Inner Connection, Outer Connection

Seven day workshop with Leo Sofer.

6th to 13th November 2010.

Would you like to make peace with your own desires? Would you like to better understand your heart's longings and bring them more fully into manifestation? Nonviolent Communication (NVC) offers some simple and easy-to-learn ways of befriending ourselves. From this place, what we say to others will come across different, making connection and collaboration more likely. We'll explore both the inner and the outer connections that this work makes possible.

All our longings come from a divine source of life within us, that inspires everything we do. Learning to identify and embrace these longings is a step to feeling more at peace with our deeper selves, and with our purpose in the world. Understanding ourselves in this new way, we can develop new compassion and understanding for others. We can find the words to reach them, and to create friendships and partnerships based on mutuality, respect and care.

We will use dance, movement, song and voicework as part of our exploration of what it takes to get more fully in touch with our emotions and the longings we hold deep within.

Based in Cluny Hill College, a beautiful and cosy 19th century Scottish hotel that is now the workshop centre of the Findhorn Foundation, this five day workshop is suitable for those new to NVC, as well as those wishing to broaden and deepen their nonviolent communication skills.

This workshop will be based on Leo's Embracing Longing workshops, here is some feedback from a three day Embracing Longing training held near Inverness in June 2009.

"The Embracing Longing workshop with Leo was carried out in an intimate residential, rural setting. For me, this was the perfect residential venue for the 8 of us on the course to fall/retreat into stillness on the theme of embracing longing.

Leo led a meditation to connect us with embracing Longing and for me this was possibly one of the most powerful led meditations I have done. The clarity and journey I undertook fully connected me with a way of being and life purpose. It turned longing into a powerful and positive aspect of living, one to be embraced and cherished.

The workshop contributed to me by enabling me to face fears with compassion for myself and others, to accept what previously I had seen as things I needed to 'get rid of' (longings) and provide a new, more harmonious way of being (with myself)"

"Being in a workshop led by Leo is always a gift. I like the way he leads without taking control, allowing learning to emerge in himself and in others. I feel both inspired and safe in the way he models the richness of NVC beyond “technique” and “jargon”, revealing its essential simplicity. I have felt gently invited to the life-enhancing process of “scary honesty”, touching the underlying spiritual truth of all our lives, our nature and our needs."

"Leo's insights hugely assist transformation of my pre-conditioned pejorative notions. 'Embracing Longing' fairs justice to two long decried aspects of the human experience. I continue to endeavour (as an ongoing process) not to consider 'Feelings and Needs' as superflous, selfish or unnecessary but as loving prompts - both honouring Humanity and indeed recognising the Divine within Humanity assisting our journey Home ..."

For more about Leo's work, see his NVC website: www.embracinglonging.com

Cost:
£495 for participants with a low income
£645 for participants with a medium income
£775 for participants with a high income
Bursaries available on request
includes 7 nights accommodation and all meals.

To book contact the Findhorn Foundation bookings office:
Telephone (44) 1309 691653 or email bookings@findhorn.org
Or to book online click here