The Light Eaters: A Book Talk with Zoë Schlanger (virtual)

The Light Eaters is a deep immersion into the drama of green life and the complexity of this wild and awe-inspiring world that challenges our very understanding of agency, consciousness, and intelligence. In looking closely, we see that plants, rather than imitate human intelligence, have perhaps formed a parallel system. What is intelligent life if not a vine that grows leaves to blend into the shrub on which it climbs, a flower that shapes its bloom to fit exactly the beak of its pollinator, a pea seedling that can hear water flowing and make its way toward it?

Mindful Moment

Every Tuesday at 2 p.m., take a moment to relax, recharge, and re-center yourself with Mindful Moment, a group mindfulness program offered by LIVE FOR LIFE. During these quick, 15-minute sessions, you'll learn and practice simple breathing and mindfulness techniques that can reduce stress, increase self-awareness, improve concentration, and promote overall well-being. Drop in and reframe your day with calm and clarity.

Film Screening: “Anti-Japanese War Veteran” (Jiang Nengjie, 2015)

**Jiang Nengjie, 2015, China, Chinese with English subtitles**

Introduction by Professor Kang Liu (AMES).

Following the screening, stay for a conversation with director Jiang Nengjie, moderated by Professor Liu.

Synopsis:
A veteran, Mr. Long's life was full of stories. Yet, he lived his life in silence and never told others about his experience on the battlefield.

Holiday Greenery: Build Your Own Wreath

Duke Gardens' Michelle Rawlins, Ruth Mary Meyer Japanese Garden horticulturist, and Megan Brown, horticulturist of the Doris Duke Center Gardens, will demonstrate how to construct a holiday wreath for your front door using fresh-cut greenery from the Gardens. Each participant will learn how to build a wreath using provided greenery and other interesting botanical material. Please bring a pair of hand pruners and any additional adornments you would like to include. All other materials will be provided.

Holiday Greenery: Build Your Own Wreath

Duke Gardens' Michelle Rawlins, Ruth Mary Meyer Japanese Garden horticulturist, and Megan Brown, horticulturist of the Doris Duke Center Gardens, will demonstrate how to construct a holiday wreath for your front door using fresh-cut greenery from the Gardens. Each participant will learn how to build a wreath using provided greenery and other interesting botanical material. Please bring a pair of hand pruners and any additional adornments you would like to include. All other materials will be provided.

Birding for Beginners

Build your bird observation skills on a slow stroll through Duke Gardens with Liani Yirka, education program coordinator for Duke Gardens and experienced birder, as you gather a list of different birds that use the Gardens. If you have ever found yourself wondering about the birds that are flying or singing around you, join us to learn more together as a group. Bring your own binoculars if you have them (not required) and a sense of curiosity.

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