Bluestem Conversations &
Online Events
We meet for Bluestem Conversations every Tuesday on Zoom from 4-5PM ET. This practice began at the start of Covid and continued while we searched for a site for Bluestem. Some folks are regulars, some folks drop in now and then. Once a month we invite a speaker to share a topic of interest that overlaps with Bluestem's mission. Themes we have covered over the last two years range from spiritual practices in nature and managing one's grief to the community benefits experienced in conservation burial grounds.
Register here for Bluestem Conversations.
We welcome your suggestions on topics and leaders in our community who have gifts to share at Bluestem. Some areas of interest:
May 24, 2022
BINGO AND BLUESTEM
A special in-person presentation for Bluestem neighbors and senior residents of Cedar Grove. Introducing Bluestem Community where opportunities for community service, ecological stewardship and spiritual nourishment will be offered at every season of life. And, for those who are interested, a conservation cemetery is open to all in support of green burial. At the Cedar Grove Community Center. For more information, contact Ms. Genie Taylor.
April 19, 2022
CALLED TO THE GOOD WORK
Bluestem friend and steward, Allen Brimer, has been working with land and people all his life. Currently pastor at the Church of Reconciliation, Allen spends his "spare" time working his garden, making exquisite pies and helping to build Bluestem Community. A wonderful storyteller with roots in Tennessee, Allen will share his experiences supporting people through all kinds of life choices and what he envisions for Bluestem.
April 12, 2022
BLUESTEM IN ORANGE COUNTY
A special presentation for residents of Orange County that have expressed interest in more green burial options in the county. We will review the requirements for green burial, share images of green burial experiences in conservation cemeteries around the country, and information about how green burial will take place at Bluestem. Q&A will follow.
March 29, 2022
DEEPLY ROOTED
Conservation burial is a growing movement that originated in the late 90s, with Billy and Kimberley Campbell's visionary work at Ramsey Creek Preserve in South Carolina. Today, there are a dozen conservation burial grounds scattered throughout the US. Last year, leaders of these special cemeteries prepared a "virtual field trip" for conservation staff and board members, as well as for green burial advocates promoting conservation burial as an important practice in community restoration and healing. On Zoom, we will watch the 30 minute presentation of Deeply Rooted together. Jeff Masten and Heidi Hannapel will be available to answer questions afterwards.
February 22, 2022
HEART CENTERING
Join us for an online seated Heart Full movement practice followed by a meditation centering on the theme of love, compassion and caring for our hearts. This session will be led by Bluestem Steward, Franzi Rokoske. Franzi is completing her yoga teacher training with a focus on restorative yoga that combines mindful movement practices in nature. Until we can be in person at Bluestem, we'll turn the Zoom room into practice space!
January 25, 2022
RENEWING BURIAL TRADITIONS: Green Burial in the Triangle
A presentation and conversation with Anne Weston of the Green Burial Project, who will provide some background and basics on burials (green and otherwise) in North Carolina. Heidi Hannapel will describe the distinctions between green cemeteries and conservation cemeteries, and share some of the conservation strategies that are planned for Bluestem.
Find a recording of this presentation here.
December 2021
LIVING WITH HOLIDAY SORROW
The holidays can be a difficult time for those of us in mourning or grieving the loss of a beloved. Our friend Mary Ellen Markant offers some reflections and thoughtful suggestions for supporting friends, family members, and ourselves during this winter season. Link to Guidelines for the Bereaved and Their Supporters.
November 2021
OUR LAST BEST ACT
A highly recommended read by friend Mallory McDuff, that "explores the choices we make -- and how our death can honor our values and create a legacy for the world." Mallory will be on book tour in the new year, and we hope she'll be making a stop at Bluestem. Stay tuned!
HOSTING A BLUESTEM EVENT
If you are interested in leading a Bluestem Conversation on a topic related to mindfulness, sacred art, silent prayer, stewardship of the land, or any other topic, please reach out to us.
Register here for Bluestem Conversations.
We welcome your suggestions on topics and leaders in our community who have gifts to share at Bluestem. Some areas of interest:
- Botany and birds in the Piedmont
- Spiritual sanctuary in nature
- Meditation in the Wild
- Conservation burial and climate change
- Forest Bathing as rest and refuge
- Planning for end of life
- What to expect at a green burial
- Working with a home funeral guide
May 24, 2022
BINGO AND BLUESTEM
A special in-person presentation for Bluestem neighbors and senior residents of Cedar Grove. Introducing Bluestem Community where opportunities for community service, ecological stewardship and spiritual nourishment will be offered at every season of life. And, for those who are interested, a conservation cemetery is open to all in support of green burial. At the Cedar Grove Community Center. For more information, contact Ms. Genie Taylor.
April 19, 2022
CALLED TO THE GOOD WORK
Bluestem friend and steward, Allen Brimer, has been working with land and people all his life. Currently pastor at the Church of Reconciliation, Allen spends his "spare" time working his garden, making exquisite pies and helping to build Bluestem Community. A wonderful storyteller with roots in Tennessee, Allen will share his experiences supporting people through all kinds of life choices and what he envisions for Bluestem.
April 12, 2022
BLUESTEM IN ORANGE COUNTY
A special presentation for residents of Orange County that have expressed interest in more green burial options in the county. We will review the requirements for green burial, share images of green burial experiences in conservation cemeteries around the country, and information about how green burial will take place at Bluestem. Q&A will follow.
March 29, 2022
DEEPLY ROOTED
Conservation burial is a growing movement that originated in the late 90s, with Billy and Kimberley Campbell's visionary work at Ramsey Creek Preserve in South Carolina. Today, there are a dozen conservation burial grounds scattered throughout the US. Last year, leaders of these special cemeteries prepared a "virtual field trip" for conservation staff and board members, as well as for green burial advocates promoting conservation burial as an important practice in community restoration and healing. On Zoom, we will watch the 30 minute presentation of Deeply Rooted together. Jeff Masten and Heidi Hannapel will be available to answer questions afterwards.
February 22, 2022
HEART CENTERING
Join us for an online seated Heart Full movement practice followed by a meditation centering on the theme of love, compassion and caring for our hearts. This session will be led by Bluestem Steward, Franzi Rokoske. Franzi is completing her yoga teacher training with a focus on restorative yoga that combines mindful movement practices in nature. Until we can be in person at Bluestem, we'll turn the Zoom room into practice space!
January 25, 2022
RENEWING BURIAL TRADITIONS: Green Burial in the Triangle
A presentation and conversation with Anne Weston of the Green Burial Project, who will provide some background and basics on burials (green and otherwise) in North Carolina. Heidi Hannapel will describe the distinctions between green cemeteries and conservation cemeteries, and share some of the conservation strategies that are planned for Bluestem.
Find a recording of this presentation here.
December 2021
LIVING WITH HOLIDAY SORROW
The holidays can be a difficult time for those of us in mourning or grieving the loss of a beloved. Our friend Mary Ellen Markant offers some reflections and thoughtful suggestions for supporting friends, family members, and ourselves during this winter season. Link to Guidelines for the Bereaved and Their Supporters.
November 2021
OUR LAST BEST ACT
A highly recommended read by friend Mallory McDuff, that "explores the choices we make -- and how our death can honor our values and create a legacy for the world." Mallory will be on book tour in the new year, and we hope she'll be making a stop at Bluestem. Stay tuned!
HOSTING A BLUESTEM EVENT
If you are interested in leading a Bluestem Conversation on a topic related to mindfulness, sacred art, silent prayer, stewardship of the land, or any other topic, please reach out to us.
