This year, because of the Covid 19 pandemic, we have not been able to offer the five day intensive that we usually run as part of the Ten Directions ecotherapy training programme. At the centre of this is usually the solo, an overnight experience of time alone in the wild, held within the context of a group session.
Since March we have been holding all our Ten Directions events online, and have found that, in fact, it becomes possible to engage in many of the training experiences which we would have done face to face through online sessions on Zoom and email. We are offering an opportunity to undertake the solo in your own space with accompanying reflective group space.
The Concept: A solo or solitary retreat in nature is an experience which can be challenging, exhillerating or deeply peaceful. Taking oneself into the wilderness alone and facing inner demons or outer dangers has been something which contemplatives and hermits have done for generations. It is a time for immersion in nature, for uninterrupted self-reflection, for spiritual connection. People may undertake such an experience for time out or for time in; confronting resistances or embracing a different pace of time. The idea of this solitary retreat is to create a framework within which to undertake a 24 hour period of separation from everyday life. This space will be framed by online group sessions which will allow you to prepare for the experience both practically and psychologically/spiritually, and then to debrief afterwards. There is something very magical about sleeping under the stars on your own and about watching the sun descending in the sky to rise again the following morning; to be with the creatures of the land and air and to hear the sounds of nature surrounding you. This space set aside from ordinary life is a place of transformation; something which is both planned for and utterly spontaneous.
The Timetable:
Thursday 3rd September 2.00-5.00pm Initial Gathering: Introductions and Practicalities
Friday 4th September 2.00-5.00pm Reflections on purpose; Buddying to explore spaces
Saturday 5th September 10.00-1.00 Group time, opening ritual
Sunday 6th September 1.00-4.00 Re-grouping, sharing, closing ritual
Purpose: There will be group time and time in pairs ahead of, and after, the solo to reflect on your purpose in taking the solo. This might simply be to experience what arises, but you might also want to set yourself questions or themes which you want to explore. You may want time to pursue a spiritual practice, or to work creatively. You may decide to do nothing and take nothing and simply be open to the naked experience moment by moment. Undertaking the solo, you will no doubt learn a lot about yourself and your relationship to the natural environment. You will also learn a lot about human nature and the other-than-human in all of us which will stand you in good stead for working with others in the future.
What you will need: Participants will need to identify their own space for the solo retreat. Ideally you will find a space which is away from human activity where you can be immersed in nature. You do not need to go off the beaten track, but you do need to find somewhere you can be alone. You may be used to wild camping, but equally, if you are not, you could do this in your back garden or on a friend's land. You could choose a corner of a commercial campsite. You could even, if really pushed, camp out on your living room floor, though this wouldn't give you the experience of nature which we would like you to enjoy. If you are looking for somewhere to go that is wilder, we may be able to suggest somewhere. Remember that you will need to be able to check in by zoom before and after the solo, so will need access to wifi or at least a good phone signal. THis may obviously limit where you can go. You will need equipment to give you shelter and probably to feed yourself. This might be a hammock (as we use in the intensive) a bivvy bag, a small tent or a tarp. You may want to take a camping stove or make a cooking fire if this is permissable in the space you choose, or you could just take cold food. We will give you a fuller set of guidelines later.
Safety: undertaking a solo is challenging and we usually undertake solos in a contained area, with facilitators close at hand. In offering this solo at a distance, we are aware that the whole experience will be less closely supervised than it would be if we were on hand. For this reason we see it as vital that safety considerations are built into the whole experience from the start. Participants will be responsible for their own wellbeing as we will not be able to view your space or assess your state of mind. In choosing your space you must take into account your own needs and experience of being in wild spaces. This includes thinking about physical and psychological safety. It means conducting your own risk assessment, which you will do in conjunction with your buddy and with facilitators, but remember that these people will be at a distance, so you have to be your own eyes and ears. For this reason we will only allow students who are either enrolled on the programme or who have participated in a number of units to take part. We will be available by phone throughout the solo period if you need support.
Enrolment: Please complete this application form and return it to courses@tarikitrust.org. We may interview applicants before accepting them onto this event.
Cost: £150
Course credit: 20 hours