The Turning Season

A Practice of Presence Among Trees

Sunday, October 18 | 2:00-4:00 PM

Pendle Hill | Wallingford, PA

As the changing colors of autumn begin to unfold more fully, we invite you to spend an afternoon slowing down, stepping outside, and reconnecting with the living world around us. Together with Pendle Hill campus grounds keeper and land manager Lloyd Guindon, Ango Sensei will lead an exploration of the trees of Pendle Hill. Inspired in part by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) and informed by our Zen tradition’s well-known teaching of “the oak tree in the garden,” this program offers an opportunity to meet the season directly, engaging all the senses and an experience of attentive presence to things just as they are. 

Through silence, conversation, and the simple practice of awareness, we will explore what the natural world can teach us about change, belonging, and our interconnectedness with all living beings. Trees connect the earth to the heavens, bear fruit and then shed their leaves, live for centuries and then fall to the forest floor. Pendle Hill is home to a number of very special individual trees and each one of them has something to teach us. Come prepared for a leisurely walk outdoors, with comfortable clothing for the weather of the day.

Registration is required. Please register directly with Pendle Hill by visiting the event page. There is no specific fee for the program – rather, we ask that you consider a donation of dana to Pendle Hill using this link. Pendle Hill is located at 338 Plush Mill Rd, Wallingford, PA 19086, about 15 minutes drive from Soji. Feel free to contact us with any questions.