community-making at the end of the world as we know it
A retreat for folks grappling with collapse and unravelling certainties.
An opportunity to participate in the all-too-rare nourishment of building deep community together
We live in truly challenging times. It feels like every day brings us news of some unfolding tragedy or atrocity in the world. Many of the certainties we were raised to think of as unchangeable are fraying rapidly. It is easy to feel lost, hopeless, unsure of what to do or even of how to show up.
Many of the deepest challenges humanity faces today are not technical or informational. They are cultural and relational. We know that we are social creatures and connection is our natural state. But for many of us, modern (Western) civilization has made disconnection the only cultural state we know. Many of us have never experienced true community, or only fleetingly.
We have to (re)learn how to be community creatures. Our individualistic world doesn’t give us much opportunity to practise being community creatures. This is an invitation to take part in one such opportunity.
In order to restore a state of connection, we need safe and connective spaces and practices. Deepening connection takes time - the learning and knowing come from experience and embodiment. Our purpose in gathering together is to form ourselves into a community. We don’t offer you any solutions. Our belief in solutionism is part of the predicament we’re in. What we do offer is an invitation to show up with other imperfect souls and to make community together.
Community is a state of being together in which people, instead of hiding behind their defences, learn to lower them, in which instead of attempting to obliterate their differences, people learn not only to accept them but rejoice in them.
“What if you knew – in your bones, not just in your mind – that sooner or later much of what we take for granted will no longer be viable?”
– Vanessa Andreotti
the backdrop
Over two days and three nights at a rural venue in the Tyne Valley (to the west of Newcastle), we will follow a group process of community-making based on vulnerability, openness and deep listening. It will be a space to surface, explore, and, eventually, accept differences.
We will be surrounded by rolling countryside and the hills and fells leading onto the AONB on the North Pennines, with views over the River Irthing and Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrian's Wall. From the door, there are a couple of wonderful loop walks, including to a lovely Tea Room and local pub.
This will be a small group, involving 10-12 people. There will be plenty of time in the schedule to enjoy the countryside and make use of the venue facilities, including a hot tub.
The event will begin with dinner on Tuesday May 12th, and will end after breakfast on Friday May 15th. All meals are provided.
The cost per person is £400 (based on shared rooms).
the RESIdential
the Process
Above all, community-making is a process of re-learning how to communicate with one another. As such, there are rules to follow, including:
Speak personally
Push yourself to be as vulnerable - and as specific - as possible.
Embrace the painful as well as the pleasant
Sharing grief is one of the most powerful means for connection.
Avoid attempting to fix or heal each other
Listen for breakthroughs rather than for bias confirmation and judgement.
Commit, and voice any dissatisfaction
Only by speaking truly to one another can we build true community.
Reserve your place
If you'd like to reserve one of the limited spaces in this residential programme, please complete the form.
We will get back to you via email with an invoice to secure your place on the programme.