Programmes of the Biennial October

Social Therapy Conferences and Workshops organised by the

Garvald Organisations

The Curative Conferences and the Social Therapy Conferences, organised by the Medical Section at the Goetheanum in Switzerland, have been taking place biennially for many decades.

The Conferences and Workshops run by the Garvald organisations began in 1985.  They arose out of a desire by the Medical Section, that there be regional Social Therapy Conferences.

The Conferences and Workshops have been attended by staff and co-workers from the Garvald Organisations and Camphill Communities. 

With changing times, the Thursday to Sunday conferences hosted by Garvald Edinburgh, The Engine Shed and Garvald West Linton, moved in 1999 to a conference centre in Edinburgh.  This venue was retained and the workshop format introduced in 2001.

The themes, of personal and organisational development, explored with anthroposophical insights, have remained a constant over the years and have provided much support and inspiration for individuals and communities.

The workshops are ongoing with the next one planned for 2021.

Contents

 

 

1985

The Transition from Adolescence to Adulthood in the Light of Destiny.

(No programme available – pages reproduced from a publication on this conference.)

1987

Guidance and the Value of Work in the Fulfilment of Destiny

1989

Psychological Disturbance and Approaches to Healing

1991

Psychological Disturbance and Approaches to Healing

1993

Healing of the Senses.  Boundaries and Relationships in Community.

1995

Relationships, Sexuality and Community

1997

Building Community through Relationships

1999

Self and Organisational Development

2001

Exploring the Seven Life Processes in the context of Social Therapy

2003

Creating Space – Seeking Balance

2005

Developing Self-Awareness in Relationships

2007

Facing Personal Challenge

2009

Searching for the Water of Life.  Honouring Individual Pathways – Mindfulness in Modern Life and Work.

2012

Prescencing – Co-creating in the present moment

2013

Self-Leadership and Working Collaboratively.

2015

Mindfulness and Mid-Life

2017

Charting the Course of My Life: A Biography Workshop

2019

Facilitative Leading – Creating a Community of Learners

1985 THE TRANSITION

FROM ADOLESCENCE TO ADULTHOOD IN THE LIGHT OF DESTINY

Destiny and the Individual Adolescence and Crisis Approaching Adulthood and Work

A report of a conference on Social Therapy held in October 1985 at Garvald,

From Education to Self-Education

Gregor Simon MacDonald        

Frances Patterson                  

Joan Rudel

Jack Reed   

Anke Weihs                             

West. Linton, Peebleshire, and Garvald Training Centre, Edinburgh.

References and Notes                                                                        

Edited by Gregor Simon MacDonald

INTRODUCTION

How does an understanding of Destiny  influence  our  personal struggles and those of the people we're close to? One of the central concerns of Rudolf Steiner's life was  to  develop  a  new  recognition and  understanding  of  Destiny;  this   concern   forms   a   foundation for work developed .from his inspiration with people  with  special needs.   We're   particularly   concerned   here   with   implications   it can have for teenagers approaching adulthood. 

The recent expansion of supported accommodation in the community and the prevalent ideas of  Normalization are  leading to new emphasis on practical and social training in many  hostels and  training centres. The worsening employment situation has combined with these developments to  make  social  skills  training  an  obviously  relevant and necessary priority in this work. But what  of  the  needs  of  the whole person? Teenagers and adults  with  special  needs  may  well want  training  about  budgetting,  and  want  to  hear  about  'the  rights of  the  handicapped',  but  besides  this,  what  deeper   concerns   do they express?

Many of their deeper questions arise from  H  task  whicl1  all  of  us face:  the  task  of  coming  to  terms  with  ourselves,  and  of  working to  further  our  own   destinies.   This   booklet   focuses  on  this  task, as one stage in the individual biographies of the young adults  witl1 whom we work.

The  title  of  the  booklet  was  the  theme  of  a  weekend  conference for people from all over Britain working with teenagers and  young adults  in  training  centres,  hostels  and   village   communities   based on the  life  and  work  of  Rudolf  Steiner.  ('Social  Therapy'  is  the term used  to  describe  this  whole  area  of  work.)  The  conference took place - in October 1985 - in  two  settings  -  Garvald,  in Peebleshire, and Garvald Training Centre in  Edinburgh.  It  was arranged in association with the Rudolf Steiner Special Education Committee, - and many members of the Association of Camphill Communities   also  contributed.    Participants   represented   a  variety of settings -  rural  working  communities  for  people  with  a  wide range of mental l1andicaps, or urban projects with people with more social  difficulties,  for  example.  The  talks  themselves  were  planned in the order printed here,  and  were  interspersed  with  discussion groups and artistic work.

Guidance and the Value of Work in the Fulfilment of Destiny

 A conference for those involved in social therapy

Thursday 15 October -

Sunday 18 October 1987 at the Garvald Factory, Edinburgh and Garvald West Linton

Work and vocation take on new meaning in today's world. Developments in technology alter the relationship between producer and produc whilst unemployment raises questions about the essential meaning of work in our daily lives. In the field of social therapy we seek to establish a working environment and work processes which can act as a healing force. But how do we reconcile the compe_ting clements of production and therapy, work and leisure, personal development and social involvement?

The conference offers an opportunity for us to share our thoughts on this theme and so deepen our com­ mon understanding of the healing potential of work in our times.

See details of programme inside

Thursday 15 October                                                                      Sunday 18 October


CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS 5 OCTOBER 1987

Please let us know if you are coming (by booking in advance) as this will help practical arrangements.

6 pm Registration and supper.

7.30-9 pm Welcome and intrOduction. Guidance towards adulthood and vocation.

Joan anc,l Siegfried Rude Peredur.

·conversation Music.

Friday 16 October 8 am

Offering Service. Breakfast.

Singing together.

Indhidual and community- finding a balance.

Almut ffrench, Botton and Jack Reed, Garvald Centre.

 MEALS

All meals will be provided including supper on Thursday and lunch on Sunday.

ACCOMMODATION

Please !et"us know if you need accommodation, and

LOCATIONS

The conference will be held at Garvald Factory, 454/1 Gorgie Road Edinburgh and Garvald West Linton. The factory is off the main road, behind Sloan's car showrooms and can be reached ,ia the lane which runs along the side of Sloan's. Parking in the yard or on the main road. Buses 3, 22, 25, 33 and C5 from West End

GARVALO WEST LINTON

Saturday 17 October

9.30 am        Singing together.

10.00               Conversation and counselling.

Frances Patterson, Garvald Centre.


ENQUIRIES

Garvald Centre Edinburgh, 2 Montpelier Terrace, Edinburgh EHJO 4NF. Telephone031 228 3712.

Recommended reading:

Rudolf Steiner     The Karma ofVocation, Dornach.

Lectures 3, 4 and 5 given 6, 12, 13 November!916.

E F Schumacher Good Work

Published in paperback by Abacus.

The conference is intended mainly for those working in the curative movement and who are able to attend all the sessions. 

Arranged by Garvald as part of the Curative Movement and in association with the Rudolf Steiner

Special Education Committee.

Psychological Disturbance and Approaches to Healing

 A conference for those involved in social therapy

 Thursday 12-Sunday 15 October 1989 at

Garvald Centre Edinburgh and

Garvald West Linton

 We are living at a time when life makes mcreasing demands on everyone in human encounter and work, in open or sheltered commuility. Continual stresses are imposed on all of us whether or not we have manifest special needs: some may succumb, some may cope to varying degrees, but most of us will at some time need skilled help or advice.

