2012

Every day we make an enormous number of decisions that are under the surface of our consciousness. We say „thank you‟ and „please‟ without much thought, we put the empty water bottle in a recycle bin, or get into our car to run errands. Yet many of the choices we make can have an impact on the rest of the world. This workshop will gently consider how we might live more consciously of how we eat, use our money, live in our bodies and relate to each other.

This workshop will explore ways of bringing sacred meaning to our daily lives. What can we do to bring depth and significance to the different realms of our lives, for example to our daily routine, our work, our homes, our relationships and friendships? How can we honour our highest truths in our way of life? The workshop will be creative and stimulating. There will be opportunities to practice ways of honouring the divine in everyday life through mindfulness, ritual, prayer and meditation. Learning will take place in a safe and supportive framework.

Rites and rituals, whether everyday or once-in-a lifetime, encourage us to acknowledge and embrace realities in our lives – many welcome and some less so. Often such realities involve endings, and a ritual can enable us to face a transformed future in truth and with grace. In this workshop we will explore the power and effect of rituals – of many kinds – through reflection, conversation, demonstration, and collaborative creation. You will be invited to share your own experiences, and to offer your insights and ideas as to moments which need marking, and how to mark them.

A workshop for all ages, we will explore „Sacred Living‟ through lively activities including games, music and crafts. Join us for a journey of self-discovery and an opportunity to experience an intergenerational „Bright Lights‟ group in full effect! There are so few ways in everyday life for positive connections to be formed between young and old. Many people who walk past our doors may feel the need for a spiritual community without the formality of church. Here at Summer School we offer a chance to experience 'doing church differently' using the Bright Lights model which is already working well in some of our communities. Take home ideas for your spiritual life as well as plenty of activities to try if you are considering starting up your own Bright Lights group.