What is the Way of Council?The Way of Council is based on ancient principles of listening; we sit in a circle, pass a talking piece and create a sacred space for what needs to be witnessed. It is a practice that can spread into other parts of our lives if we give ourselves space and time.
The principles - speak from the heart -listen from the heart - be lean with words -spontaneity By being fully present in this way, we can hear others - and ourselves - more fully. Everything can be present, all can be heard. Sometimes what is most shocking is not hearing others, it is hearing ourselves. What this can lead to, in our experience, is a space to be with the wholeness of life, as the dark and light parts are equally welcomed. The edges are often the most fertile areas to bring, as they are often not allowed to be heard in everyday conversations. Most often people are surprised at what it is like to be fully heard, and to fully hear others, with no need to fix or placate or make better. And, Council is more than words. So, we often use movement, sound or other ways to share experiences together. I honour the teachers who have so profoundly shared this way with me and so many others. Pip Bondy from Ancient Healing Ways, Meredith Little (and others) from the School of Lost Borders and Jeremy Thres from Regenco and Joe Provisor from Circle Ways. "If we never find ourselves in spaces of unconstrained openness, we might not even know what we really think, hiding truths even from ourselves." Samuel Alexander 
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Dates & Bookings Autumn/Winter 2019-2020 Evenings
Ashbrittle, near Wellington, Somerset Thursday November 7th, Friday Dec 6th & Friday Jan 24th £10 per evening 6.30pm-9pm Tea and cake/biscuits provided You are welcome to join if you are ready to listen from the heart, speak from the heart and to be present to whatever thread develops in the group that session. Places are limited and book up quickly. Co-led by Jane Embleton and Jenny Archard. email Jenny to reserve a place info@woodlandjourneys.org.uk Day Long Council Training The Cabin, Young Wood, near Taunton. Thursday Nov 21st. 10am-4.30pm. £45 A day of practice, introduction to different forms and discussion about how and where to use Council. No prior experience needed, this introductory days training will help us practice and play with Council, go from deep to light, use words, sound and toys! And some time in the woods too. Great for educators, Forest school leaders, holders of Groups and Circles and Facilitators. Bring a packed lunch. Hot drinks and snacks provided. Payment, Booking & further info here Campfire Councils in the Woods. 2020 Young Wood, near Taunton. 6pm-midday £40 Tea and biscuits provided. Please bring something to share for supper and your own breakfast; we finish before lunch. Bring your own tent / hammock / camper van / bivi so you can sleep outside in the woods. These sessions are a great deeper step into Council, and introduction to council with nature. Co-led by Jane Embleton and Jenny Archard. To book a place please email to check if there are spaces and for more details. 
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