At this conference we will endeavour to address those problems which show themselves in psychological disturbance ofone form oranother. Wewill try to build an integrated picture of this field so that such disturbances may be seen in the context of the spiritual, social and organic aspects of the development of the human being, both in the single human life span and in the much wider context of earth evolution. We will be able to consider such questions as the nature of the Threshhold as we confront it in our time, and the challenges of inner development.

\Ve hope in this way to tal<esomefirststepsin overcoming the tendency to see psychological problems in terms of either mind, body or environment by recognising that these three spheres are ultimately part of a greater whole. In doing this we may bring new insights and resources to our work in the field of social care and therapy.

Sec details.of programme inside

Thursday 12 October

6 pm               Registration and supper. 7.30-9 pm Welcome and introduction.

Organic and Developmental Aspects of Psi;chological Disturbance.

James Dyson.

Conversation. Music.

Sunday 15 October

S.00 am         Offering Service.

8.30                Breakfast.

9.30                Singing together.

9.45                Inner Development and the Power of

Healing.

Margaret Smit.

OF APPLICATIONS 2 OCTOBER 1989

Please let us know if you are coming (by booking in

advance) as this will help practical arrangements.

MEALS

All meals will be provided including supper on Thursday and lunch on Sunday. 

ACCOMMODATION

Friday 13 October

9.30 am       Singing together.

9.45               Addiction and Neuroses and the Development of Ego consciousness.
Morning Conversation Groups

Group Leaders:

James Dyson

Stourbridge

Edinburgh and Garvald West Linton.


Lunch.

Artistic activities.

Tea break. Activities continued. Supper.

Psychosis-Disease of our Time.

Lotte Sahlmann.

Michael Luxford Wilfried Maxfield Wendy Newman Lotte Sahlmann Margaret Smit


Camphill Pennine Community

Garvald Edinburgh Garvald Edinburgh  Camplull Sheiling, Ringwood

Counsellor, The Hague

£35 per person woul.d help with costs.

LOCATIONS

The conference will be held at Garvald Factory, 454/1 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh and Garvald-West Linton. The factory is off the main road, behind Sloan's  car showrooms and can be reached via the lane which runs

Conversation. Music.

GARVALD WEST LINTON

 Saturday 14 October

Afternoon Activities at 2.30pm 

Black and white drawing                 Jenny Tanser, Stroud Clay modelling                      Jean Hunt, Garvald Eurythmy Yvonne Greenaway, Garvald Edinburgh Music Georg Schad, Camphill Blair Drummond

along the side of Sloan's. Parking in the yard or on the main road. Buses 3, 22, 25, 33 and CS from West End.

 ENQUIRJES

Garvald Centre Edinburgh, 2 Montpelier Terrace, EdinburghEHl0 4NF. Telephone 0312283712.

Singing together.

Schizophrenia and Depression.

Lotte Sahlmann. Coffee.

Conversation groups.

Lunch.

Artistic activities.

Tea break. Activities continued. Supper.

Presentation from groups. Music.

Painting     Boris Moscoff, Camphill Sheiling, Ringwood Speech and Drama               Janis Mackay, Garvald

Recommended reading:

Bridge between Universal Spirituality and the Physical Constitution of Man.

Rudolf Steiner Domach, 17-19 December 1920.

Rock Bottom Beyond Drug Addiction.

Aalt van den Berg et al.

Publisher: Hawthorn Press.


The conference is intended mainly for those working in the curative movement and related anthroposophical initiatives, and who are able to attend every session.

HEALING OF THE SENSES BOUNDARIES AND RELATIONSHIPS IN COMMUNITY

A Conference for those involved in Social Therapy

PROGRAMME

THE ENGINE SHED, EDINBURGH

 Thursday 14 - Sunday 17 October 1993 at THE ENGINE SHED, EDINBURGH

Welcome and introduction.

How     are      the      Senses Endangered? James Dyson.

GARVALD WEST LiNTON

Friday  l 5 October 

The picture of the senses given by anthroposophy spans the entire range of human experience from the  body  to the spirit. At the present time in human evolution these two realms are in danger of becoming separate - of creating a disembodied . intellect, vulnerable to technology and a body empty of spirit, vulnerable to forces of the sub­-earthly realm.

 It is the challenge of the present time to create a new morality integrating both body and spirit, through carrying and transforming the tension that

inevitably arises when these two worlds confront each other. Within this tension we meet b(,th the forces

Singing together. Plenary session. Coffee

Artistic ·activities.

Lunch.

Conversation groups. Tea break.

Artistic activities. Supper

Relationships and the Senses.

Albert Smit.

Conversation. Music. of

GARVALD WEST LINTON

 Saturday 16 October

Sexuality and the temptation towards personal power, and these forces cmre to expression within the sphere of our working and caring relationships.

 Anthroposophy points to a way forward through which forces of healing may become accessible. The aim of the coference is to explore some aspects of this path.

 See details of programme inside.

Singing together. Plenary session. Coffee

Artistic activities. Lunch

Conversation groups.

Tea break.

Healing Forces in Community. James Dyson

Supper.

Presentation from groups.


GARVALD WEST LINTON

 Sunday 17 October


APPLICATION

Offering Service. Breakfast.

Singing together. Plenary session. Coffee

Looking ahead. Lunch.

1 OCTOBER 1993

Please let us know if you are coming (by booking in advance) as this will help with practical arrangements. We will reserve a place for you on receipt of your booking: please assume you  have a place unless you hear to the contrary.

 MEALS

Artistic Activities

 Clay Modelling Drawing

Jens Holbek Boris Moscoff

All meals will be provided including supper on Thursday and lunch on Sunday.

Eurythmy

Alicia Santa Croce

Afternoon Conversation Groups Group Leaders:

Gillian Brand Karen Ehlen Albert Smit James Dyson Philip Haddon Margaret Smit

Recommended Reading: The Twelve Senses.

Quotations from the work of Rudolf Steiner Available from Garvald Centre £3 per copy.

The Twelve Senses Albert Soesman, Hawthorn Press

The Etherisation of the Blood Rudolf Steiner, Rudolf Steiner Press

The Road Less Travelled, M Scott Peck

Rider

LOCATIONS

The conference will be held at Garvald Cdmmunity Enterprises, The Engine Shed, 19 St Leonard's Lane, Edinburgh and at Garvald West Linton. A map showing the location of  the Engine Shed is enclosed.

ENQUIRIES

Garvald Centre, 2 Montpelier Terrace, Edinburgh EH!O 4NF. Telephone 031 228 3712.

The conference is intend_ed mainly for those working in the curative movement and related anthroposophical initiatives.

RELATIONSHIPS, SEXUALITY AND COMMUNITY

A Conference for those involved

ENQUIRIES: Garvald Centre, 2 Montpelier Terrace, Edinburgh EHI0 4NF Tel 0131 228 3712 Fax 0131 229 1468

Artistic Activities

Bothmer Gym Clay Modelling Drawing Eurythmy Music

Fleana Botero Donald Ker Almut ffrench Joseph Croy Soleira Wenekes Royston Timewell

In Social Therapy

 Thursday 12th - Sunday 15th  October 1995 at

THE ENGfNE SHED, EDfNBURGH and GARVALD WEST LINTON

Conversation groups Lawrence Alfred Anne Byrne

James Dyson Margaret Smit Jennifer Sutherland Tijno Voors 

Recommended Reading

 Practice. Issues in Sexuality & Learning Disability

Edited by Anne Craft (Routledge)

Man & Woman in light of Spiritual Science (Munich March 1908 printed in 111e Anthroposophical Review Winter 1980 - copies available from Garvald Centre)

love, Marriage, Sex In The light of Spiritual Science  3 volumes of excerpts selected by Richard  Lewis Rudolf Steiner

The conference is intended mainly for those working in the curative movement an-d related anthroposophical initiatives


MEALS:

All meals will be provided including supper on Thursday and lunch on Sunday. 

