TARIKI NEWS: JANUARY 2014
Warmest greetings for the New Year! I’m writing this newsletter on a blustery January day here at The Buddhist House. Bright sun is breaking through the clouds and there is a faint smell of paint in the air. The start of the year, a time of resolutions and reflections, often seems like a time to take stock. It also seems like a good time to get started on some decorating whilst things are still quiet, so we have been sprucing the place up a bit – a large house like this is a bit of a Forth Road Bridge – any decorators always welcome!
Last year was a good year for Tariki. The training programmes continue to develop in various ways. We had new students joining the psychotherapy training in October and several graduates last summer. Having offered an Introductory Weekend in September for prospective students, we plan to repeat the idea in February as an induction day so that students who enrol in the spring, or people considering the programme for next year can come and get an overview of the course and the theoretical basis.
Among the successes of 2013 were the therapist forums. These attracted a wide range of people including Buddhist therapists of various orientations, past graduates of the Tariki psychotherapy training programme, current students and members of the public. Ten Directions ecotherapy training is now running on-line units alongside the regular distance learning. In the autumn, Debbie moved into the house. She will be taking on various areas of work for Tariki including reorganising our mailing lists - you will probably hear from her soon! She and Aramati are also starting some new work in the house linked to Transition Leicester. Meantime, everyone in the house seems to be writing at the moment. Bob and Aramati are both writing conference papers, Debbie is publishing regular articles in the local journal, and Caroline has at least four articles and book chapters on the go at present.
The Christmas period has been quiet and a time for families, but this month we start activities again at the Buddhist House after the winter break. This letter is mostly about letting you know what will be happening over the next couple of months.
January 18th Buddhist Therapists Forum
This month we are delighted to be welcoming Paul Maiteny as our speaker. Paul will offer a psycho-ecological picture of how and why humans have come to be so dysfunctional and destructive in the ecosystem and to what extent there may be 'natural and evolutionary' reasons for this. Paul Maiteny is an ecologist, anthropologist and transpersonal psychotherapist in private practice. He has worked in ecological education and research for thirty years, held university research fellowships and tutored Education for Sustainability at London South Bank University since 1996. He has written and spoken widely on psycho-spiritual and cultural dimensions of ecology, sustainability, learning and behaviour. He integrates scientific and mytho-religious ways of knowing in seeking to understand the evolving role of the human, person and species, as intrinsic to the ecosystem. In his presentation at the forum, Paul will expand on the chapter Longing to be Human: Evolving ourselves in healing the Earth (in Vital Signs, Rust & Totton 2011 - Karnac books).
This forum is open to anyone with an interest in Buddhism and psychotherapy. The cost is £10 for the day (Tariki students £5). Lunch by donation. Please book in advance as we expecting a big turn out to this event. There will be an informal eco-retreat day on the Sunday after this forum.
January 25th PLAYBACK THEATRE WORKSHOP
10.00 -2.30 workshop; 4.00pm performance. Playback Theatre creates a ritual space where any story however ordinary or extraordinary can be told and immediately made into theatre. Someone tells a story or moment from their life, chooses actors to play the different roles, then watches as their story is immediately recreated and given artistic shape and coherence. It can be a performance, with a company of trained actors and a defined audience, or a group event in which participants become actors as well as story-tellers for each other. Come along and enjoy discovering – or rediscovering – your expressive and creative potential. We’ll explore physical, verbal and musical forms of improvisation to accommodate all levels of experience, from great beginners to seasoned players. All you need to bring are curiosity, generosity and the courage to enjoy yourself.... come and play ... Places are limited so reserve yours in good time. Cost £40/£30 (Concessions) Performance only £10
If you would like to stay for the weekend, we will have a hang-out and create day on the Sunday.
Ten Directions On-Line Unit: Conditioned view and encounter. Starts January 20th
This is the third on-line study unit of the Ten Directions training in ecotherapy. It can be taken as a stand-alone even if you have not taken previous units. It will be of interest to anyone who wants to explore ways of working in the outdoors, whether as a therapist or for their own interest. This month we will look at the way that our personal stories influence our relationship to the environment and look at ways to see things afresh. Practical exercises are sent daily by email and participants share responses on an on-line group. The theoretical basis of this three week long unit is compatible with other Tariki courses and this unit may be taken as an optional unit by students of the distance learning programme in Buddhist psychology. Cost of unit: £40
Comments from students on previous unit:
- I know I’m changed as a result of doing this, for the better, and look forward to the next one!
