Winter Spiritual & Deep Ecology practice day
by Spiritual Ecology Netherlands & Deep Ecology Network
“All flourishing is mutual”
The seasons invites us to realize that abundance can be found and felt at all times of the year in different ways. When we find the courage to honour the gifts given by the living world, the
outcome is not only material, but spiritual.”
In 2026 we offer each season a Spiritual & Deep Ecology practice day to align us with the rhythms and cycles of nature, the seasons, the Earth, our bodies, the sun and the moon.
Our first seasonal practice day starts with winter where nature invites us to slow down and rest. A time where life retreats underground to regenerate; trees shed their leaves to conserve energy, many animals hibernate, and plants often enter a dormant state. As the landscape appears barren above the ground, beneath the surface the soil is alive; in the process of decay, mycelium weaves unseen connections and seeds are preserved and nurtured in the fertile dark.
Like soil in winter we will practice rest as an act of breaking the spell of speed and scarcity. Seen as an act of resistance to being compliant to systems that are fixated on seperation, extraction, domination, and where our worth is measured by our productivity.
During this winter day we explore and practice together
- slowing down and letting go of what requires shedding;
- reclaiming the body as part of the larger body of earth, pausing long enough to listen to what this season is asking of us;
- to rest naturally and radically, not as avoidance or indulgence but as a form of reverence to the cycles that sustain us;
- treasure and nourish the seeds within us, to grow more resilient, more connected, and more resourced — ready to emerge in spring and play our part in creating a better world.
We will shape the day offering practices that connect the inner and outer landscape like meditation, movement, nature connection outside, visualization, poetry, inquiry, mindful
dialogue, with a fire outside and beautiful food to share over lunch.
Practical information
Date and time: Saturday 10th of January 2026 from 10am – 5pm
Location: KenKon, Nieuwe Kanaal 11, Wageningen
Facilitators: Annick Nevejan & Suzanne Valkman
Costs: Standard fee € 120, -/ Student fee € 30, -/ Sponsor fee € 150, –
This includes 21% VAT, tea, co ee, cookies and a vegan lunch
Info & to register: Send an email to Annick anevejan@xs4all.nl or Suzanne
suzanne@deepecologynetwork.com
More information: www.spiritualecology.nl & www.deepecologynetwork.com
Dates other seasons: Spring 25th of April / Summer 20th of June / Autumn 24th of October 2026 in or near Wageningen
“Spiritual ecology is an ontology and modern term for an ancient knowing present in traditional
and place-based cultures, and spiritual and mystical traditions for millennia. It recognizes that
everything within the living Earth—human and more-than-human—is animate, alive, and sacred.
It is an ancestral memory we all carry within us, regardless of our cultural backgrounds. It is not
something we need to learn, rather it is something we need to remember. Surfacing this memory
and embodying this ancient connection is an essential part of the spiritual engagement needed
with the Earth at this time.” – Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee in Emergence Magazine
“Deep ecology is an environmental philosophy that recognizes that genuine, long-term nature
conservation action begins with a personal commitment to inner transformation and a
recognition of our intricate interconnection with the natural world. This refers to the deep,
reciprocal relationship between our inner and outer landscapes. In other words: the
degradation of the external environment mirrors internal psychological fragmentation and that
the act of restoring one’s inner world can motivate and enhance e orts to heal the planet. The
practice encourages us to reawaken our deeper understanding of Earth-centered Wisdom;
connecting mind, body and soul within the embodiment of the physical laws of the universe. It
prompts us to explore our roots, foster a heightened self-awareness and reflect deeply on our
life purpose and our roles as humans of the planet.” – Suzanne Valkman