Exploring practises that reconnect our inner and outer nature.
The term ‘sustainability’ is commonplace in our modern western society especially in response to increasing environmental crises. But what does ‘sustainability’ really mean beyond recycling and buying organic; how can we begin to see that peak oil and climate change aren’t events separate from us but rather a deep part of who we are? And how too can we have the courage to not only see and feel the pain of the destruction but also see and feel the beauty and mystery of what it is to be alive?
In this course, we will explore, through facilitated personal and group based experiential practices, our intrinsic relationship with the natural environment and ways in which we can find inspiration and empowerment from it in times of personal and global transition.
Our time together will be a combination of indoor and outdoor sessions drawing from the fields of eco-psychology, holistic science and deep ecology. There will also be space for personal and group reflection, discussion and sharing. We will explore the surrounding hills, mountains, rivers and woods as well as the organic farm itself; working in the garden, preparing food together or sharing stories around the fire.
This course creates the space to:
- Find a renewed sense of connection to the reality of who we are within the interconnected web of life.
- Discover tools by which we can begin to live with balance and authenticity with ourselves, our communities and the earth.
Read more on how the week will flow and the activities we will be doing!
Minimize Again!
Monday 12th Nov
Arrival at Hotel Posada del Valle during the day
18.30 Opening Circle. Introduction to the hotel, the course and each other
20.00 Supper
Tuesday 13th Nov
08.00 Optional Morning Practice: Movement or meditation, led by tutors or group members
08.30 Breakfast
09.30 Service and Care: An opportunity to help on the farm, prepare delicious food or spend time
alone
11.00 Sense of Place: Meeting each other and building a community
13.00 Lunch
15.00 Celebrating the Senses: An exploration
of the senses through outdoor exercises
18.00 Reflection of the day
20.00 Supper
Wednesday 14th Nov
08.00 Optional Morning Practice
08.30 Breakfast
09.30 Service and Care
11.00 Embodying stories: An introduction to council
and sharing stories
13.00 Lunch
15.00 Sense of Place: Exploring our place in the world through outdoor group and personal
exercises
18.00 Reflection of the day
20.00 Supper
21.45 Night wander – Bonfire
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Thursday 15th Nov
08.00 Optional Morning Practice
08.30 Breakfast
09.30 Preparation and packing for a day trip into the mountains
10.00 Another day in the Universe: Walking into the mountains. A time for the exploration of core concepts including the Universe story and Gaia theory. Experiencing the Asturian landscapes and connecting our spirits with nature through Creative Land Art
18.00 Reflection of the day
20.00 Supper
21.45 Stargazing
Friday 16th Nov
08.00 Morning Council
08.30 Breakfast (optional)
09.30 Deep Experience: Solo time outdoors with a question
13.00 Lunch
15.00 Sharing stories from the time alone
18.30 Reflection of the week – sharing our learning
20.00 Supper
21.45 Celebratoty Fire
Saturday 17th Nov
08.00 Optional Morning Practice
09.00 Closing circle and departure
- the schedule may be amended slightly depending on local weather conditions. We hope to spend as much time outside as we can, but if the weather does not permit, we’ll make our pictures in a warm and comfortable place!
- all activities are optional; participants can take some quiet time at any point they wish
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Rupert Hutchinson is a fully qualified International Mountain Leader (UIMLA/MLTB) and outdoor educator having worked with groups of young people and adults in some of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth. Rupert has also trained in ‘Council’ (Ojai Foundation) and as a Vision Fast guide (The School of Lost Borders). He is a passionate climber, skier, cook and lover of fires, spoon whittling and starry nights.
Yvan Rytz holds an MSc in Holistic Science from Schumacher College (UK). He has lived in various ecovillages and communities around the globe and was a Member of the Swiss Canton de Vaud Parliament, with the Green Party. He has trained as a Vision Fast guide (School of Lost Borders), is a carrier of “Council” (Ojai Foundation) and facilitates courses and offers lectures on eco-psychology and deep ecology.
Yvan Rytz & Rupert Hutchinson
12th – 17th of November
This course is suitable for anyone interested in exploring the wider topic of sustainability and practical ways in which to live with awareness and mindfulness on the Earth. Educators and those working with groups (especially outdoors) will benefit from the wide range of tools and practises that can be integrated into their work.
The Course is based at Posada del Valle, an Eco-Hotel that rest within its organic farm.
A beautiful and inspiring landscape where biodiversity, organic farming and a cosy atmosphere are always nurtured; near the Picos de Europa, in Asturias, North Spain.
Course Fees
700 Euros – One person in an individual room
1200 Euros – Two people sharing a double room.
The event fees include accommodation (five nights), vegetarian food, field trips and all teaching sessions.
To book a place in this event, get in contact with us through our email:mail@gaiaysofia.com
or this phone number: +34 985707005
Mobile:
+34 661629708 (Sebastian)
+34 635344487 (Lidia)
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