Deep Ecology Writing Workshop

Join environmental psychologist and author Dr Lindsay Branham for a two-day deep ecology writing retreat at the Catto Center at Toklat. This brand new offering combines the practice of your own writing with the deep ecology wisdom of connecting with the living world.

Through poetry and prose, presence, and courageous truth-telling, we’ll gather in circle to explore writing with the trees as a spiritual practice.

Experience two days of guided writing exercises, embodiment practice, nature immersion and deep dialogue in unparalleled wilderness that surrounds ACES at Toklat. Each day we will dive into guided writing exercises as a practice of deep listening with nature. You will get to share your work (if you desire!) in small groups to bear witness of each other’s creations. Lindsay will offer guided meditations and movement to set our bodies free and invite creativity to flow. We will also read and share writings that are beloved to us and illuminate the beauty and depth of our love for nature, helping you harvest your own writing voice.

This retreat includes one optional overnight at Toklat (Saturday night), the incredible chance to camp near one of the most pristine and untouched wilderness areas in Colorado. Throughout the two-days you will be invited to experiment and play with accessing your authentic writing voice in dialogue with the more-than-human world.

*The retreat includes Lunch and Dinner on Saturday and Breakfast the following day. Please note that accommodations include basic camping equipment provided by ACES (tent and sleeping pad). Depending on the number of participants, some camping locations are a 10 minute walk from the Catto Center at Toklat and have access to an outdoor toilet. When you register please note your camping preferences. Let us know if you have accommodation needs we can consider to make your experience easeful!
Please find the materials and gear list here.

About the Instructor:

Dr Lindsay Branham is an environmental psychologist and Emmy-nominated filmmaker. Her debut book, Heartwood: The Wisdom and Healing Kinship of Trees explores how coming home to nature is healing for ourselves and the planet. She draws from 20 years of contemplative practice, writing as a spiritual exploration of connection with nature and the transformational power of listening to and speaking with the land. Heartwood is praised by Richard Rohr as “a gift to widen our hearts with love for this suffering world.”

She is a regular columnist for The Aspen Times about environmental issues facing the Roaring Fork Valley and lives in Aspen.

Adult Program Cancelation Policy

We understand that plans can change, and we try our best to work with you if you need to cancel a class. Email cancellation requests to communityprograms@aspennature.org. Please read carefully.

A 50% REFUND is given if cancellation request is made within 14 days of program start date.

NO REFUNDS are given for cancellation requests received within 14 days of program start date. 

In the event that ACES has to cancel a class, FULL REFUNDS will be issued (no additional fees).

Please let us know if you would like to turn your program refund into a fully tax-deductible gift to the Children’s Education Fund to support ACES’ education programs. The amount of your donation will reflect the cancellation policy, and the amount that you would receive as a refund at the date of cancellation. These programs provide valuable experiences for students that encourage resiliency, creativity, and a connection to the outdoors. We thank you, as always, for being part of the ACES family!