I am so delighted that you will be joining us as we journey in the footsteps of the Celtic the Mystics..
During our time together, we will be sharing in story, image and spiritual practices that I hope will enable you to feel as if you are transported across time and space to the sacred sites of Europe that were places that nurtured courage, creativity and compassion . We need this qualities in our world more than ever, and it is my deepest hope that our class together will help us nurture this quality within us as we create a global virtual community.
The rhythm of our time together will follow an ancient pattern that is designed to open us to the depths of these teachings.
Prelude (done individually at home): Please allow yourself at least 20 minutes before class begins to settle your mind. You will receive a link to music recommendations for you to listen to for our weekend together that will evoke the spirit of the times and place that we will be studying. Chant is particularly helpful to gather yourself in silence,.
Opening Circle ( 11:00 am PST) We will being with a ceremony of lighting of candles, followed by a reading and opening meditation and a setting of intentions for the day.
Lesson (11:20-12:30 ) We will explore a story and theme each day through a 60+ minute lecture woven with a plethora of images.
Reflection (12:30 - 1 pm) Following the lesson each day, a creative or spiritual practice will be introduced, followed by a closing circle.
Integration (done individually) It is strongly recommended that you keep and create an art journal as we travel through this week together. Each day will offer questions for further reflection and journaling. This will become all the richer if you also print out pictures to download and collage into your journal, or if you sketch, paint or otherwise “illuminate” your pages. We will invite you to share your pictures, writing and responses in our sharing circles on the last day. This is a marvelous way to spark one another’s creativity.
Enrichment and Immersion Of course, nothing can replace the experience of actually being in France, but a few of these suggestions will deepen and enrich your experience.
1)Ritual: Try to establish a morning routine that can support and deepen your experience. Spend an hour before class sitting in the garden, meditating, or doing yoga, chi gong or tai chi. These are all things that can help center yourself and open your body to receive.
2) Sensorial experience: To bring the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of these sacred sights to you, we will offer links to suggested recipes. You may wish to seek out films set in the locations for viewing in the evening.
3) Walking: If we were doing this in person, we would be spending a few hours each day walking after our morning lectures while we were on site. This is a wonderful way to process the information—even if you are only retracing the same old familiar paths in your own neighborhood. Solvitur Ambulando was a favored motto of the Middle Ages: It is solved by walking. Strapon some earphones and listen to Medieval pilgrim songs.
4) Creating Community: start a “watch party” with your friends or fellow students to watch one of the movies on the recommended movie list and then discuss how they mirror the topics of each day and share your own revelations.
Recommended films for the Pilgrimage to Ireland and Wales:
5) Dive into reading and studying This weekend, it will be my great joy to bring you to the Celtic lands in a journey that I hope will ignite your imagination, kindle your courage and open your heart.
I so look forward with great anticipation to sharing this adventure with you,