We have been “welcomed home” in true rainforest style; we had more than a metre of rain during Tropical Cyclone Alfred, adding some drama to what was already a challenge; it caused the road to slip, providing an opportunity to practice an impromptu “rains retreat”! We feel grateful to be so high in the catchment, so that the streams and dams seem able to handle even that much rain without much change. Our hearts went out to those across Northern NSW and South East Queensland who were not so fortunate.
We were also reminded of how this special plateau has been a cool and moist refuge for rainforest biodiversity over the millenia, and why we chose this landscape as a home for our project; to provide a refuge for human beings also, and the cultivation of both inner and outer resilience.
As the sun came out at long last, we were also able to finally hold a small in-house ceremony to “ask permission of the land ancestors” here. We made offerings of food, incense and some traditional chants to the spirits of this place, before walking to one of the waterfalls. We also made sure to include in our circumambulation offerings to our other-than human residents ; the sheep, chickens and fish (all of whom were here before us).
Visiting Gaia Forest
The qualities we prioritised in our search for a home for Gaia Forest were ones impossible to construct; intact rainforests, clean flowing water, beautiful views and a deep sense of nourishment from the land. We feel blessed to have found somewhere that offers those in abundance, but in doing so we also accepted simplicity; to build somewhere with space for retreat is going to be a long journey. Over the coming year, weather and funds permitting, we plan to make a start on some basic works for access, parking and camping. We ask for your patience and support during this time (see below).
Opening day
That said, we are delighted to announce a small inaugural Day of Mindfulness for our local Sangha on Sunday the 11th of May (what better day than Mother’s day to celebrate with Gaia?) Our day will include a Welcome to Country and a mindful walk in the forest, followed by a short ceremony with incense offerings and chanting, and a mindful lunch. For the above reasons places will be very limited, and unfortunately we cannot offer accommodation at this stage. If you live locally and wish to attend, please contact us.
“Friends of Gaia Forest”
It feels very important to us to build Gaia Forest collectively, and we would like to begin by inviting expressions of interest from those who wish to form a circle of “Friends of Gaia Forest”. We imagine an important place in that circle for non-financial support in the form of labour and expertise. Willings hands, and knowledge of town planning, architecture, landscape design and construction would be most welcome at this early stage. Please contact us if you would like to be involved in this way.
Fundraising
A huge thank you to those who have already donated generously to the project. Any donation, large or small, is a much appreciated energetic support. To donate, please visit https://www.gaiaforest.org/home/contact-us/donate/ Over the coming year we plan to open a conversation about other ways to support the project financially, perhaps by sponsoring a “kuti” or retreat hut for example. Please stay tuned for updates, or email us if you would like to find out more.
Some Upcoming events:
Saturday the 26th of April: Please join Br Tenzin, John Seed and Raven Steininger for a one-day Deep Ecology workshop at Thora Community hall. For more information and tickets please visit: https://bit.ly/26AprilDEEPECOLOGY
Sunday the 11th of May: Inaugural Day of Mindfulness at Gaia Forest.
Saturday 14th of June: Sydney: Joint fundraiser with Metta centre and Bhante Sanatavihari – (more details to follow)
Our friends at www.yatra.org.au have a couple of upcoming events with spaces still available:
Wednesday 7 – Sunday 11 May: Men’s retreat at Yuraygir NP, Northern NSW with Ken Golding & Ronny Hickel. https://yatra.org.au/upcoming-yatras/ for more information.
Tuesday 8 – Friday 18 July: Dharma Yatra at Finke Gorge National Park, Northern Territory, with Ronny Hickel and Inna Alex. https://yatra.org.au/upcoming-yatras/ for more information.