Embracing Darkness.
Days are shorter in winter time and in the colder season, darkness dominates. It is a time of withdrawal, energy seemingly dormant. Yet so much is happening underneath the surface. Nature changing provides us with gentle guidance about what is needed for inner processes, growth and unfolding. Yes, it does - We are nature! Yet sometimes we feel alienated from this deeper identity, and the gifts of nature and darkness in particular. We may need a reminder of the potential that darkness offers.
Life grows in the dark - roots, seeds, babies. Darkness is where potential resides and with it the promise of deep connection and aliveness. The winter qualities may serve as an invitation to (re-)visit, perhaps re-member parts of ourselves, which are rather secluded, enfolded. Though there may well be some unease about the less familiar aspects of ourselves, our hidden parts, the enfolded potential are an infinite reservoir of energy - light and darkness seek and need each other - they dance with each other like the in- and outbreath ebb and flow.
This four-month winter programme combines ancient Eastern Yoga Philosophy and Western Psychology to serve the unfolding of inner potential, unlocking energy for more choice in relating and responding consciously and creatively to the possibilities that this life has on offer. The programme intends to deepen the experience of aliveness and connectedness with ourselves and others by encouraging encounters within and without with sheer openness and a steady, caring presence.
“Human beings are not born once and for all on the day their mothers give birth to them...Life obliges them over and over again to give birth to themselves” (Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Love in the Time of Cholera)
The programme is created to guide you through the darker months of the year. The testimonials of participants from last year speak to the power of the course, in terms of content, commitment and community:
“I have always found mindfulness/ meditation exercises quite difficult, so I found this aspect of the course hard, but really helpful in the long run: I get a lot more from meditation - and from yoga generally - having done this course.”
- Roisin, Studio Member
“The whole journey was utterly transformational. An invitation to explore more of ouur own depth and richness, and to fully embody the seasons gifts”
- Katy, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist & Women’s Coach
“The embracing darkness course felt like a wonderful journey of self exploration. It helped me to connect with just being and experiencing as opposed to always doing. A tonic to busy life. It was a safe supportive environment, meeting beautiful like minded people” - Stacey, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist
Content:
Module 1: Manipura/Navel Chakra: Doing in the world - How do we experience our agency and personal power, negotiate boundaries and interpersonal space.
Module 2: Anahata/Heart Chakra: Being in (but not of) the world - Opening to Paradox: Individuality and Universality, Aloneness and Connectedness
Module 3: Svadhisthana/Sacral and Vishuddha/Throat Chakra: Receptivity & Sensuality: Co-Creating and Flowing with life
Module 4: Muladhara/Base, Forehead/Ajna and Sahasrara/Crown Chakra: Manifesting Potential: Authentic Self expression
Who is the course for?
The course is designed for self development and to deepen your yoga/meditation practice through an understanding of (yogic) Psychology. It also suits professional development, especially if you are a yoga teacher or if you are working with individuals or groups in wellness or health care settings and would like to deepen your understanding of the mind-body connection. Facilitating embodied change means to draw on the body to support mental well-being. Most people live out of core believes, i.e. mindsets and emotions about oneself, which can be painfully limiting. Those are set-up pre-verbally and are deeply embodied. Hence, working with the bodily felt experiences is very powerful and often even more pivotal than relying on insight, thought processes and awareness.
What’s included?
5 x Friday night in-person workshops
6.15pm-8pm
Running: 25th November, 2nd December, 6th and 20th of January and 3rd of February.
Each session includes movement, breath work & meditation. The last session is designed as a closing ceremony.
Materials for self-practice including short meditation audio recordings and yoga video clips as well as handouts to deepen your experience of the programme and enrich it with guided reflective practice.
A 90min online session gentle movement and guided meditation followed by a check-in as an opportunity to share experiences mid-programme. Online date TBC.
A 30min one-to-one online consultation with Jessi – this is a genuine offer to explore on a more private basis any issues you encounter during this journey. Sessions will be scheduled individually.
About Jessi:
As a researching psychologist at Newcastle University, Dr Jessi Komes leads on projects concerning yoga and mindfulness and its role for mental health and wellbeing. As a practicing counsellor and psychotherapist, she integrates ideas from Yoga Philosophy and mindfulness practices into her practice with clients.
Jessi’s Yoga comes from a place of heartfelt authenticity, inspired by her own negotiations with life and by her many teachers and mentors across the globe. Yoga and Meditation are a way of coming home to herself helping her to express her being in gracious connection with others.
Costs
£245
£205 early bird discount (book before 19th November)
£225 for Members of The Durham Yoga Studio
Cancellation Policy
The Course is non-transferable or refundable. Please check the dates before booking.