CONFERENCE FEE:

£50 per person.·

Limited number of concessions available.

LOCATIONS:

The conference will be held at Garvald Community Enterprises, The Engine Shed, 19 St Leonard's Lane, Edinburgh and at Garvald West Linton.

Engine Shed directions - see map enclosed

We are 5 mins from ''The Odeon" cinema. Cut through Rankeillor Street, cross the road, tum right then walk straight up St Leonard's Lane.

Garvald West Linton directions

Garvald West Linton is 20 miles south of Edinburgh. Leave the A702 4 miles south of West Linton (7 miles north of Biggar) at the Garvald/Dunsyre signpost. After I mile, tum right and follow signs leading to the main house.

This conference will explore the theme of sexuality and its expression in contemporary society. In our time sexuality  is  often viewed solely from a physiological and psychological perspective. TI1is can lead to the exclusion ·of considerations of a more spiritual kind, for example destiny and karma. 

It is hoped that through acknowledging both the spiritual and earthly a5r.ects of sexuality we may be able to create a perspective which is both relevant and enriching ·for personal experience and mutual understanding. 

The conference will consider the situation of those    with . special       needs as well as · addressing this theme in its universal aspect.


VENUE: THE  ENGINE SHED, GARVALD WEST LINTON

TIMES

THURS DA11 12th OCT

FRIDAY 13th OCT

SATURDAY 14th OCT

 

SUNDAY 15th OCT

8.00am

 

 

 

Offering Service.

8.30 am

 

 

 

BREAKFAST

9.30 am

 

Singing together.

Singing together.

Singing together.

9.45 am

Plenary session

Plenary sessioci.

Sexual issues and the threshold

Dr James Dyson

I1.00 am

 

COFFEE

COFFEE

COFFEE

l l.30 am

 

Artistic activities.

Artistic activities.

Plenary sessiori.

 

Review and looking ahead

1.00 pm

 

LUNCH

LUNCH

LUNCH

2.30 pm

 

Conversation groups.

Conversation groups.

 

3.45 pm

 

TEA BREAK

TEA BREAK

 

4.15 - 5.30 pm

 

Artistic activities.

Sex and learning disability

Dr Ros Lyall

 

6.00 pm

Registration and Supper

SUPPER

SUPPER

 

7.30 - 9.00 pm

Welcome and introduction. The  nature   of   sexuality Dr James Dyson Conversation. :t-.-fusic.

Friendship, relationships & questions of sexuality Lawrence Alfred Conversation. Music

Presentations from groups.

Music.

 

 

BUiLDING COMMUNITY THROUGH

RELATIONSHIP 

A Conference for those iavolved in Social Therapy

ENQUIRIES

The Secretary, Garvald Centre, 2 Montpelier Terrace, Edinburgh EHI0 4NF

Tel: 0131228 37l2     Fax: 0l3l 229 1468

 Artistic Activities
APPLICATION

Closing date for receipt of application:

Friday 26th  September  1997 (Bookings will be confirmed promptly)

 ACCOMMODATION:

Bothmer Gym

Clay Modelling Eurythmy Music

Painting Speech/Drama

Conversation Groups

Micke Dawson Donald Ker Joseph Croy Soleira Wenekes Abbey Jackson Janis Perry
We have a limited number of places at £12.00 per night for bed & breakfast mainly in Garvald West Linton and in Edinburgh.  These  will  be allocated on a first come first served basis. Thereafter we would be happy to reserve accommodation in local guest houses on your behalf.

Thursday 16th - Sunday 19th October 1997 at

THE ENGINE SHED, EDINBURGH

There will be six conversation groups. Three of these will be facilitated by the lecturers. 

Those attending the conference will be assigned to one of the groups. 

Recommended Reading

All meals will be provided including supper on Thursday and lunch on Sunday. 

CONFERENCES FEES:

£55.00 per person.

(Limited number of concessions available).

GARVALD WEST LINTON

As we approach the end of the Century it becomes clearer to many people that changes are taking place in our consciousness that are affecting how we relate to each other.

More Precious Than Light

A World Waiting To Be Born Carl Rogers on Personal Power Developing Communities

Margaret van den Brink (Hawthorn)

Scott F. Peck (Rider) Carl Rogers (Constable)

Bernard Lievegoed (Hawthorn)


LOCATIONS:

The conference will be held at Garvald Community Enterprises, 1l1e Engine Shed at 19 St Leonard's Lane, Edinburgh and Garvald West Linton.

Questions arise as to how to live and work together in communities, organisations, families, or as couples and friends.

Rudolf Steiner's contribution to the theme although fundamental· is not always explicit. The following texts are offered as having a particular relevance:

 

Community Life, Sexuality and lhe

Spiritual Teacher                                     Rudolf Steiner

The Younger Generation                           Rudolf Steiner

The Mission of the Archangel

Michael                                                     Rudolf Steiner

Awakening to C::immunity                           Rudolf Steiner (All published by Anthroposophic Press)


Engine Shed - Directions            - See Map Enclosed 5 minutes from "The Odeon" cinema. Cut through Rankeillo·r Street, cross the road, turn right then walk straight up St Leonard's Lane.

Garvald West Linton - Directions

Garvald West Linton is 20 miles  south  of Edinburgh. Leave the A702 4 miles south of West Linton (7 miles before Biggar) at the

These questions lie at the heart of curative work and social therapeutic· endeavours. The healing and upbuilding forces hat can arise from good mutual understanding are vital to enable social therapy to develop and respond creatively to the needs of our time. 

This conference will look at the processes that communities and individuals need to go through to

The Conference is intended mainly for those working in the curative movement and related anthroposophical initiatives

 

TIMES

THURSDAY 16TH OCTOBER

FRIDAY 17TH OCTOBER

SATURDAY 18TH OCTOBER

SUNDAY 19TH OCTOBER

8.00 am

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

Offering Service

8.30 am

 

 

 

BREAKFAST

9.30 am

 

Singing together

Singing together

Singing together

9.45 am

 

Plenary session

Plenary Session

Power and Supervision in relation to the Spiritual Threshhold

Dr James Dyson

I 1.00 am

 

COFFEE

COFFEE

COFFEE

11.30 am

 

Artistic Activities

Artistic Activities

Plenary Session and Rounding Off

LOO pm

 

LUNCH

LUNCH

LUNCH

2.30 pm

 

Conversation Groups

Conv rsation Group

 

3.45 pm

 

TEA BREAK

.

TEA BREAK

TEA BREAK

 

4.15 - 5.30 pm

 

Artistic Activities

An Exploration of Underlying Processes within and b.?tween Groups ill all Grga11isatio11

Robin Hall

 

6.00 pm

Registration and SUPPER

SUPPER

SUPPER

 

7.30 - 9.00 pm

The Changing position of the individual in groups in tlt1 course  of Human  DeJ1el opment Margaret van den Brink

From the 'given Group Ethos' to a Self Determined Ethos

Dr James Dyson

Social Evening with presentations from Artistic Activities Groups

 

 
Orama

Drnma will form an integral part of the Conference and will complement the lectures in developing the theme.

