Spring 2025 Newsletter
The Micro-blog:
I'm doing well. In fact, after some months of working through a very old and very deep childhood wound, I'm in better shape than I have been for 60 years. It's showing up as a calm, grounded layer deep in my being, along with access to some parts of me that had been locked away for a very long time - things like more playfulness, more authenticity, and a deeper source of compassion.
There's a greater sense of flow about the work: 4 regular Council circles serving around 25 people; a steady stream of well-attended courses (more than half of which are now in-person once again); and an inspiring and diverse cohort of people who come for mentoring (4 now, who are 'on the path' to becoming Recognised Facilitators of Council, and another 4 or 5, who are not on the path but who use Council where they are, with no less sincerity or intention).
And as the trainings have started to be more often based in a physical place, the opportunity has presented itself to begin to build communities around Way of Council, anchored in a particular venue that is 'of its place' or a movement or organisation whose values I share. This means a multi-year commitment to each place, each community: 'yes I'll come and give an Intro course. And I'll be back next year to run it again. And - if you still want me back! - I'll come again the following year to offer a Going Deeper course...".
So, 2025 is planned out and underway (there's an online Intro course starting this very weekend), and I'm already planning 2026 (now's the perfect time to whisper in my ear if you'd like a Going Deeper course next year or have me visit your part of the world to help plant seeds of Council).
And yes, I read the news from time to time, I know the metaphorical skies are dark and getting darker - but this is my response, this is my resistance, my revolution: to stay well and grounded, to offer my gifts where I am, and at my small scale, to be and do what I was made for. That's all I can do, and I believe, all I am asked to do. And how could it not be a privilege and a joy? To sit in circle with people like you, and set my heart to work alongside yours, restoring connection, remembering shared humanity, transforming pain and discord into gold.
Go well,
Dave
Upcoming Courses:
Meaningful Circles Online - workshop
Sat, 15 Mar 202516:00 Sun, 16 Mar 202518:00 (UK time)
Delivered online, via Zoom, across a single weekend
Come and learn how to transform Zoom’s little square boxes into actual people who are experiencing being in a circle together, and finding real human-to-human connection.
Council 1 - in person (West Sussex, UK)
Fri, 4 Apr 202517:00 Sun, 6 Apr 202516:00
Micklepage Barn, Horsham, West Sussex
Residential, and fully catered.
A 2-3 day training that allows you to experience this powerful set of group practices, and to learn the basics of facilitating your own Council circles.
Fri, 9 May 202517:00 Sun, 11 May 202515:00
Venue: Yeland Conyers Old School
A 2-3 day training specifically for Council facilitators with at least one year’s experience. This course delves into the joys, the nuances, the challenges, and the perils of being a regular facilitator of Council circles.
— Event now fully booked —
Council 1 - in person (Suffolk, UK)
Fri, 5 Sept 202510:00 Sun, 7 Sept 202517:00
Timberyard Farm, Great Glemham, IP17 2DL
Non-residential, food and refreshments provided
A 2-3 day training that allows you to experience this powerful set of group practices, and to learn the basics of facilitating your own Council circles.
Other powerful offerings from people I know and trust:
(because we all get endless ads for programmes that sound terrific - but we know it's a risk. How much better when someone we know and trust says to us: "I know these people, I vouch for them, you can trust them").
I don't do this often, because I'm not willing to promote other people's offerings to you unless I know that they are from deep, wise, heart-centred people who are both gifted and experienced at what they do.
Natasha and Werner both pass that test, (I know them both and have been a participant on programmes they've led), as do these 2 beautiful offerings: a 6-month mentorship with Natasha, and a Vision Quest with Natasha and Werner.
If you or someone you know is looking for a vision quest or a nature-connection mentorship, these will serve you well.
Murmurations Six Month Mentoring Programme in Deep Nature Connection
(teaching the foundations of nature-based rites of passage):
https://www.theartofrewilding.com/murmurations
Vision quest in Scotland in August:
https://www.theartofrewilding.com/events/vision-quest-scotland
OK, lovely people, that's it for now. Take good care of yourselves and I'll write again in the Summer.
Hugs, Dave
+44(0)7525 689 082