“It took the universe nearly 14 billion years to develop the hands, bodies, hearts, and minds of our unique human form, animated by the same energy and dynamism that gave birth to the Sun, the stars, and the universe itself. When we realize this… we realize that in a way we are doing the work of the cosmos itself in shaping the future that is being born at every moment.”

Stephan Martin

NEW STORY / Our civilization today stands at a crossroads, searching for a new story. In the words of cultural historian and cosmologist Thomas Berry: "We are in a stage between stories. The old story – the account of how this world came to be and what role we play in it – has ceased to function for us, and we have not yet learned the new story." A key role in this search is played by a new cosmology - the cosmology of the epic of evolution. After the caesura of our separation from the universe in modern times, thanks to this cosmology, we are now beginning to rediscover the story of our origins and to feel a deep sense of belonging to the cosmos again. The discovery of the evolutionary universe brings a transformation into our lives that is much more radical than the transformation brought about by the Copernican revolution in the 17th century. According to Brian Swimm, we are faced with the challenge of how to make this new scientific knowledge part of our experience, "how to get it into our bodies and emotions, into our hearts." At this year's fourth seminar of our Traveling University of Nature, led by the American astronomer and therapist Stephan Martin, we will deal with this. Through spacewalk ritual, which we will walk for 13.8 km in the magical Beskydy valley under the majestic Lysa hora, we will try to realize in resonance with the landscape space that we - and everything around us - are part of the mysterious story of the evolving universe, which began 14 billion years ago. The space walk allows us to touch the incredible vastness of this process in space and time and feel something of the enormous creativity and generosity from which we were born. When we realize that each of us represents a place in which the entire 14 billion years of evolution are reflected and in which, moreover, this entire evolutionary process is recognized in a new way, it can open us to an understanding of the deeper meaning of our life, which comes from the realization that we participate in something much bigger than ourselves. According to Stephan Martin, if we want to grow and develop, we must follow the example of the universe and be able to change. By seeing ourselves as part of a cosmic process, we can open ourselves to sources of inspiration, support and meaning that we would otherwise not have access to. This can help us to develop the broader potential of our humanity – to rediscover, in Thomas Berry’s words, what it means to be human – and to respond effectively to the great and interconnected challenges we face on Earth today, such as the climate crisis, biodiversity loss and species extinction, and to collectively strive for a better future for ourselves, but most importantly for our planet. As Brian Swimme says, “We are the first biological species that truly has the ability to care for all other species. … The phase of transformation in which we find ourselves today depends on whether the human species can develop comprehensive compassion."

BESKY DARK SKY AREA / The Gruň mountain ridge in Staré Hamry, where our seminar will take place, is an ideal place for the cosmological contemplation we will be discussing. Since the omnipresent light smog here probably pollutes the night sky the least in our country, we can observe the stars undisturbed here and realize the beauty and mystery of the cosmic space above us. The Gruň area is the core of the Beskydy Dark Sky Area, which was declared in this part of the Moravian-Silesian Beskydy in 2013 as the second world dark sky park. A year later, it was established on the initiative of an astronomer from Ostrava Tomáš Hynek Dark Sky Center based at the Švarná Hanka chalet, which is dedicated to research and educational activities and offers visitors the opportunity to observe telescopes and very distant space objects, such as galaxies and supernova remnants. Let's get acquainted with the activities of this center - see: www.hvezdarna-beskydy.cz – and every day we will take trips to the surrounding countryside and get to know the rich nature and interesting cultural history of the area. We will visit the nature reserves of Drslavý, Poledňana, Podgruň and Mazácký Grunik, Staré Hamry and the Šance dam, the Valaška ecofarm and the Experimental Ecological Workplace of the Institute for Global Climate Change Research at Bílý kříž. Last but not least, we will remember the poet-rebellious Petr Bezruč (1867-1958), who loved the local landscape and made it famous in his Silesian songs.

"The night has advanced. The stars are brighter than ever."

Thomas Berry

The mountain ridge and settlement of Gruň, where our seminar will take place, is one of the most beautiful places in the Moravian-Silesian Beskydy Mountains. This well-known recreational area is located between the hills Janiculum (832 m above sea level) and Goat (886 m above sea level). Below the Kozlen hill is the Švarná Hanka chalet, the oldest tourist chalet in the Beskydy Mountains and since 2014 the site of the Dark Sky Centre. From here there is a unique view not only of Bald Mountain (1323 m above sea level), the highest peak of the Moravian-Silesian Beskydy Mountains, and towards the east in Slovakia to the Malá and Velká Fatra mountains and the Low Tatras, but at night also into the endless depths of the night sky, where we can see up to three thousand stars with the naked eye.

1 day, Monday, July 29

FROM 6:00 PM

Dinner

FROM 19.00

Initial welcoming of seminar participants, introduction to its lecturers, program and location.

