Earth Day And More In 2024!

Most of us want to stay connected to the things that lead to a vibrant and beautiful life. Especially at this time of year, when trees bud and flowers bloom, we look for ways to get back to nature. We dust off the gardening tools and pack away our winter coats. Perhaps we promise ourselves that this will be the year we finally take up walking or watercolors or whatever it is our souls really long for.

Here at Rolling Ridge, we see our role as helping people to connect: with God; with other people; and with the natural world. Those connections were on full display this past Saturday, with an outdoor Earth Day celebration that launched our 2024 outdoor season. Close to 150 signed up or showed up to try out workshops led by Rolling Ridge program leaders and Eco-Partners—separate organizations that run programming on our 38 acres. The morning rain cleared just in time for a gentle and joyful day, with so many new faces and old friends. We were even highlighted in the local newspaper!

If you weren’t able to join us on Saturday, don’t worry: you haven’t missed out. Each of our outdoor programs or eco-partners has upcoming opportunities to help you flourish—whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually!
Many of our guests on Saturday tried out our outdoor labyrinths, some for the first time. Though it looks at first like a maze, a labyrinth is actually a pathway out of life’s traps and tricks. It’s a pathway to meditation, and an invitation to let go with every step forward. 

Judy Smith, our labyrinth facilitator this past weekend, says that many people find that in the labyrinth they release their burdens, receive insight or understanding, and truly appreciate the sights and sounds of nature while walking. “It’s a pause in life. It’s a pause in nature. Nature brings us back to the roots of who we are.”

Sound inviting? Then you’re invited! During our Pentecost Weekend Labyrinth Retreat, happening May 18-19, we welcome you to walk with us. Allow the spirit to flow through you and to discover the beauty of the Labyrinth. Led by Lisa Haupt, a Veriditas Certified Labyrinth Facilitator, this retreat experience offers time for rest and renewal, indoor and outdoor Labyrinth walks, and guided meditations to bring insight and understanding to your life. 

We’re thankful to be able to offer a variety of options throughout the weekend: you can stay overnight for one or two nights, and walk the labyrinth with us under the stars! Click here for more information. We also invite guests to come just for the day on Saturday, May 18th, from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, as part of a Day Apart retreat. Learn more here. And if you’re just getting started, try out our free Community Labyrinth walk, from 10 am - 12 pm on Sunday, May 19th. Register here.

This Saturday, registration also opened for “Pray and Paddle,” another Rolling Ridge program that has been growing in popularity. Led by Rev. Kent Harrop, this program combines the serenity of the lake with the mystery of lectio divina — “divine reading.” We have five different paddles this summer, each focusing on the writings of various authors. Paddle, pray, and reflect with naturalist Wendell Berry, poet Mary Oliver, activist Howard Thurman, mystic Mechthild of Magdeburg, and more.

You don’t need any previous paddling experience to get involved. We offer single and tandem (two-person) kayaks so that you can paddle by yourself or with a friend. Sit-on-top kayaks also offer greater accessibility for those with more limited mobility. Most paddles take place on the quiet waters of Lake Cochichewick, where we’re located. We also invite you to join us for ocean kayaking, in celebration of the Summer Solstice.
Kent’s gentle and insightful instruction will help you discover the world as a holy place, and the earth as a sacred charge, to be protected and entered into with a reverent heart and childlike joy. Learn more and sign up at www.prayandpaddle.org.

And of course, though we love connecting people to the natural world, we have plenty of indoor opportunities as well. If you’ve got an artist’s soul, we invite you to our second annual “Artist's Week,” happening May 28-31. With day retreat options in SoulCare, SoulCollage, and artistic spiritual practices, you can join us for just a day or create an overnight retreat  to cultivate your creative gifts—both in words and images—and gain insight from other creatives. Click here for more information.

We hope you'll stay engaged with our Rolling Ridge community and find ways to nurture your connection with nature, other people, and the divine throughout the year. Now is the time: to grow flowers; walk in nature; and make time for the people and practices that fill life with richness. We hope you’ll join us soon here at the Ridge!