Deep Ecology Circle
yoga • nature • the work that reconnects
Monthly gatherings exploring our relationship with the living Earth. August– December 2026 |
Deep Ecology Circle
The Deep Ecology Circle brings together the Work That Reconnects and the contemplative traditions of yoga, creating opportunities to deepen our relationship with the living Earth through direct experience.
Monthly at Kookaburra
The Deep Ecology Circle is a monthly gathering combining the practices of Deep Ecology, the Work That Reconnects, yoga, meditation and time in nature. These afternoons provide an opportunity to step away from the pace of everyday life and spend time in conscious relationship with the natural world. Together we gather amongst the trees and gardens of Kookaburra Yoga Sanctuary to explore our place within the wider community of life through guided processes, movement, meditation, reflection and simple ritual. Many of us understand intellectually that we are part of nature, yet modern life can leave us feeling increasingly disconnected from it. We spend much of our time indoors, behind screens, in cars and buildings, often relating to nature as something we visit rather than something to which we belong. The Deep Ecology Circle offers another way of experiencing this relationship. Rather than learning about ecology as information, these afternoons invite direct experience. Through attentive presence, deep listening, contemplative practice and shared reflection, we begin to experience the natural world not as something outside ourselves, but as the larger community of which we are a part. What is Deep Ecology? Deep Ecology is both a philosophy and an experiential practice recognising the intrinsic value of all life. Developed through the work of Norwegian philosopher Arne Naess and later expanded by Joanna Macy, John Seed and others, Deep Ecology encourages us to move beyond seeing the Earth simply as a collection of resources for human use. Instead, it invites us to experience ourselves as participants within the living systems that sustain all life. As Arne Naess wrote, “It is not enough to have ecological ideas. We need an ecological self.” This shift does not come through ideas alone. It develops through experience. Yoga and Deep Ecology At Kookaburra Yoga, yoga is understood as far more than physical exercise. It is a way of living that cultivates awareness, compassion and an understanding of our relationship with all of life. Throughout the afternoon, the contemplative practices of yoga naturally complement the experiential processes of Deep Ecology. Each gathering includes gentle Yoga Ecology practices, elemental meditation, pranayama, loving-kindness (maitri bhavana) meditation, mindful time in nature and an Agnihotra fire offering. These practices invite us to experience the qualities of each element not only within ourselves, but within the wider living world. The intention is not simply to appreciate nature, but to cultivate a deeper relationship with it. |
2026 dates |
"Spending time in nature changes the way we experience it. Familiar places become places of relationship. The changing seasons, birds, trees and weather become part of our awareness rather than the background to our lives. Through shared practice we cultivate this relationship with care, curiosity and respect" ~ Mandy
The Journey Through the Elements
Across five monthly circles we explore the classical elements, each offering a different perspective on our relationship with life.
What to Expect
Each gathering includes:
Afternoon Program
2pm – 3.15pm Deep Ecology Welcome Circle and experiential processes. Facilitated by Helene Fisher.
3.15pm – 3.45pm Afternoon tea
3.45pm – 5.00pm Yoga Ecology, Elemental Meditation, Nature Practices and Agnihotra Fire Ritual. Facilitated by Mandy Knox and Trish Zied.
Cost
$20–$40 Sliding Scale. you decide when booking. We are committed to making these gatherings accessible while supporting the continuation of the program.
Practical Information
Much of each afternoon is spent outdoors amongst the forests and gardens of Kookaburra Yoga. Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement and bring footwear appropriate for walking outdoors. Depending on the season, you may also wish to bring a warm jacket, hat or rain protection.
Across five monthly circles we explore the classical elements, each offering a different perspective on our relationship with life.
- Earth – Stability, belonging, nourishment and the communities of soil, forests, plants, animals and people that sustain life.
- Water – Flow, relationship, emotion, adaptability and the waterways that connect all living beings.
- Fire – Transformation, vitality, courage, energy and renewal.
- Air – Breath, movement, communication and the invisible systems that sustain life.
- Space – Stillness, perspective, spacious awareness and our place within the greater whole.