All those ,mending the Conference arc asked to take part in Lhe drama sessions to appreciate the interplay between the experiential and the lecture input.

The drama leaders will be:

A\mut ffrcnch, living and working in William Morris Campbil! community, and with experience in.working with nrt and drama in Camphill, at Ruskin fl.,fill and in Gloucester Prison.

Dnn Skinner, Director and co-founder of the Rose Theatre Company, Dan has acted in Rudolf Steiner's fv1ystery Dnimas and is currently working on the theme of the "other" through drama workshops.

l\liclrnel Chase, founder of the Mask Studio and involved in developing and designing masks. Michael's pcr.fonnancc work spans both educational and therapeutic settings.

 Lectures: Conference lectmes will be given by: Robin Hall, organisational consultant at Scottish fnstitute of Human Relations and consultant to Corbenic Camphill community.

Dr James Dyson, co-founder of Park Attwood Clinic, a small anLhroposophica! hospital in Worcestershire and visiting medical consultant to both the Rudolf Steiner School and Garvald Centre Edinburgh.

SELF AND ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

A Garvald Conference for those involved in Social Therapy

 Thursday 14th - Sunday 17th October 1999 at

THE GILLIS CENTRE EDINBURGH

Organisational Development...

Two years ago the theme of our biennial social therapy conference was Building Community through Relationship. The interplay of personal development and how we relate to one another in organisational life is of continuing relevance.  How do we take responsibility for the part we play in relationships and organisations and how can we help each other achieve our fullest potential both individually and collectively.

t,,,-!an on the Threshold

(Chapter 8)

Illness mid the Double

People of the Lie

The Wizard ofEarthsca The Mystery of the Dotiblc: Geographic Medicine

The Unconscious at Work: Individual and Organisational Stress in the Human Sciences

Bernard Lievegoed, (Hawthorn Press)

Werner Priever MD (Mercury) Scou Peck (Arrow Books) Ursula le Guin (Penguin) Rudolf S1einer (Mercury)

Obholzer, A + Roberts V.Z, (Routledge)

The Conference is intended mainly for those working within the curative movement and related anthroposophical initiatives

Working out of the insights of anthroposophy and other sources of inspiration, this conference  will look at the positive aspects of these human growth issues, and also at the ways we often unconsciously hold ourselves and others back from this goal.

Drama will form a core aspect of the Conference; complementing the lectures and shared discussion, and helping us to explore the theme on a more experiential Ievel.

TIMES

THURSDAY 14TH OCTOBEI'.

FRIDAY I 5TH OCTOBER

SATURDAY 16TH OCTOBER

SUNDAY 17m OCTOBER

9.15 am

 

Singing

Singing

Singing

9.45 am

 

Life Below the Surface in

Organisations

Robin Hall

Echo space

9.30 am Echo space

 

I 0.30 am COFFEE

I I .00 am Crossing the Threshold Individually and Organisationally

James Dyson

I 1.00 am

 

COFFEE

COFFEE

11.30 am

 

Exploring the theme through drama (Session I)

The Power of Tram.formation and Acceptance in Groups and Individually

James Dyson

12. I 5 Rounding o.ff

1.00 pm

 

LUNCH

LUNCH

LUNCH

3.00 pm -

5.30 pm

(incl tea break)

 

Drama (Session 2)

Drama (Session 3)

 

5.45pm

Registration and SUPPER

SUPPER

SUPPER

 

7.00 - 9.00 pm

Welcome and introduction to :·he

Conference theme through ctn.ma

 

 

-

Reflections on the day with the

presenters

Ceilidh at Gelumcrtflr

hi"'(V\

.

 

 

 

The conference is intended mainly for those working within social therapy, curative education and related anthroposophical initiatives.


'Exploring the seven life processes in the context of Sadal Theraill'.'

The Garvald

Biennial Social Therapy Conference

Thursday 4th - Sunday 7th Oct. 2001 At the Gillis Centre Edinburgh

The therapeutic value of our work rests fundamentally on  the health and well being of each one of us. Whatever we have to offer to another person is dependent on our own development and self awareness. Likewise our communities can offer people opportunities for healing, for self discovery and personal growth only when such qualities are mirrored within the structures and relationships of the community itself

The seven life processes lend a paiticular perspective on health and on the disturbances which can undermine our well being, whether this be on a physiological level, in our personal relationships or in our working lives. It offers a new way of exploring the kind of problems we struggle with in ourselves and which challenge many of the people with whom we work

The conference hopes to deepen this theme through lectures, artistic and experiential work and to inspire new thoughts and ideas about how we can work more consciously with the life processes within social therapy.

Contributors

Dr James Dyson is co-founder of Park Attwood, a Clinic in Worcestershire, and visiting medical consultant to boih the Glasshouse Project in Stourbridge and Garvald Centre Edinburgh. He is also involved in various adult education activities in the fields of mental health, therapeutic education and pastoral care.

Lana Chanarin has lived and worked in Camphill for over 20 years and for the last IO of these has played a central part in setting up and running the Adult Communities Course for people working in the field of Social Therapy.

Artistic Activities:

Eurythmy

Drawing Music

Joseph Croy             Speech

Allmut flrench          Spatial Dynamics

Solera Wennekes      Clay

Royston Tunewell Corine van Barneveld Donald Ker

Karl Konig-

Rudolf Steiner -

Veronika van Duin -

A Living Physiology

Camphill Books 1999

The Seven Life Processes 3rd, 10th &17th March 1960

The Riddle of Humanity

Rudolf Steiner Press London 1990

"The sense organs and aesthetic experience"

Dornach 15th August 1916

"The Twelve Senses and Seven Life Processes in Man

12th August 1916

The Pre-earthly Deeds of Christ

Rudolf Steiner Press 1st Lecture Pforzheim 7th March 1914

The Art of Living

Kate Roth Publications Millbrook Press Ltd. Kildare 1999

Michael Luxford (ed) - The Higher Senses and the Seven Life Processes

Camphill Books·

Suggested reading

Some people may wish to prepare for the workshop with some background reading. This is entirely optional and tl1e texts below are of general relevance to the theme rather tl1an specific to the workshop content.

Covey, S. (1992) The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,

Simon & Schuster Ltd, London.

Parikh, J. (1994) Managing Yourself - Management by Detached Involvement, Blackwell Publishers, Oxford.

Steiner, R. (1997) How to know higher worlds -Rudolf Steiner Press Tolle, E. (1999) The Power of Now, New World Library, California.

 

Artistic activities including Eurythmy, Speech, Music, Art, and Modelling will form part of the workshop.

Creating Space-Seeking Balance

Garvald Social Therapy Workshop

2nd & 3rd October 2003

At the Gillis Centre Edinburgh

Over the past two decades the Garvald organisations have held a biennial social therapy conference involving people from Camphill and independent initiatives across Britain. This year we are hosting a 2-day workshop, acknowledging the many demands on time and the tensions between wide-ranging commitments, both personal and professional.

Our theme is chosen to reflect those challenges. How do we find the space in our own minds and hearts to foster reflective practice? How do we nurture an inner wisdom which supports us to "observe" and not to simply "react".

It is important for each one of us to find that space individually but we need to create it also in the environments where we live and work. The external world brings its own pressures and organisational cuhure can become overly focussed on outer activity. How do we bring greater awareness to this imbalance? How do we protect time and space for finding the stillness within ourselves out of which inner activity can develop?

