Reading the Gestures of Life
July 10-July 16

In our all-too busy, often fragmented lives, nature provides a source of focus and renewal. In this course we will practice a phenomenological approach that opens our thinking and perception to the deeper patterns and gestures of the natural world. We connect with nature and our own selves in new and unexpected ways. This course is for people from all walks of life; no previous experience is necessary. Daily course work:

• Flexible Thinking Through Projective Geometry (Henrike Holdrege)  
     Hands-on and thought exercises to start the day
• Reading the Gestures of Life: Plant Study (Craig Holdrege)
     Study of local plants and habitats; observation exercises;
     reflections on a holistic understanding of nature and plants
• Artistic Work (Martina Muller)
     Artistic exercises to enhance our perception of nature

The course begins on Sunday evening at 7 pm and end Saturday at 12:30 pm.

Course Staff:
Craig Holdrege is a biologist, educator, and the director of The Nature Institute. About Craig Holdrege.
Henrike Holdrege is a mathematician and biologist and works at The Nature Institute. About Henrike Holdrege.
Martina Muller is a painter and teaches painting and drawing at the Hawthorne Valley School.

Course Location:
The Nature Institute is located in Hawthorne Valley, nestled at the foot of the Taconic hills. At the heart of the village of Harlemville are a K-12 Waldorf school, a 400-acre biodynamic farm and a farmstore. Walking trails wind through forests, wetland areas, and creeksides. Click here for directions.

Lodging, Meals, and Transportation:
Housing will be available with local families for approximately $25 per night, and camping at a nearby state park is approximately $15 per night. A list of motels and bed & breakfasts is also available.
Breakfast is included in housing with local families. We provide a morning and afternoon snack. Participants will be responsible for all other meals. We will coordinate carpooling between housing and course site when registrations are complete.

Tuition: $480, $440 Nature Institute Friends, $350 Students/Seniors

Tuition includes all materials, as well as morning and afternoon snacks.

Please inquire about tuition assistance.

Registration Deadline: Please register by June 1 by sending in the registration form and payment in full.

Early Registration Benefit: If you register before May 1, subtract $25 from the course fee.

Cancellation Policy: If you cancel your registration more than two weeks prior to the beginning of the course, you will be reimbursed the amount paid minus a $50 non-refundable fee. If you cancel less than two weeks before the course begins, you will be reimbursed 80% of the course fee.

Registration: Please click here to print our course registration form