Keep your heart clear and transparent, And you will never be bound. A single disturbed thought Creates ten thousand distractions. (Ryokan)
Time to write, walk, circle the garden, sit amidst blue glass, breathe and be…. What do writing, being and breath share in common? They all bring alive and expand the present moment. They invoke a conversation with ourselves and others. An exchange of energies. Writing is a skill drawn from attention, presence and openness – an organic process rather than a talent. On this retreat in a sacred space (Temenos) discover the writer inside you. We explore our innate creativity and imagination as we connect writing to mindfulness and bodyfulness. We write and meditate on the many changes and transformations as we journey down the river of our lives. We consider how creativity and imagination steady the boat and how writing helps us dip the oars into dark water so we may navigate the river safely. The retreat also focuses on how to pay attention, be present in your writing and engage the reader as a creative partner. And source your bliss. Beginners are welcome.
Cost:
The cost of R3900 pp includes:
Temenos accommodation – two nights plus free third night
2 brunches and 3 suppers in Tibaldi’s (ex Mon breakfast)
Teas (drinks own account)
the retreat
a gift related to writing
a story evening (Oom Schalk. Nasrudin, Rumi the Rabbi and You)
Living a larger Life- Storytelling Evening:
Oom Schalk, Nasrudin, Rumi, the Rabbi and You (Sat night 24 Feb ) R80 (wine inc) for public
Stories start a conversation with ourselves and with our community. We enter the world of story to recover our creativity, zest, energy and passion. We allow the imagination to lead us. We consider how attention to life stories and fiction, so rich in image, symbol and rhythm, can rekindle joy, help us heal and create a more abundant life. Everybody has a story. Listen to Oom Schalk, the veld philosopher, Nasrudin the trickster, to Rumi the mystic, to the quirky Rabbi. To Anansi the spider, Come and raise your story IQ.
All you need do is change the name and it's about YOU, this story' (Horace) Your far reaching and profound knowledge and your generosity and calm clarity of spirit makes you a superb teacher. Not only do you share your rich knowledge and insights. You emanate a field of creativity in which we are inspired and gladly participate. (Evette Weyers, sculptor)
Dorian Haarhoff is a story-teller, poet, speaker and a writing mentor. A former Prof of English Literature (Univ of Namibia) he has also taught in a Canadian faculty. Dorian now facilitates writing and story-telling wordshops. He has frequently led writing retreats at Temenos and Buddhist Retreat Centres. Dorian is passionate about developing innate creativity and imagination. He believes in the power of stories and images to create new realities. To bring healing. To build our belonging. His workshops are based on his text, The Writer’s Voice. A Workbook for Writer’s in Africa
Stone Bowls
stone bowls brim with water everywhere. at doorways, pergolas, near the gong, bridge, sleep and sitting space.
in one basin, a leaf floats, tinted pink as winter sunset. and below that - or is it above ? in reflection
the leaves on the branch it floated from still bloom.
beyond these leaves, scudding clouds shift through today’s sky. they part a moment to offer a shred of blue. and we like this lone leaf lie silent in a ripple of change.
Dorian
At Temenos we're always happy to host Retreats and Workshops,
for more details contact Margaret