2024

In a society geared towards relentless ‘growth’ and progress, which emphasises strength, health, success, and achievement, we may feel driven to perform beyond limits, and strive towards unsustainable goals – leading to burnout. This group will explore what it means to live fully within personal limits (shaped as we are by our genes, experiences, personality, health, strengths, and vulnerabilities). Drawing on stories and wisdom teachings from faith traditions, sharing our own experiences, through creative activity, and spiritual practices, we’ll explore how we might create authentic and meaningful lives, within the boundaries of what is possible. As we learn to be more gentle with ourselves, using our energy and resources wisely, so too we can learn to live more gently within our communities and on the earth – together creating a more sustainable future for all.

From roots to wings: drawing nourishment from our life stories, inner wisdom, and spiritual practices to embrace a creative and sustainable future. In the face of the climate emergency and the urgency of the present moment, our group will focus on the importance of deep memory, active hope and transformative repair. The week will be modelled on the hero's journey and will involve storytelling, gentle movement and body work, shared rituals and contemplative practices with the aim of facilitating deep listening, connection and transformation. The hero's journey involves moving away from our comfort zone together and encountering strengths we didn't know we had with the help of others. Discovering our hidden strengths in the face of despair allows us to open up to wonder and awe, find courage for the journey ahead, and be better able to welcome the kinder and fairer world we sense is possible. Some playfulness and vulnerability may be required.

Self-sufficiency is not enough to live a truly sustainable life, we must also be ‘part of the main’. Come and explore how we can sustain ourselves for the long-term as individuals who are integral parts of connected communities. Taking advantage of the opportunity to be together in a three-dimensional world, we will be aiming to go outdoors during part of each session for a non-strenuous activity. While we have no arts and crafts to offer you, we do have the advantage of being supported by Molly, a two-year-old Havanese dog, and a very good girl.

‘Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon? Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?’

– Mary Oliver

Humans, being mortal, must make choices about how we will spend our limited time, energy, and resources. What might it mean to live wisely and well, in the knowledge that our lifespan is limited, and we cannot know how much time we’ve got left? How might we discern when to say yes – and, crucially, when to say no – to the multitude of opportunities that life presents to us? In this online engagement group, using various modes of exploration, we will make space to reflect on the personal implications of life’s limits in various different spheres: health and well-being; work and money; relationships and community; nature and the environment; faith and meaning-making. This engagement group is likely to require some advance preparation (guidance will be sent ahead of time). [Note: we will meet at the same time as residential groups are meeting, from 10.45am-12.45pm Tuesday to Sunday, and we ask all participants to commit to setting aside the time to attend all six sessions].