A Day in the forest

Sacred Winter Solstice Day with Bala & Friends

Come celebrate the Winter Solstice on Saturday, December 21st, from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM with a day of guided nature immersion, sacred ceremony, and community connection.

This nature therapy day will reconnect your spirit and enhance your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Pricing: $50 - $200 sliding scale / $25 for members

Why the Winter Solstice?

This day marks the longest night of the year—a time for deep reflection, renewal, and honoring the return of the sun. Across cultures and throughout history, the solstice has been celebrated as a moment to honor the shift from darkness to light, to express gratitude, and to set intentions for the season ahead. Participants will connect with nature, themselves, and the cycles of life through guided rituals and ceremonies that reflect ancient traditions.

As part of our journey, we will honor the animals of the forest with offerings of fruits. This gesture carries a deep significance, acknowledging that the creatures of the wild are entering their hardest season. Winter is a time when food is scarce and survival requires immense resilience. By creating a nature altar and offering fruits, we not only express our gratitude for their presence but also participate in the ancient tradition of giving back to the land and its beings. This act reminds us of the interconnectedness of all life and our shared responsibility to care for the ecosystems that sustain us.

The Day’s Journey

10:30 AM: Arrival

Welcome to the forest! Arrive at the meeting point to begin your solstice journey.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Deep Introductions in the Yurt

Gather in the yurt for grounding and setting intentions over rose tea. This opening session will prepare us for the day ahead.

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Hike to Create a Nature Altar & Offer Fruits to the Forest

Hike into the heart of Just Love Forest to create a nature altar and offer fruits as blessings to the animals and beings who call the forest home. This act of gratitude and generosity connects us to the cycles of nature and honors the solstice spirit.

3:00 PM: Potluck Arrivals

For those joining only for the potluck, arrive by 3:00 PM to settle in and prepare for the shared meal.

3:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Potluck & Fire Ceremony

Prepare and enjoy a delicious community meal together around the fire. This is our time to reflect, celebrate, and connect. After the meal, gather for a fire ceremony to release the old, embrace the new, and honor the turning of the seasons.

6:30 PM: Departure

Conclude the day with full hearts, departing the forest with a renewed sense of connection and peace.

What to Bring:

- Generous Amounts of Fruits cut into pieces for the nature offering

- A dish to share for the potluck (if attending this portion)

- Comfortable clothing for time outdoors and in ceremony

- A heart-centered intention to guide your journey

* Please email bala@justloveforest.com with any questions or for more information.*

What You Can Expect

Immerse yourself in 716 acres of the serene Just Love Forest, guided by the spirit of the solstice. This unique day is an opportunity to reconnect with nature, yourself, and your community.

- 10:30 AM: Arrival

- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Deep introductions in the yurt

- 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Hike to create a nature altar and offer fruits to the forest

- 3:00 PM: Potluck arrivals

- 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Community potluck and fire ceremony

- 6:30 PM: Departure

Pricing: $50 - $200 sliding scale / $25 for members

We look forward to sharing this sacred day with you.

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