FROM 7:30 PM

About the Dark Sky Center / lecture by Tomáš HYNEK, Director of the CTO

Ostrava astronomer Tomáš Hynek will introduce us to the history of night sky protection in the Beskydy dark sky area, the importance of this protection for humans and nature, as well as for night sky observation, and the negative impacts of light smog. He will introduce us to the nature of the research and educational work of the Dark Sky Center, which he founded at Gruň, which focuses, for example, on research into dwarf novae, exoplanets, and light pollution. The center cooperates with leading universities in our country and abroad. After the lecture, we will be able to observe stars and other cosmic phenomena in the summer night sky through telescopes.

“The universe is a connection and a community. We ourselves are this connection, which is beginning to become aware of itself.”

Thomas BERRY

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Day 2, Tuesday, July 30

FROM 8.00

Breakfast

FROM 9.00 TO 11.00

Introduction to the new cosmology / lecture by Stephan Martin

We are at a point in human history where a new cosmology, a new working story, and a body of living wisdom are emerging that can orient us within a broad cosmic perspective. This perspective offers us hope, guidance, and support as we seek direction in how we can meet the challenges of creating a sustainable future as members of the living Earth community. We will examine the history of the universe from an emergence perspective so that we can see what is new for each of us at this time. + Presentation of Stephan Martin's book Living a cosmic life.

FROM 11.30 TO 12.30

Lunch

FROM 1:00 PM TO 5:30 PM

Trip to the rocks on Mazák (17 km)

This trip will take us to the very top of Lysá hora. First, we will pass through the Poledňana nature reserve, then we will turn into the beautiful Řečice valley, which flows into the Šance dam, and from there we will climb to the Mazácký Grunik nature reserve and to the rocks on Mazák below the top of Lysá hora, from where there is a unique view of the valley towards Smrka. We will return the same way or choose a shorter option along unmarked paths.

FROM 6:00 PM

Dinner

FROM 19.00

A new story by Thomas Berry / lecture by Jiří Zemánek

We will chronicle Thomas Berry's personal history and the intellectual influences that shaped him (including that of Teilhard de Chardin) and led him to articulate the New Story cosmology that he developed in collaboration with Brian T. Swimme in the book The Universe StoryWe will present the basic characteristics and messages of Berry's New Story – the universe as cosmogenesis and community of subjects, the three creative dynamics of the universe, man as a primarily cosmological being and his role in the cosmic evolutionary process, the "great work" and the "ecozoic era". Finally, we will present the Czech edition of Brian T. Swimm's book The hidden heart of the cosmos (Malvern) and we will screen the videos "Thomas Berry – a great story" and "The Three Creative Dynamics of the Universe"(Brian Swimme).

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"We study the story of the universe primarily to live it."

Brian Thomas SWIMME

Day 3, Wednesday, July 31

FROM 8.00

Breakfast

FROM 9.00

Good news for bad times / lecture by Stephan Martin

The subtitle of this talk could be “Lessons from the Universe on How to Navigate Crisis, Change, and Transformation.” We know from modern cosmology and evolutionary science that the universe has gone through many crises and transitions in its 14 billion year history. When we view our own lives as part of this cosmic journey, we find sources of support, renewal, and lessons that can strengthen us as we face challenges on a personal, cultural, and global level during this critical time.

FROM 11.30 TO 12.30

Lunch

FROM 1:00 PM TO 5:30 PM

trip to Staré Hamry (13 km)

First, we will go to the unique natural monument Podgruň, which will be guided by Mr. Petr Šimeček, and then we will visit the Draplavý nature reserve with the remains of the original primeval fir-alder forest. We will continue to the village of Staré Hamry, divided into two parts by the Šance dam, where we will commemorate the poet Petr Bezruč at the monument to Maryčka Magdónová. Finally, we will visit the Valaška Ecofarm in Buřance, which is managed by Mr. Jiří Krpeš, and we will return to Švarná Hanka via the Janikula hill.

FROM 6:00 PM

Dinner

FROM 19.00

Ritualization of Great History / lecture by Jiří Zemánek and Stephan Martin

Although the cosmology of the new story is based on the latest scientific discoveries, its purpose is not to collect scientific facts, but to initiate a person into the universe. It therefore includes a number of experiential and ritual practices. The most famous is the “space walk”, proposed by Miriam Theresa MacGillis. We will imagine the different ways and variations in which the space walk is carried out in the world today, and we will also recall some other cosmological practices – for example, the “cosmic connection”, the “pearls of the new story”, developed by Connie Barlow and Michael Dowd, etc. Finally, Stephan Martin will share with us his own experiences of practicing the space walk. He will present his space walk scenario, according to which we will walk the landscape around Gruň the next day.

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"The cosmological forces of the universe pass through us second by second. To be aware of these forces is to touch the ocean of wonder."

Brian Thomas SWIMME

Day 4, Thursday, August 1

FROM 8.00

Breakfast

FROM 9.00

Introduction to Cosmological Forces / lecture by Stephan Martin

As we begin to understand our lives as a manifestation of 13.8 billion years of cosmic journey, we discover that our lives and the patterns of the universe are seamlessly interconnected. By uncovering and exploring the cosmic dynamics at work within us and all around us, we enter into a sacred relationship with the cosmos and discover ways in which we can align our lives with the cosmic process.

