Paschal Clown Workshop/Retreat
Playing the mystery of death and rebirth
Easter's universal themes - learning from amd releasing the old in order to wake up to the majesty of life - through a unique blend of play, clowning, meditation and voice work.
PLAY
Physically based play and mindfulness exercises bring us to into the here and now. As we inhabit our body wioth attention, we think less, worry less and plan less. We start to drop out of fear and into accepting the present in which life is always a miracle. A safe group develops when people play together and this creates a foundation for clowning.
THE CLOWN
In clowning we notice everything as life unfolds in and around us. The clown has an umcomplicated 'just arrived' quality. This simplicity is tremendously freeing. Having no history, the clown has a unique, playful and curious relationship with everyday situations and big dramas, like life and death. Times of struggle can become luminous and very funny even, once we start to see the world through the clown. We see with new eyes and can relate to life with trust and spontaneity. More of who we really are can show up in the world and we in turn are able to receive more of what life and other wish to reveal to us. No experience of clowning is needed.
MEDITATION
Using movement, stillness, silence and the voice, meditations from different traditions weave through the workshop deepening awareness of the breath, body and our connection to all that is. You are invited to explore these with curiosity and at times to use meditation forms that are familiar to you if you wish. No experience of meditation or singing is needed.
VOICE
We can talk, sing, laugh, cry, shout, whisper, giggle, whine, encourage and celebrate with our voices. We will become acquainted with ways to play and express ourselves which are exciting, fun, emotional and kind. THis is a rich process of inner exploration and self healing. It is possible to journey and work very deeply with the voice in a safe way that needs no singing experience.
SHAPE OF THE WORKSHOP
Sessions are created organically, balancing activity, stillness and sound in a continuous flow of profound inner work, relaxation and the invitationto just be. The energy of the group and the individual journey are taken into account all the time. A friendly atmosphere is characteristic of this combination of workshops, personal time, and community.
HOW TO APPRAOCH THE WORKSHOP/RETREAT
The aim is to give you an authentic journey looking at death and rebirth with the Easter story serving as a reference. No particular knowledge of this story or indeed affiliation to Christianity is needed or promoted. THe process of life and death is around us always; in the in and out of our breath; in the changing weather and seasons; in the great and daily dramas of our own lives, in the huge challenges of our world. This workshop is exciting and intense and you will get most from it if you come rested. You are encouraged to find your own edges and to become responsible for your process with the support of the group and teacher. The days include meditation, relaxation and silence to give space for you to see what is happening in you.
WHAT WILL I GET OUT OF IT
People generally leave renewed and open hearted having made friends with their inner clown. Some have worked through something big emotionally and take this into further personal exploration. Some re-find or discover a sense of play for the first time. Some connect deeply with themselves and find greater self acceptance. Many are amazed at the sheer joy, laughterand creativity in the workshops and the community created by them. Everyone leaves with tools for the journey and beautiful memorioes.
WHO CAN COME?
Anyone over 18, from any spiritual tradition or none, and any background, who is physically active can participate. Any questions about this, please be in touch before booking. Usually there are a few people who have worked before with some elements of this workshop retreat, but it is not necessary to have done any of it before. Infact it can be an advantage to encounter it afresh, and to see that you do not need to succeed at any of it.
About The Leader
'I began with improvised theatre as a teenager, trained later in circus and preforming arts and fell in love with clowning, voice and physical theatre. Alongside bringing the essence of these to people, i also work as a storyteller in educational, healing and cross cultural projects. In 2012 i will have been performing and teaching for 25 years. Most of this has been in the UK with various short bursts to other countries. Wherever i have traveled there is a universalityabout the clown. We are all emotional, spiritual beings on a great journey sometimes making mistakes, often confused, vunerable and amazing. Clowning brings authenticity, presence and wisdom when people connect with it. Extremely different kinds of people become a community anywhere where there is clowning because we take down the walls that keep us feeling separate. The voice also communicates and uniotes people. I do my best to help people access the gifts of the clown and of the voice for their own transformation in consciousness. This work is informed by my own journey. Ia ma grateful to my teachers, to the various spiritual and educational communities i have been a part of, and to the many people who generously give written feedback following courses and from whom i try to learn.'
To know more or to ask Angela a questions about te workshop write to: angela@thefoolstory.com. or go to www.thefoolstory.com .