2025, Nature Meditation, NYI Sacred Earth Sangha, Program, Urban
Published on 2025-08-01

Sat. 9/6/2025: From Skyline to Soil: A Day of Nature Meditation and Ecology Exploration at Governors Island, with Maho Kawachi

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Join us for a joyful day of practice, exploration, connecting, and sharing on the splendid grounds of Governors Island.  Just minutes from Manhattan by ferry, Governors Island is one of New York City’s most treasured green spaces—a vibrant sanctuary crisscrossed with walking paths and expansive lawns, offering breathtaking views of the FiDi skyline and upper harbor.

It is home to many environmental restoration projects such as the Teaching Urban Farm, Earth Matters, Billion Oyster Project and more, inviting opportunities to explore and contemplate our relationship as urban dwellers to the natural world.

During our time together, we’ll enjoy guided walking, standing, sitting meditation, gentle movement, and inquiries. Along the way, we’ll also learn about the rich history of Governors Island, and tour the Urban Farm —a key site of ecological stewardship on the island. Learn how composting works on a city scale, discover the role of healthy soil in climate resilience, and deepen your awareness of our interdependence with the natural world.

Meetup Location: Governors Island Ferry ticket office near Battery Park, Manhattan. Note: All ferries before noon are free.

Time: 9:30 AM – 3PM

Meetup Time: 9:30 AM

Bring your curiosity and open heart. This event will take place in light rain or shine.

  • Lunch: You can bring your own or buy from the concessions onsite.
  • Bring water
  • Sun hat and sunscreen
  • Bug repellent if you like

Offered by the New York Insight Sacred Earth Sangha and Awake in Urban Nature. Space is limited to 30 participants.

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Co-Teacher: Maho Kawachi
Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Maho Kawachi first encountered meditation and Buddhism in downtown Manhattan in 2000.

She became an avid practitioner in 2008 and has over a decade of experience, practice, training, and certification credentials including completion of the Interdependence Project Teachers Training, Mindful Meditation Teachers Certified Program, and Mindful Mentor Training.

She has trained with and under many influential teachers, including Ethan Nichtern, Jack Kornfield, and Tara Brach. She is a certified teacher for Awake in the Wild under Mark Coleman’s guidance in 2023, and is looking forward to facilitating outdoor meditation.

She volunteers to facilitate meditation for inmates at Rikers women’s facility. https://www.innerpeacemeditationproject.org/