“When you realise nothing is lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” – Lao Tzu
How can this practice reveal the gifts and rewards of a life lived and call in the Wisdom of the Old Ways so we can truly acknowledge becoming an Elder. The age old art of Council is a ceremonial practice that encourages attentive listening and heartfelt compassionate speaking. Through the portal of The Way of Council we will look into our hearts and listen deeply to stories of ageing. We can acknowledge coming to the end of a phase in our lives; whether it be finishing work, health issues or having to slow down and ask “Who am I now?”
We will put judgment and opinions aside, listen gently and welcome stories. We will embrace old beliefs and feelings, including ideas of what it means to ‘age’ and how this can leave us with a sense of depression, lack of worth and not knowing what our purpose is now.
In our modern culture and fast living world the old rites of being an Elder have been weakened and lost. This can leave older people unable to recognise the wisdom gained from a meaningful life. Through our stories we aim to remember and recall the wisdom this Threshold can offer us.
When we find ourselves moving towards becoming an Elder we may remain open, not knowing and allow ourselves to rest in our true nature. We are then able to reclaim nature’s cyclical ways, offer our gifts back to our community and play a part in creating a future.
To participate in this weekend Council you need to be 59 years old or over.
What we will explore
– History and cross-cultural roots.
– Experience Council as a life way and practice in body/soul/mind & spirit.
– How as an Elder or on the path towards Elderhood what’s my offering and responsibility to give back to future generations.
What & Why Council?
– Importance of creating special time and place.
– Five intentions of Council – the way of story.
– Process of building trust by cultivating the values of listening, empathy and honesty in a non hierarchical mode.
– Safe container for dealing with difficult issues.
– Participation and belonging to a larger body.
– The way of story and the art of listening deeply.
DETAILS
Times: Friday 9th November at 4pm to Monday 12th November at 5pm
Cost: £280 (including a £100 non refundable deposit) (Non-residential program)
Questions & Registration: pippa@ancienthealingways.co.uk
“It’s only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth – and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up – that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.” – Elisabeth Kübler-Ross