Press Release

Connecting spirit and nature – for World Environment Day

May 10, 2017

Connecting spirit and nature – for World Environment Day

Twilight Meditation scheduled at the Rothko Chapel

 Monday, June 5

HOUSTON – May 10, 2017 – Many ancient traditions teach that the connection to the Earth is sacred.

“It is important to explore that ancient link between faith and nature, spirit and our conception of the planet,” Rothko Chapel public programs and community engagement Ashley Clemmer said. “This is a theme found in all religious and philosophical traditions.”

The Rothko Chapel has planned a special Twilight Meditation entitled “Connecting People to Nature,” in honor of World Environment Day.

The event is slated for 6 p.m. on Monday, June 5 and will be led by Natasha Burrowes, who will guide guests in meditation. The Rothko Chapel is located at 3900 Yupon in downtown Houston. The event is free and open to the public.

Burrowes has more than 20 years of experience working in nonprofit, higher education, community-based and faith-based settings, serving in a variety of roles, including spiritual director, workshop leader, retreat facilitator, educator and writer.

She currently serves as the program director at the Earth & Spirit Center, located in Louisville, KY. Since 2005, the organization has worked to create a world where humans live in harmony with one another, the natural world and within themselves. 

Burrowes sees spirituality playing an important role in helping people embrace the connection between humanity and the earth.

“I think one of the things that has happened in Western and industrialized countries is a disconnect from the environment,” she said. “We see ourselves as separate, or we see ourselves having dominion over earth, rather than having a relationship that’s based on mutuality. Spirituality can help us discover and remember that all of creation is sacred and that we are part of that creation as well.”

Burrowes’ goal is for guests to leave the meditation feeling nourished and inspired to action toward environmental justice.

“My hope is that people can walk away with a sense of possibility, a renewed spirit and a sense of community,” she said. “Along with an invitation to either continue the work that they’re already doing or be inspired to start.”

Clemmer said Burrowes has a lot to offer the community.

“Natasha Burrowes is dedicated to helping people find the intersection between their spirituality and social justice, which aligns perfectly with our mission at the Chapel,” Clemmer said. “She’s an ideal guide for the Twilight Meditation for World Environment Day -- to help the community discover the connection between spirituality and environmental justice.” 

Observed since 1974, World Environment Day was designated on June 5 by the UN General Assembly, as a global platform to raise awareness and inspire action on urgent issues like marine pollution, global warming, sustainable consumption and wildlife crime.

For more information, including a full calendar of upcoming programs, workshops and events, visit rothkochapel.org or call 713-524-9839.

For more information about Natasha Burrowes, visit www.natashaburrowes.com

For more information about World Environment Day, visit www.worldenvironmentday.global

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About the Rothko Chapel

The Rothko Chapel is open to the public every day of the year at no charge and successfully interconnects art, spirituality and compassionate action through a broad array of free public programs. Founded by Houston philanthropists Dominique and John de Menil, the Chapel was dedicated in 1971 as an intimate sanctuary. Today it stands as a monument to art, spirituality and human rights. As an independent non-profit, non-governmental organization, the Chapel depends on contributions from foundations and individuals to support its mission of creating a space for contemplation and dialogue on important issues.

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