Council is an ancient way and modern practice whose roots are deep within the natural world, spanning diverse cultures and spiritual traditions. Sitting in circle we remember and learn to listen to the whole: the people, the place and all living things. This practice elicits an experience of deep community, recognizing that each voice has value, every person has a gift, a story to share, a piece of the puzzle.

The eight-day arc of this training gives us time to explore the circles of our days and the seasons of our heart. We will use a universal map of Four Directions as our compass to guide our way through the wilderness within and without. We will be asked to cross threshold after threshold into the wholeness of our lives. The questions you are living and the experiences you bring with you will shape our time together, as will the shadows following you here.

This training is intended to support and inform those working in ways of council with any and all ages, in different educational programs, and rites of passage journeys as well as those curious to learn more about the practice. We will learn different forms, formats, exercises and ways of sharing council in intimate relationships, families, schools, businesses and communities.

In the circle of our days together, we will live simply on the land in a camp we establish and care for collectively (tents, outdoor kitchen, etc.). There will be both solo and group-time, time with the land and water for all of us to open to the teachings offered within the natural world.

With vulnerability and a little grace, we hope to meet the moment where serving self, serving others, and serving Creation, are spoken in one voice.

“For the western mind to allow for spirit, mystery, the natural truth and order of things to unfold it often has to un-train and let go of what it thinks it knows, in order to discover what’s really there. Through the practice of deep listening, presence and heart awareness, we may all find a powerful way to collaborate, make decisions, and use our perceptions with greater wisdom and compassion”

– Gigi Coyle, Nature of Council Guide and Founder

Location: Payahuunadü, Owens Valley, near Big Pine, California. “Base Camp” in a local campground, with solo walk-abouts in surrounding area.

Prerequisites: Letter of Intention; completion of at least one Council training, and/or equivalent experience working with Council in different arenas.

Reading: The Way of Council by Virginia Coyle and Jack Zimmerman. (Available through Lost Borders Press.)

Visit Ways of Council website.

Equity and Safety: We want to invite shared responsibility for cultivating and maintaining a safe(r), inclusive, and equitable space for all and ask each of you (especially those occupying identities of privilege) to engage in any preparation needed for you to do to show up in practice and shared leadership with people occupying different identities than yours.

Information packets, including logistics, directions, camping and accommodation information, plus safety and equipment lists, will be sent to registered participants.

Tuition: $800 – $1500 sliding scale

For questions regarding the program, prerequisites, or to register contact Siri:

sirigunnarson@gmail.com