Wild Mindfulness
| Date: | 15 - 20 March 2014 |
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| Location: | Doune, Knoydart |
| Meeting Point: | Mallaig Harbour |
| Cost: | £ 750.00 |
| Includes: | Accommodation and catering for five days / six nights, facilitation & professional liability insurance. |
| Course Leaders: | Margaret Kerr, David Key & Rob McKenna. more >> |
| Applications: | Open to all. |
Overview
Wild Mindfulness offers a chance to attend mindfully to the wild interconnections that define us.
Through mindfulness practice and other contemplative work outdoors, this course explores experiences of elemental nature: water, air, fire and earth; and the four directions: north, south, east and west. These practices offer a powerful engagement with the physical world and a renewed sense of self. They invite us to return home to ourselves as part of nature.
As a group, we will also explore how these wild experiences of meditation might inform the way we respond to current ecological crises.
The course will be run in a retreat style with exclusive use of Doune and direct access to some or Europe's wildest land.
Format
Typically we start at 9.00am with regular breaks throughout the day. The structure of each day is different, with a mixture of sitting and moving practices. We work in a way that is relaxed and responsive to the needs of the group - but with enough structure to make sure you feel supported and clear.
The course includes periods of silence, but it is not a silent retreat. There is a mixture of individual and group practice both indoors and out (depending on the weather). As well as the chance to explore experiences in small and large group settings (max. 12), there will also be opportunities to talk to the facilitators in confidence about anything that arises out of the practices.
| DAY ONE: | Meet point: "North Steps", Mallaig harbour at 14.00 prompt. 16.00: Introductions and overview. |
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| Days Two - Four | The structure of each day is different, with a mixture of sitting and moving practices. We work in a way that is relaxed and responsive to the needs of the group - but with enough structure to make sure you feel supported and clear. |
| Day Five: | 09.00: Depart after breakfast |
Final content depends on environmental and weather conditions and the aspirations of the group.
Personal Fitness
Participants will need to be able to walk for several hours on rough terrain carrying a day-pack with spare clothes, equipment and food (further details will be sent on booking). The group will move gently, with regular and sometimes prolonged stops. Careful attention will be given to learning how to be safe and comfortable in wild places.
All outdoor elements will be led by an experienced leader with National Governing Body qualifications in outdoor leadership. We will always move at the speed of the slowest person, with the focus firmly on enjoying and connecting with the land and sea, and with each other.
If you have any doubts about your ability to take part, please contact us to talk things through before applying.
Accommodation & Catering
Accommodation is on a twin-share basis with shared facilities. Some single rooms are available by negotiation with the rest of the group. Bedding and towels are provided. If you would prefer to camp, please let us know and we can offer a discount of £150.00 - subject to availability.
All meals, snacks and drinks are provided throughout, prepared fresh everyday by our Rob.
Location & Travel
The course will be based at The Lodge, Doune, Knoydart in the North West of Scotland.
Find out more about Doune... Travel...
Personal Equipment
A list of personal equipment (like boots, waterproofs and clothes) is available here.
Insurance
David Key holds Adventure Activity Liability Insurance covering public and professional liability for outdoor activities. Margaret Kerr holds professional insurance as a psychotherapist with Towergate Insurance.
It is strongly recommended that clients take out appropriate personal insurance to cover risks due to such things as delayed travel and late cancellation, etc. Most people find that standard holiday cover is adequate.