Here are some signs of spring to help us through these times of confinement. Thanks to the Middletown Recreation office for sponsoring this video.
27 June 2017
We are being eaten alive by gypsy moths in my area. Droppings all over the driveways and porches. Gathering clusters of leaf parcels clipped off and wasted. Trunks of trees lined with crawling caterpillars. Long black lines of final instars inching along leaves and stems of trees…oaks and maples, apples and beech, almost any green thing and every kind.
I look into the canopy and I see sky when I should see leaves. My heart aches for these trees, some in areas previously devastated by hemlock woolly adelgid, and now this. I know how important trees are for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide; we breathe in O2 and out CO2, while trees do the opposite and we form a complementary respiratory cycle. I can feel them struggling to get enough food and oxygen to survive.
And then I remember tonglen meditation. It’s a Buddhist practice of “give and take,” an opportunity to support those in pain. I stand under the trees, I inhale and take in all their pain, suffering, and difficulties that these gypsy moths cause. And I exhale my strongest wishes for the good health and continued sustenance of the trees. I do this multiple times until I have no more to give, or I feel I’ve done enough, or I run out of breath. I’ve asked groups of people on my hikes to do this. Twenty-plus of us standing under a group of gypsy moth-stricken trees, all breathing with them, supporting the trees that help us breathe.
I encourage you to do the same.
Clouds Never Die
Pathfinder is a monthly publication to console, support and empower the modern widow/er. A recent article based on an interview with me on how nature can help heal grief can be found on their website about 2/3 down the page.
For a complete copy of the article, consider subscribing to the magazine.
EcoTherapist Beth Lapin is offering a series of four workshops in May in Middletown, CT. Details:
HEALING NATURE
Dates (Thursdays): May 7, 14, 21, and 28
Times: 6:30 – 8 pm
Location: Camp Building, Ron McCutcheon Park at Crystal
Lake, Middletown, CT
Fee: $65
Instructor Name: Beth Lapin (beth@healingnaturect.com)
Ages: 18+
Description: In our hectic world, discover the calming,
peaceful benefit of nature. In this program, we will use our
senses to strengthen our connection with the natural world
and be introduced to several techniques to help relax and let
go of daily stress. In addition, we will use our creative outlets
such as writing, drawing, music/sound, and movement, to
express our experiences and address weekly environmental
topics. Come explore what nature can do for you and what
you can give back!
Use the registration form to the right, which can be mailed to Middletown Recreation Division. 
Or email Beth, contact Recreation at (860) 638-4500, or download their brochure.
Earth Day Nature Hike: Hubbard Brook Park
Sunday April 19, 2015
Middletown Recreation & Community Services
On Sunday, April 19 at 10AM, ecotherapist Beth Lapin will be offering an Earth Day hike at Hubbard Brook Preserve in the Maromas part of town through Middletown’s Recreation Division. We will explore this 75-acre park protected by an easement from CL+P to CT Forest and Park Association. The Preserve offers protected habitat for plants and wildlife, with scenic vistas of the Connecticut River. The trip should last until approximately 11:30AM.Wear hiking shoes, bring a snack and water, camera, binoculars if desired. Children under age 16 must attend with an adult 18+.
Directions: Hubbard Brook Preserve, turn right onto River Rd, 2.5 miles off Aircraft Rd (exit 10 from Route 9 or off Saybrook Rd/Route 154); parking on left ~1 mile from River Rd/Aircraft Rd jctn
Or: take Route 9 or Route 154 to Aircraft Road (exit 10 from Route 9). Follow Aircraft Rd about 2.5 miles, turn right onto River Rd, parking on left ~1 mile from River Rd/Aircraft Rd jctn
Please email her (Beth@HealingNatureCT.com) if you are planning to join her. Questions that morning: 860 262 2788. This trip will be cancelled if inclement weather.
Linda Buzzell has produced an informative video about ecotherapy. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7V8I6oKWUo
Join me to Hike Higby Mt Sat May 3 at 10AM.
On Saturday, May 3, Beth Lapin will be offering a hike on Higby Mountain as part of the City of Middletown’s rescheduled Earth Day Celebration. We will have a rare opportunity to access the Mattabesett Trail through the city’s water department lands that include Higby and Adder Reservoirs.
Come join her for a three+ hour moderate walk up the eastern flank of the ridge, along the top, where we can snack, and then continue our loop to the water treatment building.
Wear hiking shoes (some wet areas), bring a snack and water, camera, binoculars if desired.
Directions: on Route 66, about a quarter-mile west of the junction with Higby Road (Red Dog Saloon), look for an unmarked driveway on the right (north) with an orange cone that leads to the reservoir. Follow it to the buildings, where there are restrooms and parking.
Please let her know (Beth@HealingNatureCT.com) if you are planning to join us. Questions: 860 398 4470; that morning: 860 262 2788.
In our hectic world, discover the calming, peaceful benefit of nature. In this program, we will use our senses to strengthen our connection with the natural world and be introduced to several techniques to help relax and let go of daily stress. In addition, we will use our creative outlets such as writing, drawing, music/sound, and movement, to express our experiences and address weekly environmental topics. Come explore what nature can do for you and what you can give back!
Register online at www.middletownct.gov/webtrac, or at Middletown Park and Recreation, 100 Riverview Center, #140, $65 for four sessions, Thursday evenings, May 1, 8, 15, 22. Questions: Beth@HealingNatureCT.com or 860 398 4470. 2014 Healing Nature Class Registration Form
Beth Lapin 