Margaret van den Brink and Dr James Dyson will be leading our exploration of this theme.

Thursday 2nd October 2003 8.30: Arrival and registration 9.00:      Workshop introduction

9.30:     Getting to know oneself: self-reflection a fundamental skill in our time

(Margaret van den Brink)

Introduction to the reflection process and to work in groups.

10.30:     Coffee/tea break

10.45:    Small groups - working with the reflection model 12.15:               Feedback session

12.45:    Lunch

I 4.00:     Artistic activities 15.30:               Tea break

15.45:     · Getting to know oneself: What is my personality style and how does it affect me?

(Margaret van den Brink) ·

 I7.15:     Evening meal

 19.00:    The relationship of the soul forces to the core individuality or Spirit Self (Dr. James Dyson)

 20.30:    Music

Friday 3rd October 2003

8.45:     Music

9.10:     Echo space - reflections on the previous day

9.30:     Getting to know oneself: How do I handle unconscious behaviour patterns?

Reactivity and proactivity.

(Margaret van den Brink)

10.30:     Coffee/ tea break 10.45:                Small groups

12.00:     Feedback session

12.30:     Lunch

13.45:     Artistic activities

15.00:     Tea break

15.15:     Small groups - reflection on the workshop process 16.00:                Closing session

16.30:     Finish

Margarete van den Brink

Margarete van den Brink works as a communication consultant in the Netherlands and in the UK, giving seminars on communication and leadership.

She combines management theories and skills with spiritual (anthroposophical) insights.

She is the author of several books: More precious than Light (1995), A Christian Book of the Dead (2003 co­ authored with Hans Stolp) and Transforming People and Organisations. The Seven Steps of Spiritual Development (2004).

The latter forms the basis of the workshop.

Artistic activities including eurythmy, speech, art, music and clay modelling will form part of the workshop.

Workshop fee: £100 to include the cost of meals.

For further details, including information about accommodation, please contact:

The Engine Shed, 19 St Leonard's Lane, Edinburgh, EH8 9SD Tel: 0131 662 0040 or email: engineshed@aol.com

Developing self awareness in relationships

Garvald Social Therapy Workshop

Thursday 6th and Friday ih October 2005 At the Gillis Centre, Edinburgh

The Gavald Organisations have held social therapy conferences or workshops every two years over the last two decades. These have involved people from CamphilI and independent initiatives, from across Scotland and further a field.

This year we will be hosting a two-day workshop.

With the ever-increasing pressures on organisatkms to focus on activity, it is hoped the workshop will help to balance this by exploring the issue of relationships, and how they affect us personally and organisationally

The workshop will aim to enable people to work more enthusiastically and efficiently through developing an understanding of their own personality style, and how this affects their relationships to others with different personality styles. It will explore the problems that can arise in work settings or communities, and ways in which efforts can be made to resolve these, with the insights gained.

Margarete van den Brink will be leading our exploration of this theme.

Thursday 6th October

08:30

Arrival and Registration

 

 

 

09:00

Music

09:00

Introduction to the Workshop

 

 

 

 

09:10

Echo Space - reflections on the previous day

09:15

Introduction "Getting to know oneself in

 

 

 

relationship" (Margarete van den Brink)

09:30

Introduction "Personality Styles and

 

 

 

relationships" (Margarete van den Brink)

10:15

Coffee/Tea Break

 

10:30

 

· Coffee/ Tea Break

10:30

Work in small groups

 

 

 

 

10:45

Work in small groups

11:30

Plenary session: Feedback in small groups

Introduction "Personality Styles" (Margarete van

 

12:00

 

Feedback/ Plenary session

 

den Brink)

 

 

 

 

12:30

Lunch

12:30

Lunch

 

 

 

 

13:45

Artistic Activities

13:45

Artistic Activities

 

 

 

 

15:00

Coffee I Tea Break

15:15

Coffee I Tea Break

 

 

 

 

15:15

Work in small groups

15:35

Work in small groups

 

 

 

 

16:00

Closing session

17:00

EvE;ning Meal

 

 

19:00

A Ceilidh in the main hall

 

 

20:30

End of day

 

 

 

Background to Marah Evans

Marah was born in 1952 in Canada. After travelling and studying in Europe she graduated in 1981 and has enjoyed working as an art therapist and seminar facilitator over the last 25 years. In 1993 she became a course director of Hibernia College, offering postgraduate training in art therapy, biography work, and courses for social and spiritual renewal formerly known as the schooling course. She practises as a registered art therapist in an NHS anthroposophic, holistic practice and as an Associate Counsellor for a BACP accredited counselling service. Travelling widely, she has taught courses in Finland, Estonia, Greece, Canada, Hungary, the United States and the Philippines. She has a particular interest in finding accessible ways to facilitate communication, inclusiveness and diversity in group work.

Recommended Reading

Reading is not required but you may find these references useful:

John Sanford (1998) Chapter 5, The Shadow, pp. 49-66 in Evil- The Shadow Side of Reality

Coenraad van Houten Chapter 2 from Practising Destiny-Principles and

Processes in Adult Leaming, Temple Lodge.

Ursula Le Guin (1971) A Wizard of Earthsea, Penguin Books, London.

Bernard Lievegoed (1985) Chapter 8, About the Human Doubles from Man on The Threshold- The challenge of inner development, Hawthorn Press, Stroud.

M. Scott Peck (1990) The Road Less Travelled-A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth, Arrow, London.

Rudolf Steiner, Lecture 7 from Karmic Relationships-Esoteric Studies Vol.II, 16 lectures given at Dornach Switzerland.

Rudolf Steiner, Karmic Relationships-Esoteric Studies Vol.VII, 9 lectures given in Breslau from June 7th to June 15th, 1924, Rudolf Steiner Press; London.

Workshop fee: £130 - To include the cost of meals.

For further details, includ·rng information about accommod,ation, please contact: The Engine Shed, 19 St Leonard's Lane, Edinburgh, EHS 9SD

Tel: 0131 662 0040 or email engineshed@aol.com

Facing Personal Challenge

Garvald Social Therapy Workshop 3rd-5th October 2007

At the Gillis Centre, Edinburgh

The Garvald Organisations have held social therapy conferences or workshops every two years airer the last two decades.These have involved people from Camphill and independent initiatives, from across Scotland and further afield.

On this occasion we will be pursuing the theme of Facing Personal Cha//enge, questions of destiny and how the double or shadow can be understood as a helper. We will introduce a process that encourages empathy for looking at how we meet cha//enging events in our own characteristic ways. The qualities and background of difficult responses will be explored through seminar content. We will deepen this understanding through supportive sma/1 group work and by creating imaginative pictures.  Through this work (and play!) blind spots can become more conscious and learning opportunities can become more transparent where previously we may have experienced only an obstacle.

As preparation, you are asked to come prepared with a few possible personal incidents from life you could describe in small group work. These examples need to be from challenging experiences in life where you fell uncomfortable about the way you reacted or handled an event. The incidents chosen can be seemingly small ones. You do not need to focus on the biggest, most difficu/1 events and we advise that you do not choose current events if these feel too close.

Marah Evans will be leading our exploration of this theme.

