Celebrate Friendsgiving with Your Forest Family at Just Love Forest!

After the busyness of holiday gatherings with family and friends, we invite you to reconnect and unwind with us in the heart of nature. Join your forest family for a Forest Friendsgiving on Saturday evening, a time to gather, share a delicious meal, and nurture friendships old and new in a peaceful, grounding setting. This is a beautiful opportunity to recharge, embrace the natural world around us, and experience a true sense of community.

Forest Friendsgiving Details

• When: Saturday, 4 pm arrival for community time; dinner served at 6:30 pm.

• What to Bring: A vegan or vegetarian dish to share, along with any necessary serving utensils.

• Stay Overnight: You’re welcome to stay overnight in one of our bell tents on a donation basis. Just let us know in advance, and we’ll be happy to reserve a spot for you.

Friendsgiving is about gathering with kindred spirits, decompressing in the forest, and celebrating our connections in a peaceful, supportive environment. We look forward to welcoming you, sharing food, laughter, and gratitude under the open sky.

Solar Installation & Education Weekend
For those interested in diving into sustainable energy practices, we’re also hosting a Solar Education and Installation Weekend from Friday to Monday. Community member and solar expert Fred Sisson will lead hands-on sessions covering the essentials of off-grid solar installation, from site planning and setup to system integration. This is a valuable learning opportunity for anyone interested in sustainable living, and we’d love your help bringing this project to life at Just Love Forest.

There’s no set fee for the weekend; donations are always appreciated to help keep the forest thriving. Whether you’re joining us just for Friendsgiving or staying a little longer to learn and lend a hand, we look forward to sharing this special time with you.

After you register below, if you want to also sign up for a tent for an overnight stay, please email Bala at bala@justloveforest.com with your request and we can let you know availability.

Just Love always!

Sign up and register

Join Us for Green Burial 101: An Online Zoom Gathering

Just Love Forest offers green burial atop sacred Bhakti Mountain. Curious about green burial and what it entails? Interested in understanding how it works and why it's becoming an increasingly popular choice? Join us for Green Burial 101 - an online Zoom gathering where we’ll delve into the principles and practices of green burial, and answer all of your questions.

Event Details:

- Date & Time: November 13th, 7pm

- Location: Online via Zoom - a link will be sent in your confirmation email

- Green Burial Website: www.justloveforest.com/greenburial

What is Green Burial?

Green burial is a natural and eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial practices. It emphasizes simplicity and sustainability by returning the body to the earth in a way that allows it to decompose naturally and contribute to the renewal of the environment. This approach avoids the use of embalming chemicals, metal caskets, and concrete vaults, focusing instead on biodegradable materials and a minimal environmental footprint.

Why is Green Burial Gaining Popularity?

As more people become aware of the environmental impacts of conventional burial methods, green burial is gaining traction for its gentle, earth-conscious approach. It offers a meaningful way to honor loved ones while also giving back to the planet, making it an increasingly appealing option for those seeking an environmentally responsible end-of-life choice.

Meet Your Facilitators:

This session will be facilitated by Bala, Josh, and Lee, the passionate leaders of our green burial efforts at Just Love Forest. They’ll share their insights, experiences, and expertise, providing you with a chance to get to know them better and understand their dedication to this important work.

What to Expect:

- A comprehensive introduction to green burial and its benefits

- Detailed explanations of how the process works

- Insights into why green burial is important for the environment and future generations

- An open Q&A session where you can ask any questions you have

Whether you’re new to the concept of green burial or looking to deepen your understanding, this gathering is a perfect opportunity to learn and connect.

We look forward to seeing you online!

Register

Peak FALL COLOR NATURE ART DAY

 Rediscover your creativity during forest therapy on 716 pristine acres at Just Love Forest. This special day of accessible nature art will be on Nov 9th from 10:30am to 6pm. 

