Opening to the Awen
‘I would know the nature of Awen,
Flowing of spirit,
Essence of life in motion’
This introduction to ‘Awen’ includes information about the concept and the Bardic tradition surrounding it and practical exercises designed to engage with the creative spirit that exists within everyone. This workshop is an adventure in creativity with an emphasis on having fun as we investigate and express ourselves in a safe and supportive space. This workshop is designed to meet the needs of all writers regardless of previous experience. The practices are particularly helpful in overcoming ‘writer’s block’.
Write to Healing
‘You can’t stop the waves but you can learn to surf.’
Creative writing has proved its worth in helping me handle a range of health issues these last few years. So this is my chance to share what I’ve found works with other people coping with physical or mental health challenges. I was introduced to some of these exercises on the M.A. in Counselling and others I developed through working with clients and training counsellors. In a safe and supportive group, we will explore writing exercises that can enable you to surf, whatever challenges you face.
Work that Re-connects Circles
I am interested in running one or two day workshops wherever people want them. In the last few years I’ve worked in Holland, France and Belgium, where the challenges of language and culture have been fascinating but more than anything I’ve learnt just how much common ground we have in our experience of living in a culture in the throes of collapse. So those of you who have already expressed an interest, please get in touch so we can get something off the ground in 2011. If you’d like to participate in a WTR circle please let me know, I have waiting lists in various places and once the list is long enough the circle will happen.
The Shambhala Warriors’ Tea Party
‘In this era, when the future of sentient life hangs by the frailest of threads, the Kingdom of Shambhala emerges. You cannot go there for it is not a place. It exists in the hearts and minds of Shambhala warriors.’
(from ‘Coming Back to Life’ Joanna Macy)
Many people believe that now is the time the ancient prophesy of the Kingdom of Shambhala refers to and I am definitely one of them. Shambhala exists only in so far as we embody it. In this short workshop, which I am hoping to offer at various festivals and camps this summer, participants learn about the Shambhala prophesy and explore how we can claim our identity as Shambhala Warriors.