Retreats & Workshops
"I'm still trying to find words sufficient to describe the retreat' For Love'. A fundamental shift has taken place in me and I have a greater sense of well being. I am holding my body differently, with less tension in multiple areas. People I have known for a while have said I look different since returning. I feel more relaxed, my nervous system calmer, even in the face of everyday life stressors.
Joanna fosters deep trust and safety in the groups she facilitates. This ability of hers is essential in laying a foundation for vulnerable work. I would absolutely recommend a retreat or workshop with her if you are eager to dive deep into yourself with the warm support of good company." R.A-M, London
Looking Ahead:
2024
Sunday 24th & Monday 25th November
"Staying ... with ... Difficulty"
(Question: "What should I do with my inner experience?" Answer: "Nothing")
Over these 2 days, we will focus on exploring how to find a place of profound acceptance
particularly when there the experience we are having is challenging.
This is a non residential workshop at Caddaford Barn, South Devon, with the option of B&B or self-catered accommodation on site (subject to availability)
(B&B - https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/12428091?category_tag=Tag%3A8678&enable_m3_private_room=true&photo_id=144139497&search_mode=regular_search&check_in=2024-11-24&check_out=2024-11-25&source_impression_id=p3_1725468039_P39I2CB35NbpFPaM&previous_page_section_name=1000&federated_search_id=faed8acb-e204-44f9-8aba-86d15d37bec8
and a 2 bedroom and a 3 bedroom apartment through Helpful Holidays
www.helpfulholidays.co.uk/cottage/Devon-Caddaford/1-Caddaford-Barns-1088565.html#duration=3&start=2024-11-22&calendar=2024-11&changeover=5
My next booking at Bala Brook for a week's retreat is
25th to 30th November 2025 -
where I will run another LOVE MOST NATURAL retreat
Please email me to express interest - [email protected]
***
2025
January 18th/19th/20th 2025 Non Residential Weekend Workshop in Devon
co-faciliated with Brad Richcoeur
More info:
www.qigong-southwest.co.uk/ease-of-relating.htm
Trauma and Spirituality, co-facilitated with John Wilks
Thursday May 1st 7-9pm; Friday May 2nd, Saturday May 3rd 10am - 6pm; Sunday May 4th 10am to 1pm 2025 (new dates)
What do we mean by Trauma? What do we mean by Spirituality? How do they each influence us in our lives?
Movement, Somatic Exercises, the Tri-Brain process (www.birthintobeing.com ) meditation, information about the Vagus Nerve, enquiry
in Devon. At Caddaford Barns. Cost £240
More info and to book a space contact John:
www.therapy-training.com/courses#/spirituality-and-trauma-retreat
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Online Groups & Workshops
Guest House Thursdays - the first Thursday of each month, 7- 8pm
Free to Attend
Anyone who is interested in attending can subscribe via the eHealth Learning website page :
https://ehealthlearning.tv/portfolio-2/guest-house-thursdays/
When you go to this page a pop up form will open. Fill in the details to register on this form and submit it and then they will be subscribed to the emails which are sent out before the event with the Zoom link included to attend the next scheduled session.
If anyone experiences problems ask them to contact us for help on [email protected]
These monthly live classes offer an hour in the good company of others to welcome our experience in the present moment, and reconnect with what is most precious : our source nature, our essence. I will guide a meditation and then offer a simple enquiry into “this being human” to be shared in breakout spaces, with some time to reflect together afterwards.
No particular previous experience necessary. Come with a curious heart and an open mind.
The Guest House – by Rumi (Adapted, by me, from the translation by Coleman Barks)
This being human is a guest house.
Every moment a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some arising condition comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and attend to each and every one
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, bless each guest with your presence and curiosity.
They are all part of the same Unfolding Mystery.
The bouncers and the hungry ghosts,
meet them at the door with compassion,
and invite them in.
Appreciate whomever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from the same silent Source
beyond understanding.
