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.