Inviting all who want to explore this simple and powerful way of communication. More than a way of sharing, it is a practice that moves us to a deeper, more compassionate level of communicating and being.
What? A time to sit together "around the fire", to experience becoming part of a "container", a circle of witnessing and being witnessed where the collective voice can express itself. A time that often brings the participants surprises about themselves. The Way of Council is based on traditions that feel universal part of our social fabric, and can be found in many of our societies where relationship and place are still honoured. It is powerful in its simplicity: we come together and actively listen to each other in turn, inviting curiosity, sending judgment and the need to answer or perform for a break. Silence is also welcome, and no one is forced to speak, yet we're all invited to share what is present in the moment the turn comes to us. The essence of what is alive is welcome, without needing to be justified or diminished or embellished. And all that we share remains in the circle. We will explore threads that connect us with our humanity, yet trust that whatever arises is what needs to be shared.
Why? This timeless practice of coming together to discover our current truths and wisdoms allows for a profound connection with our own selves and with others, human and non-human. We can find a deep calm when we listen with more-than-our-ears, and people are often surprised about what they share when witnessed in this way. It is not the same to read about it than to actually experience it. After practicing for a few years, I have witnessed how it has helped expand my ability to perceive the world around me, and to sit with the uncertainty that has become so evident in recent years.
When? At various times during the six weeks of this Now What?! edition and beyond. Check the calendar, see below, or go straight to this simple registration form. This is a small-group practice, so you'll need to book a place. There will be a waiting list. I may offer more dates in August, too.
How? Bringing yourself, your curiosity. Being willing to listen and witness, and inviting your authenticity to be in the foreground. "Suspending our showing off so that we can show up".
Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.
William Shakespeare, King Lear.
Scheduled dates—note that times given are for UK timezone (GMT+1), do check your local time before deciding on dates. Please register here, you will get confirmation and joining information per email.
Full, with waiting list: Saturday 24th April 16:00 - 17:30 UK time
Full, with waiting list: Friday 30th April 8:00 - 9:30 (AM) UK time
Full, with waiting list: Sunday 9th May 18:00 - 19:30 UK time
Full, with waiting list: Sunday 16th May 19:00 - 20:30 UK time
Full, with waiting list: Saturday 22d May 09:00 - 10:30 (AM) UK time
Full, with waiting list: Saturday 10th July 16h00 - 17h30 (UK time)
Tuesday 13th July 08h00 - 09h30 (AM in the UK)
Saturday 17th July 16h00 - 17h30 (UK)
Full, with waiting list: Monday 19th July 20h00 - 21h30 (UK)
Thursday 22d July 07h30 - 09h00 (AM in the UK)
Full, with waiting list: Monday 26th July 19h00 - 20h30 (UK)
Saturday 31st July 08h00 - 09h30 (AM!) (UK)
Register on the mailing list (same form) if you want to receive information about similar offerings.
About me... I'm Dita. I fell in love with the Way of Council some five years ago, when I attended my first one at High Heathercombe, up in the dramatic moors of Dartmoor. My dear friend Mel Lamb held it with her characteristic and amazing energy—I learned much from her in the coming years, we held circles together until her passing last year. Since that first one, I have attended many councils, in different contexts, and have experienced a wide diversity of flavours and intentions. I've had the honour and privilege to learn from the expert and caring hands of many, especially Klaudia van Gool, Jeremy Thres, and Sophy Banks. But most of my learning comes from a beloved teacher and my council guide, Pip Bondy. It is from her that my council tradition comes from. She was taught by Gigi Coyle in the tradition of the Ojai Foundation, where the Way of Council as we practice it today was co-creatively brought into life.