Sacred Dark

When the wild god arrives at the door,

You will probably fear him.

He reminds you of something dark

That you might have dreamt,

Or the secret you do not wish to be shared.

Tom Hirons

(excerpt from Sometimes a Wild God)

WHO:

• 18+

• Walking mobility is needed

COST:

• $450

ABOUT:

Deep in hidden corners of our being, we each carry parts of ourselves we have deemed too dark to welcome. Turning toward them can spark fear, a protective force that tries to keep us safe but also separates us from the wild beauty and lifeforce the darkness contains.

By the end of Sacred Dark, you will have:

• A new relationship with darkness — relating to the unknown as invitation rather than obstacle

• Embodied night awareness skills — confidence moving safely at night without light

• Tools for self-regulation and grounding when working at your emotional or energetic edge

• Experience using archetypes, movement, and story to explore hidden parts of self

• Greater compassion and humor toward your own “dark” material — the exiled, the awkward, the untamed

• A connection to the sacredness of the unknown — mystery as a teacher.

  
  

This workshop is a chance to develop new skills in your dance with fear and darkness, within a container that powerfully honors individual capacity, autonomy, and choice. Significant portions of the workshop will take place at night, with nature serving as mirror and foil for our exploration of those parts of ourselves we have turned away from. We will use archetypal play, movement, counsel-style sharing, and time in darkness as allies on the journey to bring love, humor, acceptance, and clarity to those places the light has seldom touched.

Be ready to go deep, and to be fully present in mind, body, and heart for the entire workshop. Together we will meet the sacred dark with reverence and responsibility, and uncover the unexpected gifts waiting just beyond the edge of the light.

Note: This workshop is intended for participants who already have a degree of comfort with camping and who have the mental and emotional capacity to push some new edges. Expect to spend significant time moving on the land at night without light. You will have the opportunity to choose your level of physical challenge.

INSTRUCTOR:

• Carlin Gettliffe

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• This program will take place entirely outdoors throughout the weekend — please bring layers and dress appropriately for being outside all day in potentially variable weather.

• Participants should be comfortable moving across uneven ground (or contact us to see if we can accommodate your needs). 

• Participants will be camping on our campus all three nights, and will need to bring their own food, tent, and camping gear.

QUESTIONS:

Email info@schoolofwildbelonging.com