8:45-9:00am

Singing

10:30-11:00

Tea and coffee

9:00-9:15

Verse and morning echo

11:00-12:30pm

Group work (steps 5&6)

9:15-10:15

Focus presentation on the theme: Facing Personal Challenge

12:30-1:45

Lunch

 

10:15-10:45

 

Tea and coffee

1:45-2:25

Art (related to the theme, using pastels)

 

10:45-12:30pm

 

Group work (steps 2&3)

2:30-3 35

Final group work session (steps 6&7)

 

 

3:40-4:00

Review and close

12:30-1:45

Lunch

 

 

 

1:45 -2:35

 

Art (related to the theme, using pastels)

4:00

Tea and coffee to finish

2:35-3:00

Tea and coffee

 

 

3:00-4:40

Group work (steps 3&4)

 

 

Background to Marah Evans

Marah was born in 1952 in Canada. After travelling and studying in Europe she graduated in 1981 and has enjoyed working as an art therapist and seminar facilitator over the last 25 years. From 1993-2008 she was a course director at Hibernia College, offering postgraduate training in art therapy, biography work, and courses for social and spiritual renewal formerly known as The Schooling Course. She practices as a registered art therapist in an NHS anthroposophic, holistic practice and as a Counsellor for a service in Gloucestershire. Travelling widely, she has taught courses in Finland, Estonia, Greece, Canada, Hungary, the United States and the Philippines She has a particular interest in finding accessible ways to include both depth and play in adult learning, as well as encouraging inclusiveness and diversity_ in group work.

Reading is not required but you may find these references useful:

Excerpts from the Eightfold Path will be made available during the course. These can be found in the following text:

Steiner, Rudolf (1923) Knowledge of Higher Worlds and How It is Achievec:J. London: Rudolf Steiner Press, 1969. pp 121-124 in this edition. (From the chapter entitled Some Effects of Initiation)

References for general themes related to the course content:

Steiner, Rudolf (1982) Esoteric Development. Selected Lectures and Writings frQ.mthe Works of Rudolfl3teil]_EeJ:. New York: The Anthroposophic press

Glockler, Michaela (1997) Medicine at the Threshold of a NewCQ.n:eciQue.n<es:c;. London: Temple Lodge Publishing

Konig, Karl (1994) The Inner Path. North Yorkshire: Camphill Press.

Lipson, Michael (2002) The Stairway to Surprise. Six Steps !9 s! Gre.s!Jiy_e1.if.<". Great Barrington, MA. USA. Anthroposophic Press

Mace, Chris (2008) Mindfulness and Mental Health. Therapy, Theory and_ Science. London & New York: Routledge

Workshop fee: £140 - To include the cost of meals.

For further details, including information about accommodation, please contact: The Engine Shed, 19 St Leonard's Lane, Edinburgh, EH8 9SD

Tel: 0131 662 0040 or email engineshed@aol.com


Searching for the Water of Life

Honouring Individual Pathways -

Mindfulness in Modern Life & Work

Garvald Social Therapy Workshop 14th to 15th October 2009 At the Gillis Centre, Edinburgh

The Garvald Organisations have held social therapy conferences or workshops. every two years over the last two decades. These have involved people from Camphill and independent initiatives, from across Scotland and further afield.

At this workshop we will explore how individual experiences of inner development and search for meaning relates to our life journey or may form part of our vocational task. In small group work we will share specific examples from our evolving life values, beliefs and encounters with spiritual streams or world views. In parallel we can trace the footsteps of our vocational journey and how both may go together or remain divergent. What help or hindrances have we met on our pathways? Can we as individuals see more of a thread behind our own journey and how can this be strengthened? How can we learn from and appreciate the distinctiveness of different personal pathways we hear about? Essentially this sharing aims to be community building as well as personally affirming and nourishing! A second theme in the group work will focus on a method for examining inner exercises in order to make them more 'one's own.' We will use the 8uddha's eightfold path and the theme of modern mindfulness as a working example. Rudolf Steiner has presented  a version of this path. We will explore how to transform the eightfold path into personal modern language and principles. In this effort we can question of these could stimulate personal or professional development and where they may or may not be relevant today.

Marah Evans will be leading our exploration of this theme.

Background of Seminar Leaders

Enrica Dal Zio lives in Bologna and is an experienced actor, director, clown and speech therapist. She is widely recognised as a professional coach and group trainer. From her synthesis of the techniques  of Jacques Lecoq, Michael Chekhov, Rudolf Steiner and Viola Spolin she has created a new approach to becoming a clown. She gives courses, seminars and conferences in Italy, throughout Europe, Russia, Brazil and the United States of America. ·

George Perry is a facilitator and trainer specialising in accompanying individuals and organisations  through the challenge of change. He designs holistic learning activities for teams and communities; and acts as a coach for individuals. He also has wide experience in conflict resolution. George has many years experience serving a wide range of clients including educational and social care organisations such as Camphill communities.

Recommended Reading

Reading is not required but you may find these references useful:

Michael Lipson Stairway of Surprise Anthroposophic Press Peter Senge Presence Nicholas Brierley Publishing

C. Otto Scharmer Theory U BK Business Books

Rudolf Steiner How can the soul needs of our time be met? 16.10.1916

Workshop fee: £130 - To include the cost of meals.

For further details, including information about accommodation, please contact:

· The Engine Shed, 19 St Leonard's Lane, Edinburgh, EH8 9SD Tel: 0131 662 0040 or email engineshed@aol.com


'Presencing'

Co-creating in the present moment

Garvald Social Therapy Workshop 10 -12        October 2012 At the Gillis Centre, Edinburgh

In this conference we will explore together how to find new and creative solutions to the often harsh challenges of our time. Can we discover a future stream in our meetings with people - as individuals, in teams and in our organisations. We need to listen for the future while building on the best of the past. Our challenge is to consciously live with 'not-knowing' when our previous certainties may appear fragile.

One key framework for this event will be the Theory U of Otto Scharmer: a structured way of discovering the emergence of future possibilities within organisational life. This means being open to new creative and generative possibilities rather than trying to order and control the future based on our past experiences: in other words, to be open to our fullest potential.

In a highly participative way we will explore these themes through dialogue, improvisation, clowning, contemplative practice and open space conferencing. We will use reflective approaches to understanding our experience, and explore our capacities for change using embodiment and enactment rather than the usual linear thinking. The event will be engaging, meaningful and enjoyable with liberal amounts of humour

George Perry and Enrica Dal Zio will be leading our workshop.

Wednesday

10th October 2012

 

6:00-6:45

Registration for the workshop

4:30-5:00

Personal journal

 

7:00-7:45pm

(tea and coffee available)

 

Welcome. Brief introductions to each other & the

5:00

 

Supper

 

theme of Presence

 

 

7:45-8:45

Group work (step 1): Listening

 

 

Thursday 11th October 2012

9:15-10:30

Group work (step 2): Seeing

11:00-12:30pm           Group work (steps 6&7): Planning & practicing

10:30-11.00

Tea and coffee

12:30-1:45                   Lunch

11.00-12:30pm

Group work (step 3): Sensing

1:45-2:35                     Group artistic exercises

12:30-1:45

Lunch

2:35-3.00                    Tea and coffee

1:45 -2:35

Group artistic exercises

3:00-4:00                    Review

2:35-3:00

Tea and coffee

4:00                             Close

3:00-4:40

Group work (step 4): Presencing

 

 Background of Seminar Leaders

George Perry is known as a listening, client-centred educator, therapist and coach. Working with organisations, he helps leaders and teams to focus on the keys to their positive development. He also works with individuals and couples as a biographical counsellor. George has over 30 years' experience in leading biography workshops and personal development training.

Currently, George is co-ordinating and teaching on an Anthroposophical foundation studies programme in China.

