Eco-Healing: Deep Ecology & Healing Ecology in the Tarkine Wilderness

An experience not to be missed! This is the experiential nature workshop of the year – for the Tarkine is like nowhere else on earth and an unforgettable experience!

One of the world’s greatest remaining wild rainforests and the largest temperate rainforest in Australia – 447,000 hectares of World Heritage significance in the North-West corner of Tasmania. Enter into an ancient slice of Gondwanaland, with over 60 species of rare and endangered species.

We enter the forests of myrtle, leatherwood and pine tree by foot, canoe and car, (you do not have to be very fit). Deep we go, exploring beyond the surface and immersed in the vast visual beauty, as we open and strengthen our connections with all beings and the spirit of the country and the energies that create an unique web of life in this ancient ecosystem dating back millenium.

We explore that human identity exists at the intersection of the ancient cycles of air, water and soil. In spite of the pervasive illusion of separation, in reality no separation is possible between nature and ourselves.

Arne Naess, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at Oslo University, suggested that what is needed are community therapies “healing our relations to the widest community, that of all living beings”. By acknowledging our interconnectedness we invite the spontaneous healing of the psyche.

In this workshop we participate in a series of processes and rituals informed by a vast range of practices some used by indigenous peoples throughout time, others are specifically designed from modern cutting-edge discoveries.

Using personal sharing, reflection, experiential Healing Ecology – the two way process of healing the earth and the earth healing us – experiential Deep Ecology – the dissolving of separation between human and nature and Sacred Ecology – tapping into the reverence and sacredness of nature and all beings, we explore by car, foot and canoe and senses, where we allow the vision and empowerment arise naturally from realigning ourselves with the living Earth.

Dates: 16-25 Feb 2023

Retreat 1. Thurs 16– Tues 21 Feb: Deep & Healing Eco Adventure, Corinna. $1250 full or $975 concession/low income
(early bird prices till 31 Jan: $1100 full or $875 concession)

Retreat 2. Tues 21 Feb – Sat 25 Feb: Meditation, creativity, journeying and integration camp, Arthur River (Tarkine Coast) (optional yet highly recommended) $575 full or $475 concession/low income

Prices include all accommodation (in shared rooms), meals and facilitation. Camping is also an option for those who prefer, at the same price. For the Arthur River segment, the price includes camping fees and meals.

A $250 deposit will secure your place, payable by e-banking or credit card. For questions, call 0407 650 026 or email [email protected]

We recommend people arriving from outside Tasmania depart for the State the day before (flights or ferry) so that we can start on time.

To read an article by Phoenix on Eco-Healing published in Living Now magazine click here >> Healing ourselves Healing the Earth – eco article

To see a photo essay by Mike featuring photos from last year’s Eco-Healing adventure in Living Now magazine click here >> The Tarkine Wilderness in Tasmania

Please let us know your interest and any questions here

Facilitators:

Phoenix Arrien: I am passionate about supporting people’s journeys towards connection with themselves, others and nature for personal and community, healing and transformation. I believe that deep listening, safe space, supportive community and connection to the natural environment can help provide paths to a happier life and a better world.”

I am a workshop facilitator with over 25 years experience working with people in private practice, corporate and community. Adventure-based counselling has included working with many different people in wild places and in natural environments.

My training and experience includes Somatic Psychology, Jungian psychology, counselling, Core Shamanic practice, Australian indigenous healing, Cherokee and Maori bodywork, Native American and South American healing, dance/movement, Adventure-based Counselling, Process-oriented Psychology, Voice Dialogue, Inner Constellations, Deep Ecology, Healing Ecology, massage, Reiki, writing and meditation. I have a deep interest in eco-psychology, shamanic traditions, indigenous healing, community and authenticity. And bringing up two amazing sons

I acknowledge and am very grateful for the generous training of my main teachers including Aunty Jenny (Australian indigenous healer), Dr Lewis Mehl-Madrona (Cherokee/Lakota healer and doctor), Dr Robert ‘Rocky’ Crocker (Choctaw healer and doctor), Wikitoria (Maori Healer), the Maria Elena’s (South American), Silvia Calisaya Chuquimia (Peruvian), Kevin Turner (Foundation for Shamanic Studies), John Seed (Deep Ecology) and all the others who I have been fortunate to learn from, and so be able to hold space for others explorations.

Robin has over 20 years of experience working in various healing modalities, including as a relational psychotherapist and bodyworker. He specialises in working with attachment, connection, relationships and trauma integration. He has spent many years working with men including running men’s groups and holding space for men’s rites-of-passage, has long-standing personal practices in the realms of trance and ritual and is passionate about cultivating collective spaces for growth and transformation.

What other’s experienced:

“It’s been a month and I still feel ongoing positive change in myself after the Tarkine, a definite shift in my ability to love and be kind and accepting to myself which is such a blessed relief and all thanks to you guys. (And so amazing after EVERYTHING I’ve tried) I think of you all often with love ‘n gratitude” – Dale Shaddick

“I am more ready than ever to get out closer to the wilderness and embrace a new job, scene and lifestyle. It was such an amazing opportunity down in the Tarkine to set some intentions and heed the calls to open some new doors and windows.” – Naomi Smith

An amazing 5 days in the Tarkine – in a sacred space that you crated. Yes we co-created but you created that space for us to grow into. That’s magic.’ – Phil Harrington

My Mother Tree connecting me to the earth…….. a 4000 year old Huon Pine deep in the Tarkine (Tasmania). Such happiness and emotion after a long, deep, meaningful and often painful journey to finally be connected to find peace and contentment in my life. Thank you Mother Earth. Thank you to facilitators Phoenix Arrien and Mike Lowe for guiding our ‘journey…’ – Andrew Browne

”I feel so deeply transformed after experiencing the Eco Healing Adventure in the Tarkine with Phoenix and Mike. I experienced such deep connection to myself, the other particpants and Source through the magic of the Tarkine Wilderness and the profound and powerful processes that our Facilitators guided us through.

Phoenix and Mike created a safe sacred space for authentic relating, allowing participants to unfold, release and transform in their own natural rhythm. It was such an honour to be a part of a process that enabled men and women to come together in this way and to witness, honour and bless each others journey as we brought our shadows into the light and worked through the processes in a very real way, enabling us to express our rawness and our vulnerability and be held safely in this space.

What I loved most about this retreat was that the Facilitators were an equal part of our group, experiencing the journey for themselves as well as holding the space. It was very humbling and made it a very real experience for me – we were all traversing this together. Rather than being dictated to by experts Mike and Phoenix skillfully opened the space for each participant’s inner wisdom to shine through and guide their own journey through the process. I highly recommend this experience for anyone wanting to experience deep connection on all levels” – Christina Reeves

“The greatest gift of space and time – to re-discover self, connect with the energy that nurtures. To lie in the safe embrace of deep rooted forest. To breathe deep and remember I am part and always coupled with these trees, rocks, insects and animals. At times risky, but with all new adventures are. To find childlike joy in the play of the breeze in the leaves to a profound conversation with the spirit of the myrtle beech giant. It is and will always be a gift to myself – these 4 days :-)” – Cass

What a great experience. The forest , swimming, kayaking – a first for me – have loved it all. Thank you, may the journey continue.” – Cynthia

“Laugh, new friend. A new community, a furthering and extending of a special web. A new seeing, a learning to smell, breathe, touch and take in nature and an urgency to protect her.” Love, Rob

Photos from previous Tarkine Eco-Healing Adventures