Following the success of our first event this past spring, we’re thrilled to bring you another creative journey—this time set against the breathtaking backdrop of fall’s peak colors.

This family-friendly event is open to all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, you’ll rediscover your creativity through mindful art journaling and eco-art activities. We will introduce you to basic watercolor techniques, encouraging you to embrace the process and channel your inner child.

Let the vibrant autumn forest inspire your art and reconnect you with the joy of creation!

As children, we were given art materials and we created without knowing what the finished product would be. We were free with our creativity. Somewhere along the way, many begin to feel that creating art is not worth their time if it is not a career or a major hobby. Mindfully engaging in art journaling and eco-art can be used for relaxation, self-expression, as a way to navigate through challenging times, to discover insights about yourself, get in touch with your inner child, and to enrich your daily life.                  

We will demonstrate basic watercolor techniques such as wet on wet, stamping, washes and more. Other art materials will be available and feel free to bring any of your own. In our journey with the beautiful forest, we will set an intention of mindfulness while creating art, embracing the process of art, and returning to a child-like acceptance of our artwork. 

Each person will receive a travel size mixed media art journal, a color watercolor paint set with brushes, reference pages, and a waterproof art pen and other necessities for your travel art kit. At the end of the day, the group will reconvene at the yurt to discuss and create an eco-art mandala. 

Learn more and register

Grief Day Retreat

This retreat is designed to support individuals navigating various forms of grief. Over the course of a weekend, participants will explore their personal connections to grief through guided discussions, contemplative walks, and shared experiences in nature. The retreat offers a safe space to express and process grief, with a focus on breaking the isolation that often accompanies it.

Event Description:

Grief touches us all, whether it's the loss of a loved one, the grief of unfulfilled dreams, or the sorrow for our planet. This day retreat invites you to bring your grief, whatever form it takes, into a supportive and understanding environment. Whether you’re mourning a significant loss, struggling with the grief of a complicated past, or experiencing the collective sorrow of global events, this retreat offers a space for you.

Saturday’s program includes an introduction to the forest, where you’ll share your connection to grief and set intentions for the weekend. Through guided meditations, pair sharing, and contemplative walks, you’ll explore how grief manifests in your life and learn ways to prepare for it.

Participants will engage in activities that foster deep listening, empathy, and connection. The day will include a thoughtful session on creating a space for grief, helping you develop a plan for how to approach grief and end-of-life considerations with more clarity and intention. The retreat concludes with a closing circle, offering a final opportunity to share and be heard.

Examples of Grief and Who This Retreat is For:

1. The Bereaved: If you’ve recently lost a loved one and are struggling with the intense emotions of grief, this retreat provides a space to process your feelings in a nurturing environment.

2. The Caregiver: For those who have cared for someone through illness or end-of-life, this retreat offers a chance to reflect on your journey and address the complex grief that can follow caregiving.

3. The Environmental Mourner: If you feel grief for the state of the planet and the loss of natural beauty, this retreat allows you to connect with others who share your sorrow and find solace in nature.

This retreat is for anyone who seeks a compassionate space to explore and understand their grief, regardless of its source.

Learn more and register

Join Us for Green Burial Cemetery Day

Discover the beauty and peace of nature’s embrace at our upcoming Green Burial Cemetery Day. This special event offers a unique opportunity to meet our dedicated team and explore the serene grounds of our green burial site.

Event Details:

- Date & Time: November 1st, 1:00 PM

- Location: Just Love Forest Green Burial Cemetery

- Website: www.justloveforest.com/greenburial

What to Expect:

We will gather at the gate promptly at 1:00 PM, where you'll have the chance to connect with our team members and fellow attendees. From there, we'll caravan up the mountain, immersing ourselves in the tranquility of the forest as we drive. Once we arrive, we'll park and spend a few hours exploring the cemetery, learning about our green burial practices, and experiencing the peacefulness of the natural surroundings.

What to Bring:

- Water: Stay hydrated as we walk and explore the cemetery.

