PORT TOWNSEND — Unity Church of Port Townsend will present a special workshop, “Invoking the Sacred Earth Through Song and Meditation,” on Saturday.
The workshop, led by the Rev. Simon de Voil and Daniel McMannis, is planned from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chetzemoka Park, 900 Jackson St.
A rain date is set for May 28 in case of inclement weather.
Entry to the workshop is by donation, although no one will be turned away for lack of ability to pay, organizers said.
Participants will gather at the park’s front gate at 11 a.m. and are asked to bring their own lunches.
Walking meditation
After the opening ceremony on Chetzemoka’s bluffs, the group will move in walking meditation to the beach for part of the day and finally return to the bluffs to close the circle.
During the workshop, de Voil and McMannis will focus on mindfulness and presence, exploring humanity’s connection with the Earth through music, chant, walking meditation and spiritual practices.
All are welcome, and no previous experience with meditation is needed, organizers said.
Participants will concentrate on what they enjoy in nature and what they are called to do on behalf of the natural world, organizers said.
The day will include group chanting, breath and meditation exercises, a meal shared in silence, music and solo time.
De Voil
De Voil is a Scottish singer-songwriter, interfaith minister, counselor, carpenter and community boatbuilder currently living in Kingston.
In writing music, de Voil said his intent is to offer contemporary folk songs crafted for the soul.
As a boatbuilder, he points out that songwriting and boatbuilding have much in common — traditional craft, modern application, made with love, prayer and careful intention.
McMannis
McMannis is a heart-rhythm meditation teacher and the founder of HeartMentors, an organization that explores the critical role of the heart in enhancing personal growth, parenting, relationships, stress, pain management and health and wellness.
He is a trained facilitator through the Center for Attitudinal Healing and a senior teacher through the Institute for Applied Meditation.
