Transition Darebin

Transition Darebin: Sustaining Ourselves

Heart & Soul Workshop

attendees at heart and soul workshop

Thanks to everyone who came to Transition Darebin’s first heart and soul workshop on the 6th of November. We had neighbours from Transition Banyule and Whitehorse with us and it was a lovely day to share with our fellow transitioners.

The picture to the left shows us with our new Transition Darebin banner which served admirably as a commitment tree. The green leaves represent commitments we made to do things out in the world, the red apples are commitments we made to sustaining ourselves, and the autumn leaves are the things we let go.

A specially big thank-you to all of those who made it happen, from cutting out leaves, to facilitating, to providing the amazing feast, to designing the flyer… and all the other tasks that go into a workshop. Many hands certainly made light work!

Sunday 6^th November
9:45-4:00
Darebin Creek Environment Centre
Darebin Parklands
End of Separation St, Alphington

What is this workshop about?

This workshop will use Joanna Macy’s ‘Work that Reconnects’ as well as elements of meditation and yoga. Our aim is to refresh, renew and re-inspire Transition Darebin members and our fellow travellers.

The Work that Reconnects is an approach that has been used for several decades by activists and community leaders – it’s often the basis of ‘Heart and Soul’ work in Transition Initiatives. It’s related and similar to ‘Deep Ecology’ and ‘Despair and Empowerment’. It can be confronting, because many of the exercises help us to get in touch with and voice how we’re feeling about how things are in the world, and our place in it. Sometimes those feelings can be strong. Most people notice that these feelings are there in the back of our mind a lot of the time, and expressing them can be a relief, especially when we find that the people around us may be feeling and thinking similar things.

Importantly, the workshop will take us through a tried and true supporting structure, in the following stages:

·         Gratitude and appreciation
·         Being with the world – acknowledging how it feels to be alive at this extraordinary time
·         Seeing with new eyes – seeing our feelings and our work in a new and empowering context
·         Going forth – getting in touch with what we’re committed to and what we plan to do going forward (whether this be looking after ourselves, or something we’re doing in our community) – this might also include connecting with others who are interested in similar things
·         Gratitude and appreciation

Why do it?
In the midst of all the work we do for our community and our world, sometimes we forget to nurture ourselves. We can get tired, anxious, stressed and burnt out. This is a forum to voice emotions, to connect with each other, and to be kind to ourselves.

What should I bring?
The cost of the workshop is $20 full or $10 concession (no questions asked) – please bring cash on the day. A healthy vegetarian lunch will be provided – please feel free to bring some nibbles to share for morning and afternoon tea. It’s also a good idea to bring a bottle of water, a hat and suncream in case you want to go for a walk in the park. If you are able to bring a blanket, towel or cushion that will be helpful for the yoga/meditation session.

Where is it and how do I get there?

The centre is near the Separation Street entrance of Darebin Parklands (second building on right).

Public Transport: Close to bus route 508 (Alphington – Moonee Ponds) and a 5-10 minute walk from Alphington station (Hurstbridge Line). If you are walking from Alphington station, you will come to the end of Yarana Road, where it meets Parklands Avenue. You can enter the Parklands here and keep heading north along the walking track. The Environment Centre is very close by – if you reach the barbecues, you’ve gone too far! You can also connect with the 508 from Northcote Station (Epping Line). By bus it’s the last stop on Separation St. (corner of Bennett St.) and it’s wheelchair accessible on Sundays and runs every half hour. The centre is also wheelchair accessible.More info on PT options: Metlink 131 638 Cycle: bike path through the parklands Car: via Separation St, Alphington, parking on L, disabled parks available MAP

Download flyer: heart and soul 6 nov

RSVP to Emily Coles by 28^th of October. Places are limited so please get in early.