CELebrate the most wild reawakening at Just Love - the return of spring!

Arrive in deep presence as we step into a day of connection, nature, and heart-opening ritual in honor of the Spring Equinox. Our journey begins with a gentle and immersive forest therapy experience from 11 AM to 2 PM, followed by a three-hour cacao ceremony to welcome the changing season with intention and reverence.

Click here to register

Shinrin-Yoku with Bala

We will gather in the yurt for deep introductions, reflection, and rose tea, creating a soft landing into the space. From there, we will move into the forest with Bala for a guided Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) experience—a Japanese practice of slowing down and engaging with nature through the senses. Unlike hiking, Shinrin-Yoku is an intentional, slow walk that invites us to listen, feel, breathe, and connect with the land in a way that restores our nervous system and deepens our awareness.

3 Hour Cacao Ceremony with Natalie Volta

After this grounding nature immersion, we will enter into a powerful Mayan cacao ceremony, a tradition passed down from my teachers in Guatemala. Cacao, one of mother nature’s most sacred gifts, activates the parasympathetic nervous system, evoking relaxation and opening the heart. In ceremony, we will:

- Create an altar together with meaningful items gathered from the forest.

- Drink ceremonial cacao sourced from indigenous farmers, honoring the sacred reciprocity of this plant medicine.

- Make offerings to the land in gratitude and reverence.

- Embark on a meditative journey exploring the Mayan cosmovision and the wisdom of the seasons.

The combination of Shinrin-Yoku and cacao ceremony is a beautiful pairing—one that gently guides us into presence, relaxation, and deep connection with ourselves, nature, and one another.

Preparation for the ceremony: It is recommended to drink plenty of water before and during the ceremony and to eat lightly beforehand to allow for a more profound experience.

This is an invitation to welcome the season of renewal with clarity, intention, and an open heart.

Click here to register

Green Burial 101: A Virtual Introduction

Join us for Green Burial 101, an online gathering exploring the beauty and simplicity of natural burial. Learn how our green cemeteries work, take a virtual tour of them, and engage in a live Q&A. Whether planning for yourself or a loved one, this session offers insights into eco-friendly burial.

Stay tuned for upcoming talks on end-of-life wishes and creating an advanced directive.

📅 Wed, March 19th at 7:00pm 📍 Online via Zoom | 🎟 Free – Registration required

Register here

A MONTHLY COMMUNITY SOUND AND SONG CIRCLE

🎶 Let the Music Unite Us! 🎵

REGISTER HERE

Join us for an evening where songs meet bites! One of the greatest parts of being in a community is sharing and encouraging each other's musical and singing gifts. This monthly gathering provides a supportive, loving, and fun environment to give and receive with frequency and vibration—an essential part of living fully and something often lost in modern life.

We'll kick things off with introductions in the yurt and a beginner-friendly workshop to get everyone in sync. Whether you sing, play an instrument, or simply want to participate in the collective energy, you’re welcome here. No experience? No worries! We’re here to guide you through the joy of sharing sound and song in community.

Before the melodies start to flow, we'll gather around for a potluck dinner. It’s the perfect time to indulge in delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes and enjoy the company of your forest friends. Afterward, the sound circle begins, inviting us to explore and express through music, voice, and harmony.

Bring Your Sound: If you have an instrument, drum, or just your voice, please bring it along to share in the music. Don’t have one? No problem! All you need is your presence. For specific inquiries about available instruments, drop a quick note to bala@justloveforest.com.

Let’s come together for a night of sound, food, and community!

ABOUT THIS PRACTICE

🌟 Discover the Joy of Sound Circles: A Universal Invitation to Connection 🌟

Sound and song 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 through the universal language of music and vibration. Whether it’s the deep resonance of traditional chants, the creative improvisations of modern melodies, or the spontaneous harmonies found in shared spaces, sound circles create an atmosphere of togetherness and harmony.

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

If you’re curious, eager to learn, or simply want to feel the joy of being part of something larger than yourself, 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, 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.

REGISTER HERE

Join Us for THE FIRST Day of Community and Forest Renewal in 2025! 💚

REGISTER HERE

Dear Forest Family,

As the seasons begin to shift, we’re excited to invite you to a sacred day of service and community at Just Love Forest. Together, we’ll prepare our beloved space for the beauty and vitality of spring by:

- Clearing and preparing and planting some our new subsistence garden.

- Building a new shed for Basecamp to house our tools and resources.

- Reorganizing our existing sheds to create a more harmonious and functional space.

- Sprucing up our labyrinth a sacred pathway that welcomes all into the forest's embrace.

This is our chance to come together, reconnect with the land, and steward our 716-acre forest for the year ahead.

🔨 No Experience Needed!

Whether you’re a master builder or simply eager to lend a hand, your presence and energy are all that’s required. We’ll tackle projects ranging from construction to organization.

🌳 Why This Work Matters

These efforts go beyond physical tasks—they are acts of love and care for the forest that nurtures us. The labyrinth, in particular, is a sacred space for reflection, insight, and peace. By enhancing and maintaining it, we honor its role in connecting visitors to the natural and spiritual world.

👫 Camaraderie in the Forest

This day is about more than work; it’s about community. Share laughter, stories, and the joy of giving back to a space that gives so much to us. Together, we’ll strengthen bonds, forge new friendships, and celebrate the forest’s magic.

What to Bring:

- Comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes.

- Work gloves, if you have them.

- A reusable water bottle.

- Any special stones you’d like to contribute to the labyrinth.

What's Provided:

- All tools and materials.

- A nutritious plant-based lunch (or feel free to bring your own meal).

Contributions to offset costs and support the forest are welcomed but not required. You’ll have the option to make an offering when you register.

REGISTER HERE

🌙 Stay for More!

Make it a weekend of connection:

- Saturday Evening: Join us for a drum circle under the stars.

- Sunday: Participate in the Self-Love Day Retreat.

RSVP or Questions?

Email Bala at bala@justloveforest.com.

Let’s come together in selfless service to nurture this sacred space and prepare for the blessings of spring. See you in the forest! 🌿✨

Celebrate the Winter Solstice: Honoring Nature and Community

Join us on Saturday, December 21st, for a sacred day of connection, reflection, and renewal in the heart of Just Love Forest. This Winter Solstice, we honor the cycles of nature and the beings who share this land with us. Together, we’ll hike into the forest to create a nature altar and offer fruits as blessings to the animals, expressing gratitude and generosity for their presence and well-being.

The day will culminate with a shared potluck and a community fire gathering, where we’ll gather in to release old patterns, set intentions, and celebrate the shift from darkness to light. Through ritual and connection, this experience will nourish your spirit and deepen your bond with the natural world.

We look forward to sharing this meaningful day with you.

Sliding scale pricing $50 - $100 and $25 for members.

Learn more and register

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.