
The Singing Stone
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5 Day Residential in Southern France
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Number of participants: max 14
Start:
End:
Fee: £600 plus €50 camping
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Join us and embody the legend of The Singing Stone. This tale is a journey of self-discovery and coming home to ourselves. Suspend disbelief and enter a magical realm in which the more-than-human world can become our teacher. Each day we recount a portion of our protagonist's journey and discuss the symbolic meanings of their encounters and adventures. Participants embark on their own journey of self-discovery, walking and contemplating in nature, whilst working on their own Intent using elements of the story as they pertain to their own lives. We discuss the power of self-generated ceremony (symbolic enactments performed alone for a specific purpose) and participants will be invited to try devising their own (guidance will be offered for those who are new to the idea).
This course comprises:
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an introduction to the Four ‘Shields’, or directions, of Human Nature, the nature-based system we use to help us navigate the symbolic landscape of nature and the psyche;
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sitting in circle to share personal stories;
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working with Intent;
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contemplative walks alone in nature;
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optional self-generated ceremonies (symbolic enactments performed alone for a specific purpose – guidance offered);
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mirroring of ‘medicine’ stories by guides and assistants.
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Participants camp for the duration of the programme because it greatly aids embodied immersion into nature. You will find it conducive to producing the heightened, receptive states needed to hear our intuitive inner voice clearly and to understand nature as a teacher. Our habitual routines and ways of being are disrupted, which neuroscience shows heightens the senses, causing us to notice everything around us with fresh eyes.
We come together each day to sit in circle to share teachings and stories. Regular breaks are taken throughout the day and participants spend a portion of each day walking or simply being in nature contemplating a specific question or theme. Each time we gather, there will be stories told of our time in nature and many of those stories will be mirrored by the guides.
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We invite participants to arrive from 10am onwards on day one to allow for travel, shopping, and setting up camp before we begin. The programme commences at 5pm local time and a simple supper for all will be provided (please let us know about any dietary restrictions, allergies or intolerances beforehand). We aim to finish by noon on Tuesday to enable participants to travel home that evening; however, participants are very welcome to camp for an additional night at no extra charge and travel home on Wednesday if preferred. This can be quite useful for re-grounding and beginning the incorporation process.
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This course will be of particular interest to those interested in:
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experiencing 'the way of council';
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learning about the nature-based system of The Four Shields for personal or professional use;
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reconnecting with nature and exploring the wilderness within;
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experiencing the ‘mirroring’ of stories and learning 'The Art of Mirroring';
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exploring the potential of symbolic enactment;
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considering embarking on a full Vision Fast.
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Camping and self-catering is on a meadow next to the river. You will need to supply your own camping equipment (e.g. tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad/mattress).
A basic camp kitchen with cutlery, chopping boards, stove, table and seating are provided, along with camp chairs for our daily gatherings.
Supper on day one is included in the price.
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Use the contact form below to enquire about the programme or to apply.
Please state which programme you are interested in.
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