- Snacks: Feel free to bring along some light refreshments to enjoy during our time together.

- Comfortable Footwear: We'll be walking through natural terrain, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Whether you're curious about green burial practices, considering options for yourself or a loved one, or simply wish to connect with like-minded individuals in a beautiful natural setting, this day is for you.

We look forward to welcoming you to Just Love Forest and sharing the peaceful beauty of our green burial site.

Register here

Did you ever notice, the words "silent" and "listen" are the same letters, just arranged differently? Silence is powerful, it commands your attention.  It may make you uncomfortable, because it is so easy to fill the void with noise.  You long for peace and quiet, yet frightened of it at the same time.  

Being silent reveals opportunities to listen.   

To listen to the innerworkings of your mind and find peace, you have to sit, become still and listen.  In time, the noise becomes nothing but noise.  If you listen long enough, a separation occurs. 

You can find a beautiful wellspring of peace and quiet within you, just be silent and listen. A unique opportunity to be silent awaits!  See details below and join Rene and Bala in the forest!

Sunday, October 20th, 10am-6pm

Morning: Welcome, sound session, meditation, labyrinth
Lunch "Yoga-meal style"
Afternoon: Hike, yin yoga, meditation, foraged tea and closing circle

Price: $199
This includes a delicious and healthy plant-based lunch.

Learn more and register

Join Us for Green Burial 101: An Online Zoom Gathering

Just Love Forest offers green burial atop sacred Bhakti Mountain. Curious about green burial and what it entails? Interested in understanding how it works and why it's becoming an increasingly popular choice? Join us for Green Burial 101 - an online Zoom gathering where we’ll delve into the principles and practices of green burial, and answer all of your questions.

Event Details:

- Date & Time: October 16th, 7pm

- Location: Online via Zoom - a link will be sent in your confirmation email

- Green Burial Website: www.justloveforest.com/greenburial

What is Green Burial?

Green burial is a natural and eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial practices. It emphasizes simplicity and sustainability by returning the body to the earth in a way that allows it to decompose naturally and contribute to the renewal of the environment. This approach avoids the use of embalming chemicals, metal caskets, and concrete vaults, focusing instead on biodegradable materials and a minimal environmental footprint.

Why is Green Burial Gaining Popularity?

As more people become aware of the environmental impacts of conventional burial methods, green burial is gaining traction for its gentle, earth-conscious approach. It offers a meaningful way to honor loved ones while also giving back to the planet, making it an increasingly appealing option for those seeking an environmentally responsible end-of-life choice.

Meet Your Facilitators:

This session will be facilitated by Bala, Josh, and Lee, the passionate leaders of our green burial efforts at Just Love Forest. They’ll share their insights, experiences, and expertise, providing you with a chance to get to know them better and understand their dedication to this important work.

What to Expect:

- A comprehensive introduction to green burial and its benefits

- Detailed explanations of how the process works

- Insights into why green burial is important for the environment and future generations

- An open Q&A session where you can ask any questions you have

Whether you’re new to the concept of green burial or looking to deepen your understanding, this gathering is a perfect opportunity to learn and connect.

We look forward to seeing you online!

Register

Join us on 716 private mountain acres at Just Love Forest as we forage for delicious fruits, nuts, and mushrooms. The nearly extinct Valley Head Hawthorne will drop its edible and tasty fruit. Persimmons fall from the trees; shagbark hickories drop their calorie-dense nuts. Mountain oaks shower us with large date-like nuts. Hen of the Woods begin to arrive, and many fall mushrooms may grace us with their presence. Join us on a forage and help us preserve this beautiful and endangered habitat in the North West Georgia mountains. Your support will allow us to breed and help save the endangered plants that call this land home.

