Are you a nature lover? Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the addictive, fast-paced, technology-driven modern lifestyle? Would you like to hang out with a community of bi, gay & queer earth-loving men? We invite you to be enchanted by wild nature, on our forest bathing morning in Stanmer Park...
You will experience opportunities to:
- Learn about 'Shinrin-yoku' (the art of forest bathing)
- Release tension with bodymind relaxation exercises
- Experience mindfulness including authentic 'Kin Hanh' (mindful walking)
- Participate in a 'deep ecology' discussion
- Play nature connection games
- Appreciate 'hugging meditation' as taught by Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh
- Discover new connections with gay, bi and queer men
- Grow friendships and community
All activities are optional. As an alternative to any activity, you can bring a notebook if you want to sit out and journal, or do whatever supports you, and stay close by to the group. We hope you'll stay to the end. If you need to leave at any point, please let the facilitators know.
Your facilitators:
Kesley Cage and Tom Cowan are both trained and experienced eco-therapists with a passion for supporting bi, gay & queer men (GBTQ+). Kesley is also a mindfulness teacher, and Tom is a yoga teacher. As a way of building community, we are hosting open and inclusive events like this one for men's wellbeing, in Brighton and surrounding areas. This event is predominately informed by the teachings of social justice activist, poet and Buddhist Monk, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh (author of 'Loving Mother Earth' and numerous books on mindfulness). You can contact us via: events@kesleycage.com
Why a bi, gay & queer men's event?
Bi, gay & queer may experience discrimination, marginalisation, minority stress and issues related to stereotypes, shame, self worth and isolation. We'd like to create the opportunity for bi, gay & queer men to access wellness activities and peer support, build connections, friendships and community, and experience belonging and togetherness, because we're worth it!
Tickets:
This event is offered on a pay-what-you-can basis. Tickets are limited to keep the event an intimate and relaxed experience. The guide price for this event is £25 each. Please contribute what you can afford, and those who pay more help to fund spaces for those less able to afford to attend. All proceeds support the facilitators' livelihoods, and contribute toward time, energy and financial costs involved in organising Zen Men events. No one is turned away for lack of funds.
Lateness and cancellation policy:
We suggest you aim to arrive early! If you are late we cannot promise we will wait for you as the walk will begin at 11 am as scheduled. Please only book a ticket if you're sure that you can attend, however if anything happens to prevent you from attending, please contact us so your space could be offered to someone else. If we cancel due to unforeseen or hazardous circumstances, such as high winds, we will offer you a credit to join any of our similar events in the next year. We would prefer not to offer refunds, and hope you'll consider donating your ticket price, as every penny helps us to plan and organise community events like this one.
Personal responsibility:
You are responsible for your health. If you have any serious health conditions, please consult with your healthcare provider before attending.
Please be aware of cattle, and observe the Countryside Code at all times.
Media policy:
There is no pressure to be in any photographs or recordings, however there will be an opportunity to consent to be included in publicity to support Zen Men events. Researchers or reporters in attendence, must make themselves known to the facilitators before attending the event, and would be asked to sign a strict privacy and code of conduct agreement.
Inclusivity:
This event is for bi, gay & queer men (cis/trans/nb/genderfluid inclusive).
So, come and wander with us in Stanmer Park! Accessible via buses including the 23 and 78 [www.buses.co.uk] and Falmer Railway Station (25-minute walk). Public facilitates are near Stanmer Village bus stop, and in the One Garden. Our exact meeting point will be announced by email after you register. We recommend you bring clothing appropriate to weather on the day, and footwear suitable for uneven terrain.