BIRDING FOR LIFE
We love walking and watching birds, while also learning to foster deeper, healthier connections to ourselves, others, wildlife, and the earth. Watching birds can lead to greater human satisfaction, happiness, and health. By being aware of birds, we can also grow our ability to focus and to rest in the current moment, as well as grow our compassion and justice centered behaviors to help care for ourselves, others, and the planet. Birds, humans, and the earth are in trouble and with strong connections to the living community around us, we can save ourselves and all life.
These walks aim to grow our ability to transform ourselves and our world by watching birds as an intentional mindfulness practice. This is enhanced by an emphasis on our relationships and connections to the humans who join us for the walk and the other species with whom we will interact.
Though led by renowned avian conservationist, Rev. Dr. LoraKim Joyner, the hope is that we build a just and compassionate community together made up of those who respond to this form of mindfulness practice.
Our walks will be open to spontaneous conversation, identifying birds, and enjoying their behavior while also following LoraKim's facilitation with questions, readings, and gentle nature practices.
Upcoming
Birding for Life Walks
In-person walks are currently being offered in the area in and around Des Moines, Iowa
Next walk: December 21, 2024 at 9am CST
This walk's theme is Celebrating Winter Solstice. We will meet at the “Centers Trails Access” which is the parking lot at the Greenwood Ashworth swimming pool at 102 45th Street.
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Also note that additional walks are scheduled as listed below. Please use the same link below to return to the Meetup webpage that will be updated in the future to include information about each one:
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January 4, 2025 at 9am CST
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February 22, 2025 at 9am CST
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April 20, 2025 at 6:15am CST (in celebration of Easter and Passover)
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April 26, 2025 at 9am CST
Multiday Event in Nebraska: March 14 to 16, 2025
Celebrating the Abundance of Birds and Life. Led by the Revv. Meredith Garmon and LoraKim Joyner. This is a a spiritual retreat combined with bird walks with Sandhill Cranes in Kearny Nebraska. Plan on arriving Friday night, March 14th and getting up very early on the 15th to see the Sandhill cranes and other species. If you plan on attending, it’s best to reserve hotel rooms early.
Presentation April 24, 2025 and Walk April 26, 2025
Evening presentation by LoraKim Joyner at the Franklin Avenue Library on April 24, 2025 followed by a walk on April 26 at the Glendale Masonic Cemetery