Josh Wayne began his foraging journey 13 years ago, hoping to find edible, medicinal, and sacred mushrooms. Josh learned how to forage for plants and identify birds with the help of many knowledgeable mentors in the Atlanta (Pine Lake Eco Arts) and Athens (Wild Intelligence) area as he worked to deepen his connection with the plants and animals that inhabit the Georgia Piedmont, Ridge and Valley, and Blue ridge mountains. As an Atlanta native, he has foraged, prepared, and consumed over 100 species of mushrooms and an additional 150 species of plants from the Southeast. Josh serves as a World-bridger and Lead Sacrament Forager for Whole Inc. and works to connect both members and nonmembers to our plant, mushroom, and animal ancestors. If you want to learn about the mushrooms and plants here to nourish you, hike with Josh.

Learn more and register

Join community member Sean Owen (Naga Das) and Bala for a day of healing transformation at the Ignite the Inner Fire day retreat. This is a gathering designed to awaken and deepen your connection to self, community, and your higher self. Throughout the day, you'll engage in powerful practices including breathwork, Kundalini meditation, and heart-centered movement, all aimed at clearing energetic blockages and fostering self-love. The retreat offers a unique opportunity to explore the concept of living fully in the present moment as the foundation for inner transformation. With guided sessions, intention setting, and a focus on love in its many forms, this retreat will leave you feeling empowered, connected, and ready to embrace your highest potential. An optional overnight stay with an evening forest therapy and fire experience with dinner, lead by Bala, can be added.

Naga Das is the founder and visionary behind All Heart Holistic Group, a spiritually focused business that aims to guide participants and fellow travelers back home to their heart through workshops, retreats, education, and coaching. He began his path after a powerful spiritual experience in treatment for heroin addiction 10 years ago, which revolutionized his entire outlook and attitude towards life. From that point on, he dedicated himself to the journey of self-improvement, sobriety, spiritual growth, and deeper healing, which led him to his true calling of being of service to those lost on their own path to greatness.

Formally, he is trained as an addiction counselor, certified experiential specialist, anger resolution specialist, registered yoga and meditation teacher, breathwork instructor, and a Reiki level 3 practitioner. He believes that every day, every breath is a new opportunity to grow, learn, and expand our hearts to a greater loving awareness. His goal is to rise every morning, honor the beauty all around him, and remember the gift of life that is within us all. Let Sean Owen (Naga Das) be your guide, offering tools for inner transformation and reminding us all to embrace life's beauty with boundless love and authenticity.

Register here

Join us for "Becoming the Forest" on Sunday, June 23rd at Just Love Forest. This unique experience combines forest therapy, a plant identification walk, and an introduction to our green burial cemetery. From a gentle hike up Bhakti Mountain to foraging and sharing reflections over freshly brewed tea, immerse yourself in the serenity and wisdom of nature. Sliding scale payment is available to ensure accessibility for everyone. For more details and to register, visit the registration page here.

Come join all of your forest friends and make new ones. We’ll bask in the moonlight of the Snow Moon.

A COMMUNAL CELEBRATION WITH SOUND, FOOD AND NATURE

🥁 Let the Rhythm Unite Us! 🍲

Join us for an evening where beats meet bites! We'll kick things off with introductions in the yurt and a beginner-friendly drumming workshop to get everyone in sync. No experience? No worries! We're here to guide you through the basics and share the joy of drumming.

As the rhythms start to flow, we'll gather around for a potluck dinner. It's a perfect time to indulge in delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes and enjoy the company of your forest friends. Afterward, the drum circle begins, inviting us to explore and express.

Bring Your Beat: If you have a drum or any percussion instruments, please bring them along to share in the rhythm. Don't have one? No problem! We'll have a few extras on hand for anyone needing an instrument. For specific inquiries about available drums, drop a quick note to alexandralittaye@gmail.com.

Let's come together for a night of rhythm, food, and community!

