Winter Has A Welcome At Waterspirit In Rumson

RUMSON, NJ — Not ready for winter? Consider joining some of the programs at Waterspirit, a local nonprofit center for ecology and spirituality based in Rumson.

There are programs that involve both self-care and a larger perspective on New Jersey environmental advocacy and meditations for the Earth itself. Many programs are virtual so they don't require a trip in bad weather.

Waterspirit just held a winter solstice event Dec. 21, so making the most of winter and appreciating every season is part of the organization's, well, spirit.

The gathering at the First Presbyterian Church of Rumson encouraged participants to reflect on the deeper meaning of the winter season and the winter solstice.

After calling to mind their own habits for preparing for winter, participants were prompted to consider their energy consumption through the colder and darker season, Waterspirit said in a news release that described the event.

Special guest musician Mary Price sang a few songs to uplift the spirit and participants lit
candles and remembered those who are far away or no longer living.

And there is much planned for the future. Here is a sampling of upcoming events:

• Jan. 3: Waterspirit's “Meditation for Earth” will resume Jan. 3 in a virtual format on Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. A short Earth-centered reflection is read, followed by an excerpt from Hal Borland’s "12 Moons of the Year." Then there is a simple meditation to music followed with silence. The meditation lasts approximately 30 to 35 minutes. Join the virtual meditations on the YouTube channel here.
• Jan. 11: Waterspirit is offering an educational program by Public Policy and Justice organizer Rachel Dawn Davis. She will hold a class on the New Jersey Green Amendment and how to raise support for it. The advocate training is Jan. 11 at 6 p.m. and will cover an overview of the amendment, its status in the legislature, as well as insights for getting decisionmakers on board, using social media to advocate and passing municipal resolutions.
• Jan. 14: Waterspirit hosts reiki master Liana Urban and yoga instructor Michele Tagliomonti on Saturday, Jan. 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Reiki is a Japanese energy healing technique which means universal life energy. It is a gentle and non-invasive practice to promote healing. Participants of this event will "experience reiki assists to release blocked energy and guided meditations to calm the mind and encourage the release of stress and anxiety." In this session, participants will find comfortable positions on the floor. Bring a yoga mat, towels, bolsters and/or pillows, as needed. The price is $35.

Just go to the Waterspirit website for information on these and future programs. You can register through the website and connect to the YouTube channel.