Winter Solstice blessings
As the year comes to an end and the holidays are upon us, I wanted to take a moment to connect with heartfelt gratitude for allowing BEan IN NATURE to learn by doing in nature, with your amazing children. Whether outdoors all day at Stevens Creek, in our Eco Earth Investigations A Team Community garden program or in our Wilderness Summer camps, we are so grateful to have your children with us!
As I grapple with the sadness of the current world events, I often take a quiet moment to hike or take a sit spot in my favorite natural open space. Here, I am reminded that spending time in nature is one of the most nourishing gifts I have come to know and practice. I strongly believe we must all be an advocate of our own and our childrens’ mental health, one day at a time. I also recognize that access to safe outdoor spaces is a privilege and one I am immensely grateful for.
At this time of Winter Solstice, marking the official start of winter by celebrating the shortest day of the year, and welcoming light back into the world, some of my favorite memories while homeschooling my boys in their nature community during this festive time, were our gatherings in the open spaces of Huddart Park. Our celebrations would always open our day with a Thanksgiving Address, our Gratitude Circle. From there we would move to an often tricky energetic session of fire by friction, the park picnic tables would be full of seasonal favorites such as: homemade chai, chocolate in every variety, masa for tortilla making and the good old fashioned hot dogs to roast. We would celebrate with our nature community friends and families, in laughter, nature awareness wild games and wild crafts, share in Secret Santa gift giving, in the redwood forest. Pure Winter Bliss! Not unlike what BEan IN NATURE partakes in our year round, in our program offerings today!
As you celebrate your special holiday and family traditions you hold dear, amidst the intense time in our world, I am holding on to peace, light and love for each one of us and for our Earth. For my family, time in nature is time to connect to the solace and beauty of our earth one day at a time and reset. I hope you too take time to drop in and reset, as will I.
With deep appreciation for all you do,
Marisa Bean
Director, Teacher, Mom, Grandmother of 2