ABOUT THIS PRACTICE

🌟 Discover the Joy of Drum Circles: A Universal Invitation to Rhythm and Unity 🌟

Drum circles are a magical experience that invite everyone to share in a sense of unity and communal spirit. These gatherings are a celebration of life, connecting us across cultures and continents through the universal language of rhythm. Whether it's the deep pulse of indigenous tribal ceremonies, the vibrant beats of modern music festivals, or the spontaneous rhythms found in park gatherings, drum circles create an atmosphere of togetherness and harmony.

No matter your experience level, from first-timers to seasoned percussionists, drum circles offer a welcoming space for self-expression, emotional release, and, most importantly, forging a deep connection with others. This ancient tradition highlights the timeless appeal of coming together in rhythm, inviting everyone to feel the heartbeat of the Earth and join in the collective celebration of music and community.

So, if you're curious, eager to learn, or simply want to feel the joy of being part of something larger than yourself, the come! Embrace the opportunity to explore a unique channel of expression and experience that comes with making music together.

SLIDING SCALE PAYMENT

We’ll be offering payment for this experience on a sliding scale basis to ensure access for everyone. After registering below, you’ll be taken to a payment page where you can choose your amount.

You can pay any amount that suits your needs. Here are some recommendations:

Standard Rate: $50 This is the recommended rate, allowing us to provide programs, while helping us to steward and protect our 716 acre nature preserve. You may choose to camp overnight in your own tent or stay in one of our double occupancy canvas bell tents. 

Sustainer Rate: $100 This is the recommended rate for those who can help support this work and allow us to pay it forward to others.

Other details: This is a bring food to share event. We will be doing this communally in a potluck style for the evening meal so please bring things to share. Vegetarian and vegan items only please. Please bring any necessary dishes and utensils for serving. We provide plates and utensils for eating. If you are staying overnight then please bring your own food items for breakfast. 

Come early for our Labyrinth Service Day on Saturday or stay for the Self Love Day Retreat on Sunday.

Feel free to email bala@justloveforest.com with questions or for more information.

Click here for full information and registration

Come join us in selfless service, stewarding 716 acres of forest!

🌿✨ Join Us for a Sacred Day of Service and Community ✨🌿

Dear Forest Family,

We're thrilled to invite you to a day of meaningful service, connection, and joy within the heart of our beloved, Just Love Forest. We’ll come together to enhance the sacred pathway of our labyrinth that guides so many on their journey of reflection and discovery. This is the place that people come to introduce themselves to the forest. We were able to create it without removing a single tree.

🔨 No Experience? No Problem!

Whether you're a seasoned path-maker or your skills lie in other areas, your hands and heart are welcome here. We'll be engaging in some simple stone and path work. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to a project that touches the lives of visitors.

🌳 Why the Labyrinth?

Our labyrinth is more than just paths and stones; it's a vessel for experiences, memories, and moments of insight. It's where people find peace, seek answers, and embark on spiritual journeys in the forest. By contributing to its care, we ensure that this sacred space continues to offer solace and inspiration to all who walk its winding path.

👫 Camaraderie in the Forest

Aside from the work, this is a day to enjoy the camaraderie of our forest family. Imagine a day filled with laughter, stories, and the shared joy of giving back to a place that gives so much to us. It's an opportunity to strengthen our bonds and make new friends, all while surrounded by the natural beauty of our forest home.

🌟 Join Us!

Mark your calendars and bring your enthusiasm, your love for nature, and your willingness to get a little dirty for a great cause. Together, we'll make a lasting impact on our labyrinth.

What to Bring: Comfortable clothes, work gloves if you have them, and a water bottle. All tools and materials will be provided. If you have any special stones that you’d like to add to labyrinth then please bring them.

Other Details: A nutritious plant-based lunch will be provided. You are also welcome to bring your own meal if you prefer. You may make a contribution to offset costs and support the forest if you wish to during registration.

Stay longer Join us for the drum circle on Saturday evening and the Self Love Day Retreat on Sunday.

Please email Bala with any questions: bala@justloveforest.com

Register here