From summer 2010, when our renovations will be largely completed, The Person Centre will host an annual programme of workshops, intensive days and other events. A hint of things to come ...

How to really listen ...
We all want to be heard - and to know that we're being heard. When we really listen to others, we validate their need to be seen, understood, and acknowledged as a person; their need to be, and to know that they are. And in the process of listening to another the listener is affirmed too. A profound yet practical workshop for anyone who wants to be a better listener, and transform their own life in the process.

What the body knows
When you're unhappy, confused or stuck do you try to think or analyse your way out of it, but never quite succeed in finding out what's really going on? Do you want to get to know your self better, from the inside out? In this workshop we'll explore ways of sensing our way into what our bodies already know - into the vague, still unformed feelings that are right at the far edge of our awareness - and of connecting the 'felt sense' that we find there with words, images or symbols.

The felt sense in the creative process
Do you yearn to create but don't know how to begin? What do you do as a writer, poet or artist when you're stuck and the creative process is just not flowing? We'll explore ways of getting beyond the conscious mind, beyond the anxiety of the blank page or canvas, beyond our fears about not being good enough ... and contacting the part of ourselves that already knows what needs to happen next: the felt sense.

This is it!
Thinking, planning, worrying, earning, dealing with families and the day-to-day nuts and bolts of living ... it's not always easy to be truly present - to be here, now. But like it or not, here we are: in this body, in this place, in this moment ... and this is it! A gentle small group event in which we'll explore the perfection of NOW. Meditation, awareness, walks, good food, laughter and silence. 

You don't have to sit on the floor ...
An alternative look at meditation, especially for us restless Westerners who struggle with the idea of 'just sitting'. We'll explore methods both ancient and modern in our quest to quiet our restless monkey minds.

The still point
Chanting and dancing have been used for centuries as ways of touching the Divine. Through simple songs from various spiritual traditions and steps danced in a circle we'll experience the joy of body prayer and the deep stillness that can, paradoxically, arise in the midst of movement. You don't need a partner, or to be able to sing or dance!

Women's circle
A gathering of women, to share stories, ritual, song, dance and laughter ... whatever wants to happen. Oh yes, and good food, hopefully a full moon, and a fire!

Space to breathe days and residential weekends
Unstructured, retreat-type days and weekends for space, personal stock-taking and healing, for those facing major change, struggling to find a way out of a difficult period or simply in need of time out for reflection. Therapeutic accompaniment is available if you want it, as are tools for creative writing, awareness practice, bodywork and meditation ... or you can just take time away from home in our lovely surroundings to find a clear space in yourself - a kind of twenty-first century vision quest, if you like. Together we'll work out what you need.

All events will take place here at The Person Centre, either indoors in our group space in the jardin d'hiver, or in and around our wooded grounds. One-day events include lunch; longer workshops include lunch, at least one dinner, and time to walk, chill or just to be, and may be combined with a stay in our guest accommodation, in L'Atelier or La Petite Maison (see www.grillou.com for more details). For longer events accommodation will be available either in the house or in tents for those who want to stay over.

Details of events for 2010 should be available from late 2009. If you'd like to receive the programme by email as soon as it's ready, please send your name and email address to info@thepersoncentre.net.