There is no obligation to come to every session - drop in when it suits you, but ideally come punctually (as we usually start with a meditation). One regular attendee kindly wrote this, and is happy for me to share it as a testimonial:
"I just wanted to thank you again for these wonderful opportunities in the Guest House.
Recently i said yes to 2 very scary (for me) things, that even 6 months ago I would have run a mile from. Even though I would have wanted to do them, because they help something I believe in, it would have felt too exposed.
Yet, I said yes, and have done the scariest one already, and survived! And I think the Guest House has been a generous part of that change in me.
It's not that I'm braver, it's just that I care less about the backlash of thoughts and feelings that are inevitable afterwards (oh, cringe, cringe, I made a complete berk of myself). Something like knowing those feelings are going to come, and being OK with it. Knowing that I will not be consumed by them, but I now know they will be a small part of my day, mixed up with so many other feelings and sensations that will be the majority. Not quite at the stage of welcoming them with laughter yet, maybe with a wry grin, but that's great progress!
And also hearing other people's insecurities and self-doubt has helped me to see possible unforeseeable consequences that could be for the good - say someone saw me and thought 'wow, she didn't do that very well, but she's clearly wetting her pants with fear, and she's doing it anyway - maybe I could find a way to do that thing that I'm scared of doing...?'
I'm so appreciative of your offering the Guest House, I just wanted you to know that they are rippling out into the world in so many ways you will never know!"
***
Strength and Sensitivity - an ongoing closed group enquiring into including both ends of any polarity (currently closed until Feb 2025)
We tend to split reality into "either this or that"
(Left or Right, Strong or Sensitive, Bad or Good, etc)
In this ongoing group we will explore holding both ends of any polarity at the same time, not either/or but both.
When we do this, it has a radical impact on our lives, inviting compassion and flexibility.
We will explore this through movement, meditation and enquiry.
Please email me for dates and more information if you're interested.
***
Welcome Reality - a fortnightly group based in Totnes on Tuesdays 2-4pm -
Starts again September 3rd 2024
FULL - please email me if you'd like to be on a waiting list
..m
FOR FAMILIES with pre-school children
Nurture in Nature group at Nutwells, Buckland in the Moor, alternate Fridays 9:30 - 11:30. For parents and babies/toddlers up to 3 yrs old.
This group is offered by the community organisation Sustainable Families which I founded in 2010 to support parents with the incredibly important work of raising children. We draw on the Parenting by Connection approach and also on aspects of This Beautiful Work. The group is hosted by parents Milly and Rose with Play Workers Robert Hopwood, Eliza Christopherson and Rozi Hilton and is currently funded through the Lottery.
For more information please message Rose on WhatsApp or Text 07500350462
Growing Families group at Nutwells, Buckland in the Moor, alternate Fridays 1 - 3:30pm. This group is for parents and children 3+.
This group is supported by DEFRA and Sustainable Families and is hosted by Michel Thill and Eliza Christopherson. We draw on Parenting by Connection, Permaculture and Forest School principles. FFI message Eliza on 0749164408
Nurture in Nature group at Nutwells, Buckland in the Moor, alternate Fridays 9:30 - 11:30. For parents and babies/toddlers up to 3 yrs old.
This group is offered by the community organisation Sustainable Families which I founded in 2010 to support parents with the incredibly important work of raising children. We draw on the Parenting by Connection approach and also on aspects of This Beautiful Work. The group is hosted by parents Milly and Rose with Play Workers Robert Hopwood, Eliza Christopherson and Rozi Hilton and is currently funded through the Lottery.
For more information please message Rose on WhatsApp or Text 07500350462
Growing Families group at Nutwells, Buckland in the Moor, alternate Fridays 1 - 3:30pm. This group is for parents and children 3+.
This group is supported by DEFRA and Sustainable Families and is hosted by Michel Thill and Eliza Christopherson. We draw on Parenting by Connection, Permaculture and Forest School principles. FFI message Eliza on 0749164408