FROM 11.30 TO 12.30

Lunch

FROM 1:00 PM TO 5:30 PM

Space Walk (14.5 km)

We will project 13.8 billion years of the development of the universe into the landscape below Lysá hora in the form of a cosmic walk, 13.8 km long, on which we will get to know the individual milestones of this evolutionary path to our human civilization. From Gruň we will go to Bílý Kříž and then through Visalaje and Obidová to Vyšní Mohelnice, from there to Tišiňoky and through Okrouhlice and Poledňan back to Švarná Hanka. We will end the walk at the monument to the Wallachian sheep.

FROM 6:00 PM

Dinner

FROM 19.00

Space flights and the beginnings of a new story

In the 1960s, space flights revealed a new holistic picture of the Earth, spurred the development of the ecological movement and the birth of a new cosmology. We will screen a documentary Aerial view effect about the experiences of some American astronauts in space (Edgar Mitchell, Jeff Hoffman, etc.) and also a film The path of space (screenplay by Brian T. Swimme, Mary Evelyn Tucker), the first ever educational film about the new cosmology. Stephen Martin shares some of his experiences from interviews with Brian Swimme, Edgar Mitchell, Richard Tarnas, etc. while working on his book Cosmic conversationswhich we will approach.

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"We must consider that the universe is not only a beautiful work of art, but that it is also an artist itself."

Richard TARNAS

Day 5, Friday, August 2

FROM 8.00

Breakfast

FROM 9.00

Awakening to the evolutionary universe / lecture by Stephan Martin

The latest scientific research supports a worldview that is inherently holistic, ecologically sustainable, and deeply spiritual. From this emerging cosmic perspective, we will explore some of these radical scientific discoveries while exploring ways to use these insights for spiritual awakening and integrate this new cosmic perspective into our daily lives.

FROM 11.30 TO 12.30

Lunch

FROM 1:00 PM TO 5:30 PM

Trip to Bílý Kžíž (17 km)

We will head through Smrkovina to the Ježánky crossroads and from there along the blue trail to Sulov and Bílý Kříž, where we will visit the experimental ecological workplace of the Global Change Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences for research into the impact of the climate crisis on forest ecosystems. We will then continue through Košárky to the valley of the Černá Ostravice river at the Údolí Černá crossroads and from there via Hartisov we will return to Švarná Hanka.

FROM 6:00 PM

Dinner

FROM 19.00

Art and Cosmology / lecture by Jiří Zemánek

The aesthetic and emotional component has always played a significant role in various traditional cosmologies and today also occupies an important place in the cosmology of the new story. In addition, the new cosmology has discovered that the essence of the universe is creativity, so the universe may not only be a wonderful work of art, but is probably also an artist itself. We will recall the work of some painters and poets who were fascinated by the cosmos and whose work has a cosmological or cosmogonic character – the painters of the cosmos František Kupka, Karel Malich, but also the work of Alex Grey, Otto Placht or Jan Pražan, etc. And finally, we will screen an impressive film essay Terrence Malick The journey of time about the origin, evolution and demise of our universe.

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Day 6, Saturday, August 3

FROM 8.00

Breakfast

FROM 9.00 TO 9.30

Final meeting, summary of the entire seminar, farewell and departure home.

Lecturers

• Stephan Martin / American astronomer, lecturer and psychotherapist, employee of the Center for Spiritual Development in Asheville, North Carolina (USA);
• Tomas Hynek / Ostrava astronomer, director of the Dark Sky Center at Gruň;
• George Zemanek / art historian and cultural activist, PILGRIM association.

Collaborators

• Alena Malikova / administrator of the Moravian Gate regional center in Příbor / PILGRIM;
• Tomas Hruza / art photographer, ArtMap / PILGRIM;
• Tomas Gardelka / graphic designer and web designer / PILGRIM;
• Barbora Kinkalova / documentary film producer / PILGRIM;
• interpreters: Hana Bernardová / landscape architect, Foundation for Land and Petr Lisy / astrologer, Czech section of the Budapest Club.

Venue

Tourist cottage Švarná Hanka, Staré Hamry 69, 739 415 361 Gruň.

Transport

For transportation by car, especially from Prague, contact Tomáš Hrůza (see contacts). You can travel from Prague to Staré Hamry by train and bus using the following connections:

• Prague main station (TRAIN), departure 8:09, transfer at Ostrava hl. nádrov. and in Frýdlanta nad Ostravicí, arrival in Ostravice 12:52, transfer to bus, departure 13:40, arrival at the Staré Hamry-Most stop at 13:57.
• Prague main station (TRAIN), departure 9:47, transfer at Ostrava main station, arrival at Frýdlant nad Ostravicí at 14:10, transfer to bus; departure 14:27, arrival at Staré Hamry-Most 14:56, departure 14:58 – arrival at Staré Hamry, Gruň junction at 15:06.

We can pick you up from both stops by car if you contact us (777 117 466)

Contacts and other information

• Jiří Zemánek: sarvanga@centrum.cz, 777 117 466
• Alena Malikova: jadernicka@gmail.com, 604 905 611
• Tomas Hrůza: tomashruza@gmail.com, 775 052 607

"We are not here to rule the world. We are here to become an integral part of the greater earthly community."

Thomas BERRY