Saraphir Qaa-Rishi will be leading the Eurythmy sessions and starting each day with singing. Saraphir works as a eurythmist at Garvald Edinburgh and the Columcille Centre and leads Eurythmy sessions on various courses and seminars in and around Edinburgh. She also runs public workshops.

She has practised mindfulness meditation for many years and has a Diploma in Coaching and Mentoring.

Recommended Reading:

Prior reading is not required, but you may find these references useful:

"Reimagining Group Work -A guide to creative facilitation": Crooks &

Mouradian Lulu (Lulu.com)

"Facilitation at a Glance!: Your Pocket Guide to Facilitation" Ingrid Bens (Goal/QPC)

Textbook:

"Helping the Client: A Creative Practical Guide". John Heron (Sage)

For further details including information about accommodation please contact:

Columcille, 2 Newbattle Terrace, Edinburgh, EH10 4RT

Tel: 0131 447 7404 or email: admin@columcillecentre.co.uk

'Self-Leadership

and

Working Collaboratively'

 

Garvald Social Therapy Workshop 10 & 11 October 2013

 

At The Engine Shed, Edinburgh

In this workshop we will explore together how to find new and creative solutions to the daily challenge of being an individual and being part of a working community. How can we authentically take personal responsibility while working creatively and purposefully in teams and organisations.

In day one we will explore our knowledge and understanding of ourselves and of the 'other' through the dimensions of temperament and biography: how we typically meet the world and interact; and the working of the past and the future in our biography. In day two, we will go deeper into leadership as a horizontal process that involves everyone. We will consider how our organisation can add value to our clients and to ourselves:

In a highly participative way we will explore these themes through talks, dialogue, creative exercises, contemplative practice and open space conferencing.

We will look to be inspired by the 'social motto' as a leading idea:

The healthy social life is found when, in the mirror of each human soul, the whole community finds its reflection and when, in the community, the strength of each individual is living. (Rudolf Steiner)

Programme

Thursday 10 October 2013

9.00    Welcome and warm-up

Today's theme: Knowing our selves and each other.

Appreciative Inquiry: where are we most successful at work, as an individual and as a team.

What are the conditions that make this possible; and how to continue to build on the positives

Understanding and consciously developing our temperament: The four temperaments; choleric; sanguine; phlegmatic; melancholic.

How the temperaments interact in the personal and work life (with exercises). Bringing the best out of each other. How to develop our adult temperament.

12.30 Lunch

1.30 Working with biography: the challenge and opportunity of each 7-year life phase in our life story.   ·

Short reflections on our personal journey so far: where have we come from, where are we going; where are we now.

Looking for the 'red thread' in our biography .

The process of individuation and finding my questions, aspirations, sources of motivation

4.30 Close

Friday 11 October 2013

9.00       Today's theme: Working together

Horizontal Leadership: the lean, learning an.d living organisation. Self-leadership and leadership of others as 'sense-making' Exercises in:

•       finding our own 'inspiring vision

•      making effective process interventions

•       coa hing each other

•       learning as a team

12.30 Lunch

1.30    Self-leadership:

•       Meditation and Mindfulness: taking care of the inner leader

•        'The Seven· Habits of Highly Effective People'.  Overview and activities from at least four 'habits'

Background of Seminar Leader

George Perry is a facilitator and trainer specialising in accompanying individuals and organisations  through the challenge of change. He designs holistic learning activities for teams and communities; and acts as a coach for individuals. He also has wide experience in mediation and conflict resolution. George has many years experience serving a wide range of clients including educational and social care organisations such as Camphill communities.

He is a director of Tourmaline Leadership ltd, a provider of accredited training in 'Transformative leadership and management' (levels 3 & 5).

Recommended Reading

Prior reading is not required but you may find these references useful: A Bekman Horizontal Leadership

G Childs: Understand Your Temperament Sophia Books

D Cooperrider & D. Whitney: Appreciative Inquiry: A Positive Revolution in Change

Stephen Covey: 7 Habits of highly effective people Simon & Schuster

B Lievegoed: Phases: The Spiritual Rhythms of Adult Life Sophia Books

R Steiner The Inner Aspect of the Social Question

R Steiner Social & Antisocial Forces in the Human Being lecture12.12.18

For further details, including information about accommodation, please contact:

The Engine Shed, 19 St Leonard's Lane, Edinburgh, EH8 9SD Tel: 0131 662 0040 or email engineshed@aol.com

Garvald Social Therapy Workshop 10 & 11 October 2013

At The Engine Shed, Edinburgh

In this workshop we will explore together how to find new and creative solutions to the daily challenge of being an individual and being part of a working community. How can we authentically take personal responsibility while working creatively and purposefully in teams and organisations.

In day one we will explore our knowledge and understanding of ourselves and of the 'other' through the dimensions of temperament and biography: how we typically meet the world and interact; and the working of the past and the future in our biography. In day two, we will go deeper into leadership as a horizontal process that involves everyone. We will consider how our organisation can add value to our clients and to ourselves:

In a highly participative way we will explore these themes through talks, dialogue, creative exercises, contemplative practice and open space conferencing.

We will look to be inspired by the 'social motto' as a leading idea:

The healthy social life is found when, in the mirror of each human soul, the whole community finds its reflection and when, in thecommunity,thestrengthofeachindividualisliving.(RudolfSteiner)

Mindfulness and Mid-Life

Garvald Organisations Social Therapy Workshop 20th and 21st October 2015

At Epworth Halls, Edinburgh

George Perry will be leading our lively exploration of these themes together

The task of mid-life has much to do with the search for new meaning and purpose in the many aspects of our life: our work, our relationships, our very sense of self. It can be an unsettling even challenging period as we venture on our personal search for a more authentic basis for our lives.

While we will focus on the biographical time 35-49, this workshop will be of interest to anyone at any stage of life who wants to reappraise their journey. We will consider questions such as: What is the future calling for in my biography? Can I be open to the future yet keep a connection to my past? How can I explore creative options? Can I be more than my current roles? What is destiny, where is freedom actually?

Important to this process is the act of 'presencing' - being awake to the moment, giving attention to what's before us, letting come and letting go. Contemplative inquiry and mindfulness provide safe and enriching practices for reflection and insight, and for taking care of our inner lives.

Tuesday 20th October 2015

Today's theme: The Search for the Self- questions in mid-life and beyond

9.00    Welcome and warm-up

Contemplative pedagogy: intro to mindfulness for ourselves and for our clients

Transitioning to mid-life in our biography: the challenges, gifts and gains. The search for authenticity.

12.30 Lunch

1.30 Creative exercise

The challenge and meaning of relationships in mid-life

The question of 'vocation'

Beyond 50: inner and outer questions in later life

4.30 Close

"I found myself within a forest dark, for the straightforward pathway had been Jost.."

Dante's the Divine Comedy

 

Wednesday 21 October 2015

Today's theme: Connecting to the World- meeting with nature and each other

9.00    Contemplative Inquiry Developing a meditative practice Goethean observation with nature The human encounter

12.30 Lunch

1.30       'Creative exercise

Working with meditation and mindfulness in daily life Sense-making exercise: finding personal vision Facing the future in Life and Work

Review of conference

4.00 Close

"Know your self and your self will become the world; Know the world and the world will become your self." Rudolf Steiner

Background of Seminar Leader

George Perry is a facilitator and trainer specialising in accompanying individuals and organisations through the challenge of change. He designs holistic learning activities for teams and communities; and acts as a coach for individuals. He also has a wide experience in mediation and conflict resolution. George has many years of experience serving as wide range of clients including educational and social care organisations such as Camphill Communities and teaches at Emerson College.

