seasons
gathered
a sacred vessel for story
seasons gathered
a sacred vessel for story
Seasons Gathered follows the cycle of the seasons and our patterns of seasonal and spiritual growth. Our internal seasons are not necessarily in line with the current environmental seasons; we can be in spring while it is snowing outside. Like stepping stones, we move from one season to the next in the great circle of life. We share common themes with each season – change, growth, dormancy, thriving, fading, life and death – our journey of self is always in one or another seasonal place.
Our ancestors had a much greater awareness and relationship with the change of seasons than we do today. They recognized each season as a teacher with its own truths, wisdom, challenges and gifts. The circles of life and death were intertwined, and the richness of each season was gathered as knowledge and passed on. In Indigenous cultures, only a person who has experienced many winters (Elders) are granted the respect and honour that comes with having lived through many of life’s seasons.
Seasons Gathered invites you to let the heartbeat of the season resonate with the heartbeat of your life, and discover a healing, spiritual companion in nature.
"In every season
- spring, summer, autumn, winter -
the wise earth speaks to your spirit
and weaves your story into the circle of life."
~ Black Elk, Oglala Sioux
GATHERING
We are gatherers,
the ones who pick up sticks and stones
and old wasp’s nests fallen by the door of the barn,
walnuts with holes that look like eyes of owls,
bits of shells not whole but lovely in their brokenness,
we are the ones who bring home empty eggs of birds
and place them on a small glass shelf to keep for what?
How long? It matters not.
What matters is the gathering,
the pockets filled with remnants of a day evaporated,
the traces of certain memory,
a lingering smell,
a smile that came with the shell.
~ Nina Bagley
Journey with the seasons of Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn – receive the wisdom, challenges and gifts each has to offer, connect to the natural world around you, and awaken your sense of belonging…
Participants say the kindest things…
Join us for ‘Summers Dance’ – the next session of Seasons Gathered
here are the details:
When:
- July 14, 21, 28, August 4
- Thursday, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm Mountain Time
Where:
- In the comfort of your own home, via Zoom
What you need:
- a computer, webcam and microphone;
- art and book making materials (a detailed list will be provided);
- an open and willing heart.
What will you do?
- take field trips to your imagination and your own backyard;
- be curious and explore through your senses;
- listen to the voice of Summer for the wisdom she offers;
- receive her gifts through image, words, signs and symbols;
- express yourself both creatively and playfully through visual art, movement, music, poetry, reflective writing, and more;
- create a beautiful and meaningful handmade book that includes your gatherings, visual and written stories.
What’s included:
- 4 weeks (10 hours) of facilitated group time;
- tutorial to create your own handmade book;
- expressive art explorations and reflective writing;
- additional project prompts;
- weekly recordings;
- a private group FB page to share book pages, thoughts & ideas.
Cost:
“Winter is an etching, spring a watercolour, summer an oil painting, and autumn a mosaic of them all.”
~ Stanley Horowitz
frequently asked questions
Q: What kind of art supplies will I need?
A: A list of art materials will be provided. You’ll likely have most of them, but please feel free to substitute whenever possible.
Q: I don’t see myself as artistic or creative – exactly what kind of art will I be doing?
A: Much of what we do will be visual expression in our handmade book, however we’ll also include writing, movement in the form of nature walks, poetry and story-telling. All experiences are opportunities for exploration and creative play. No previous art background or skills are required.
Q: Why don’t you include more photos or details about what we’ll be doing?
A: The exercises and prompts we do will be an opportunity to experience and engage in playful exploration: listening, paying attention and noticing what arises. It’s a balance between giving enough direction and inviting curiosity and spontaneity to guide your choices – following a thread, listening for the next impulse to discover where it might lead… your story as expressed in the colours, images, words, etc that you use.
Q: Why don’t you offer this as a self-paced course?
A: Great things happen when women gather – creativity, community, and connection unfolds in a most wondrous and magical way. Though many love the flexibility of a self-paced class, my experience (and I’m not alone in this) is that many want and need the tangible energy and company of kindred hearts to keep them committed and engaged, and to fill their longing to be seen and heard. That said, the weekly classes will be recorded and available for you to follow on your own.
Q: I notice the cost is in CAD – what is that in my currency?
A: As a Canadian, I feel strongly that my workshops should be offered in Canadian currency. PayPal will let you know what the cost will be in your currency when you put the class in your cart, but before making the purchase. You can also check here to get an approximate idea of what the cost is in your currency.