What to Expect
Each gathering includes:
- Deep Ecology and Work That Reconnects processes
- reflective dialogue
- Yoga Ecology philosophy and practices
- elemental breathing and meditation
- loving-kindness meditation
- mindful immersion in nature
- Agnihotra fire ritual
- Afternoon Tea
- time for sharing and community.
Afternoon Program
2pm – 3.15pm Deep Ecology Welcome Circle and experiential processes. Facilitated by Helene Fisher.
3.15pm – 3.45pm Afternoon tea
3.45pm – 5.00pm Yoga Ecology, Elemental Meditation, Nature Practices and Agnihotra Fire Ritual. Facilitated by Mandy Knox and Trish Zied.
Cost
$20–$40 Sliding Scale. you decide when booking. We are committed to making these gatherings accessible while supporting the continuation of the program.
Practical Information
Much of each afternoon is spent outdoors amongst the forests and gardens of Kookaburra Yoga. Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement and bring footwear appropriate for walking outdoors. Depending on the season, you may also wish to bring a warm jacket, hat or rain protection.
to book
click on dates above or see our calendar
Meet your facilitators
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Deep Ecology Circles are facilitated by Helene Fisher, Mandy Knox and Trish Zied.
Helene Fisher
Helene Fisher has facilitated the Work That Reconnects for more than three decades, leading workshops throughout Australia and internationally.
Having trained with Joanna Macy, she brings extensive experience in environmental education, Deep Ecology and nature-based facilitation. Her work gently guides participants beyond intellectual understanding towards a lived experience of belonging within the Earth community, recognising our interconnectedness with all life.
Mandy Knox
Mandy Knox is the founder and director of Kookaburra Yoga and has been studying and teaching yoga for more than thirty-five years throughout Australia, India and internationally.
Her teaching is grounded in long-term practice, traditional study and a deep respect for yoga as a path of wholeness and conscious relationship with life. Having spent many years studying with A.G. Mohan and Indra Mohan in India, Mandy brings together yoga philosophy, meditation and contemplative practice in ways that are practical, accessible and deeply connected with the natural world.
Trish Zied
Trish Zied is a yoga teacher and facilitator whose work centres on mindfulness, emotional wellbeing and authentic human connection.
Drawing on qualifications in yoga and counselling, Trish creates warm and compassionate spaces where participants feel supported to explore, reflect and reconnect with themselves and the world around them. Her lifelong love of nature, meditation and contemplative practice brings a gentle, grounded presence to the Deep Ecology Circle.
Helene Fisher has facilitated the Work That Reconnects for more than three decades, leading workshops throughout Australia and internationally.
Having trained with Joanna Macy, she brings extensive experience in environmental education, Deep Ecology and nature-based facilitation. Her work gently guides participants beyond intellectual understanding towards a lived experience of belonging within the Earth community, recognising our interconnectedness with all life.
Mandy Knox
Mandy Knox is the founder and director of Kookaburra Yoga and has been studying and teaching yoga for more than thirty-five years throughout Australia, India and internationally.
Her teaching is grounded in long-term practice, traditional study and a deep respect for yoga as a path of wholeness and conscious relationship with life. Having spent many years studying with A.G. Mohan and Indra Mohan in India, Mandy brings together yoga philosophy, meditation and contemplative practice in ways that are practical, accessible and deeply connected with the natural world.
Trish Zied
Trish Zied is a yoga teacher and facilitator whose work centres on mindfulness, emotional wellbeing and authentic human connection.
Drawing on qualifications in yoga and counselling, Trish creates warm and compassionate spaces where participants feel supported to explore, reflect and reconnect with themselves and the world around them. Her lifelong love of nature, meditation and contemplative practice brings a gentle, grounded presence to the Deep Ecology Circle.
Deep Ecology is experienced through participation. We spend time outdoors, engage in guided processes, practise meditation and yoga, share reflections, and allow our understanding to emerge through direct experience.
The practices cultivate attention, empathy and relationship with the forests, birds, waterways, weather and seasons that support life.
The practices cultivate attention, empathy and relationship with the forests, birds, waterways, weather and seasons that support life.
a: 210 Carradine Road, Bedfordale WA 6112
e: [email protected] |
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