Human beings are hard wired for connection; it’s in our physiology - our very DNA.
How often in your life do you feel that you’re really communicating with those around you? How often and how deeply do you really connect?
Do you feel unheard at times? Are social events taxing for you? Do you need days to recover and replenish your inner resources after some social gatherings?
I am offering a weekly gathering in a safe, boundaried environment in the outdoor world here on the edge of Dartmoor for groups of 10-12 people maximum; for an initial period of 12 consecutive weeks.
It is a place to meet people, to connect and develop relationships over time - a place to be who you are and for others to see you as you are.
I am a trained counsellor with a private practice so, even though these groups are not overtly a counselling space, they are a therapeutic one. I have personal experience of the powerful healing offered by active participation in a group.
Many of us in today’s world are living in disconnect from others around us and the natural world that sustains us. Our lives are fast paced or solitary, or both. Even within our families we can feel alone and unheard at times.
Many of our interactions are transactional, fleeting and hollow; not always because of intent but so much of life is behind a screen. Do you work from home, remotely? Do you find yourself looking through the screen of your smart phone despite your best intentions? Is the TV on all evening? Do you make time to watch a bird in flight, a tree sway in the wind, water spill and rush? How often do you really connect? Do you want to find someone who doesn’t look through you?
How often do we truly see and be seen? Not just others but the world around us?
Time spent together just talking, connecting in a natural environment is transformative. From personal experience I know the extraordinary power of a supportive group and, as a trained counsellor, I want to offer a space that isn’t overtly a counselling one but one that is therapeutic.
I want to offer a place to meet, to connect, on the edge of Dartmoor weekly. We can, slowly and supportively, build a group around a fire - a respite and an alternative to the digital solitary world.
I am offering a space for 10-12 people per group, one that won’t be added to without the consent of all. We will meet weekly for 4 hours with a shared meal break. As we develop as a group we can bring a topic to provide a framework for the gathering, keeping a structure with breaks and timekeeping, beginning the day with a grounding and a “check-in”.
The Venue
We will meet at a farm on the edge of Dartmoor with beautiful views down the Teign Valley. We have parking available (meeting prior and traveling in as few cars as possible is very preferable). We have an old thatched threshing barn open on one side with comfortable sofas and chairs arranged in a circle with a chiminea.
On warm days we have large bench tables outside to fully enjoy the sun, the breeze and the sound of birds and the river below.
We have a fridge and a hot water urn in the barn with a compost toilet in the corner of the field and a fully plumbed toilet also across the yard.
The farm is a beautifully secluded and quiet spot, a place to connect and recharge.
The owners have very kindly given permission for occasional therapeutic use, therefore this is a place for consideration, respect and connection.
A percentage of our contribution will go directly to their chosen charity with the addition of Gift Aid.
Food and refreshments will be provided at the venue.
MoorConnecting Groups
A place to meet people, to connect and develop relationships over time
Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na duoine -
"In the shelter of each other, the people live"