He is a director of Tourmaline Leadership Ltd, a provider of accredited training in "Transformative Leadership and Management"

Recommended Reading

Prior reading is not required but you may find these references useful:

'Tapestries - Weaving life's journey': Betty Staley (Hawthorn Press)

'Taking Charge - your life patterns and their meaning': Gudrun Burkhard (Floris Books)

'Why on Earth? - biography and the practice of human becoming': Signe Eklund Schaefer (Steinerbooks)

'The Middle Passage - from misery to meaning in mid-life': James Hollis

'Meditation as Contemplative Inquiry': Arthur Zajonc (Lindisfarne Books)

'Presence - exploring profound change': Peter Senge et al (Nicholas Brealey)

'Mindfulness - in Plain English': Shante Gunaratana (Wisdom Publ

For further details including information about accommodation please contact:

Columcille, 2 Newbattle Terrace, Edinburgh, EH10 4RT

Tel: 01314477404 or email: admin@columcillecentre.co.uk

Charting the Course of My Life:

A Biography Workshop

Garvald Organisations Social Therapy Workshop 12th and 13th October 2017

At Epworth Halls, Edinburgh

George Perry will be leading our exploration of this theme.

Sarah Bel/orini wi/1 assist with facilitation and mandala work

This workshop helps people to take a fresh look at the direction their life has taken so far.  The aim is to gain an understanding of the past, an appreciation of the present and a fresh impetus and direction for the future. This can enable us to become more and more the author of our own life. Each person's life is unique and a mystery and yet every biography is subject to archetypal influences that shape our journey.

How does it work?

Each day has a similar rhythm and combines individual work, colour work, group work and short talks. It is a special opportunity to gain confidence in working through our personal, work and relationship issues in a supportive setting.

Through this deepening process, we may then begin to heal the past, nourish and renew the present and inspire and energise ourselves for the future.

We will work with the mandala as creative experience and imaginative expression of the important themes of our life.

Who is a biography workshop for?

It is for individuals or groups who feel that they

•       want to look more closely at their present life situation and

  • prepare more consciously for the next period of their lives

•       have faced a recent setback that they want to make sense of

•       have conflicting or confusing life situations or roles they wish to resolve

•       want to address repeating patterns or themes that always seem to hold them back

•       are possibly at a crossroads in life and wish to make a choice

We will also address some of the deeper questions of life such as freedom and destiny, the effects of heredity, illness, and the impact of education. However, our aim is to explore these issues respectfully and in lively and creative ways.

'Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.' Soren Kierkegaard

Thursday 12th October 2017

9.00am to 4.30

Day 1

9.00 Song, Verse

Talk: 'The Cycles of Life'

10.30 Break

10.45 Group work:

Exploring your question. Scenes from Childhood

12.30 Lunch

1.30 Games

Creative work: Mandalas 1

3.00 Break

3.15 Group work: Themes and patterns

Friday 13th October 2017

9.00am to 4.00

Day2

9.00 Song, Verse & Echo

Talk: 'Turning points in Life'

10.30 Break

10.45 Group work:

Important meetings and finding our vocation

12.30 Lunch

1.45 Creative work: Mandalas 2

2.45 Break

3.00 Group work: Facing the Future

 

 

Background of Seminar Leaders

George Perry is known as a listening, client-centred educator, therapist and coach. Working with organisations, he helps leaders and teams to focus on the keys to their positive development. As a therapist, he works with individuals and couples as a biographical counsellor. George has over 30 years' experience in leading biography workshops and personal development training.

Currently, George is co-ordinating an Anthroposphical foundation studies programme in China.

Sarah Bellorini is an inspiring Transformational Coach who helps professionals in midlife listen to their inner wisdom. Sarah has developed her own unique combination of coaching and therapeutic arts.

Recommended Reading:

Prior reading is not required but you may find these references useful:

'Tapestries - Weaving life's journey': Betty Staley (Hawthorn Press)

'Taking Charge - your life patterns and their meaning': Gudrun Burkhard (Floris Books)

'Why on Earth? - biography and the practice of human becoming': Signe Eklund Schaefer (Steinerbooks)

For further details including information about accommodation please contact:

Columcille, 2 Newbattle Terrace, Edinburgh, EH10 4RT

Facilitative Leading

Creating a Community of Learners

Garvald Organisations Social Therapy Workshop 10th and 11th October 2019 At Epworth Halls, Edinburgh

George Perry will be leading our exploration of this theme

Saraphir Qaa-Rishi will assist with facilitation and Eurythmy

The needs of the modern workplace, where change, innovation, creativity and commitment are highly valued, are unlikely to be met by primarily 'giving instructions'. This is the case whether in terms of leadership or training. As managers, workshop leaders or team members we need new approaches that build on the natural human motivation to work in groups; and that enable more learning through self-discovery.

One such approach is facilitation where we consciously work with both group dynamics and individual learning processes. It is an approach that everyone can adopt and is based on a belief of the innate wisdom of people themselves. Whatever our role in the organisation, it is about developing ourselves, developing others, and envisioning shared futures.

"You cannot teach anybody anything. You can only help them discover it within themselves." Galileo

So, what is a facilitative approach? What do facilitators do? What do they believe? Asking questions and listening are the primary functions of effective facilitation. They replace giving answers, assuming the group's needs, or providing solutions. It's about a shift from 'telling' to 'asking'.

Neither is 'better' - we need to be able to utilise both, effectively.

When we demonstrate respectful listening, authentic sharing, trusting, risk­ taking and disclosing our colleagues and students are likely to mirror these behaviours.

We will consider the six dimensions of facilitation: planning; meaning­ making; confronting; feelings/emotions; structuring; valuing of people.

Facilitative learning may be effective for skills training; for biographical learning; and for developing mindfulness. Learning styles may also be different at different stages of life, with reflective learning becoming more important as we mature.

By the end of the workshop participants will be better able to:

•       Understand how group interaction impacts on relationships and work output

•       Keep a group discussion focused, clear and creative

•        Understand instruction.al teaching vs facilitative learning

•        Ensure clarity of expectations in group working

•        Seek appropriate involvement in decision-making

•        Appreciate the value of mindfulness for finding presence of mind

•        Enable colleagues and students to discover their own solutions to issues

•        Build joint understanding in their team even when there are conflicting views

•        Encourage self-reflection for learning and self-improvement ("the inner teacher")

There will be a lively mix of short talks, discussions, team exercises and singing.

Thursday 10th October 2019 - 9.00am to 4.30pm

9.00 Song, Verse

Talk: "The facilitative approach to learning and leading'

10.30 Coffee/tea

11.00 Eurythmy

Group work: Instructions or self-discovery

12.30 Lunch

1.30 Creative team challenge: Generating and managing different

views in a group setting - Social Eurythmy

3.00 Coffee/tea

3.15 Group work: Mindfulness and presence of mind

Self-reflection

Friday 11th October 2019 - 9.00am to 4.00pm

9.00 Song, Verse

Talk: 'Six dimensions of facilitation'

1O.30 Coffee/tea

11.00 Eurythmy

Group work: Facilitating meetings and group processes (as chair or participant)

12.30 Lunch

1.30 Creative team challenge: decision making in groups

2.45 Coffee/tea

3.00 Eury1hmy

Review

'Self-Leadership and Working Collaboratively'