tips for a Healthy Back; Storytelling;
Taming a Habit with "Do Instead List";
Simplify; Finding Strength and Self-Compassion Within.
In addition to being on-line, Natural Living Journal is also
distributed free in print form at Rainbow Blossom Stores on
Bardstown Rd. and Lexington Rd., Unity of Louisville, Yoga East, Whole Foods
and other locations in Louisville.
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