- It has given time and opportunity to think about mine and others responses and which I think is just as useful as face to face immediacy.
- What a GREAT balance between theory, practical experimentation and shared perspectives
Mailing list: Message from Debbie
We're currently updating our mailing lists at Tariki and, as part of this are setting up a list with chimpmail so that people can opt in or out. We also want to make sure that we're sending you details of events that you might be interested in. We offer a range of activities at the Buddhist House and you can choose which ones you receive emails about by filling in the form in the link below:
http://eepurl.com/LDVHz
We'll still be sending out the more general information emails to everyone. We hope that you're happy to remain on our mailing list but, if not, please let us know and we'll take you off it.
Chanting Intensives
From January 2014 we will be holding chanting evenings at The Buddhist House at least once a month. Following the spirit of continuous nembutsu we will share in this expression of the heart-experience with a variety of chants to Amida, Quan Shi Yin and all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The sessions will be informal and everyone is welcome. Mostly we will use alternating periods of sitting and walking, varying the form of the chants, but we will be flexible to the needs of those attending. People are welcome to join us for some or all of the chanting and can come in at any point, but there will be a break at 6.30 for half an hour for refreshments so that newcomers who are shy of coming in mid-session can join us at 7.00. Come at 6.50 for a brief explanation of what we are doing. If you are coming from a distance, you are welcome to book accommodation afterwards at dana rates.
Dates this term: January 31st, February 28th, March 14th, April 4th, May 2nd, June 6th
February 14th Psychotherapy Training Programme Introductory Day
Are you planning to enrol on the psychotherapy training programme? Are you interested in knowing more about what we teach? This one day orientation and introduction is for anyone considering joining the Psychotherapy Training Programme in Other Centred Approach at Tariki Trust. Suitable whether you are a beginner or already an experienced therapist, the workshop will include:
- An Introduction to Buddhist Psychology
- Introduction to Other-Centred Therapy method
- Introduction to training in the Tariki Learning Community
- Introduction to the Tariki Training Programme.
This day is also open to people who are interested in knowing more about the Tariki training who are not yet feeling ready to commit to joining the training but who would like to find out more. Times 10.00-4.00 Cost £40 redeemable against course fees; lunch £5
This workshop is immediately followed by our spring Psychotherapy Training Course Block which runs from February 15th – 23rd and focuses on The Three Poisons.(see link for details)
April 5-6 Women’s Retreat
A weekend retreat in which we come together as women to practise, share and enjoy time reflecting on our lives. This weekend will be an oasis of quiet and company. Cost £30 plus accommodation (concessions available)
Staying at The Buddhist House
The Buddhist House offers a space for events and activities. We also have guest accommodation which can be used by people who want to come and use our facilities. With easy access to both Leicester and the countryside, you can have a relaxing break, personal retreat or take time to reflect. We have writer’s garrets available for longer stays of up to three months (perfect to get that book together), or guest rooms for short stays. The atmosphere in the house is relaxed so you can share meals or practice if you want, or follow your own schedule. There is a good library, a meditation hall and plenty of comfortable hang-out spaces, including a beautiful garden. Therapy and supervision/consultations can be available by arrangement. Contact us for more details of cost, availability etc as things like pricing depend on what sort of accommodation you want.
Regular Activities at The Buddhist House
Mondays 7.00pm – 8.00pm Study evening. This year we are following the Buddhist Churches of America study programme.
Tuesdays 7.30 – 8.30 Meditation class, beginners welcome. Guided meditations in a friendly group
Thursdays yoga classes 6.00 & 7.30 ; Footpaths Group alternate Thursdays – explore ways to reduce your carbon footprint in a supportive group (Contact Debbie or Aramati for details)
House practice: Buddhist practice happens most days at 8.00am and 9.00pm.
For more information about any events at The Buddhist House contact [email protected]
Tariki Trust: The Buddhist House, 12 Coventry Rd, Narborough LE19 2GR tel 0116 286 7476
www.tarikitrust.org
Paul has worked as a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, writer, group facilitator and teacher for twenty years, in a variety of settings. The common thread in all that he undertakes, is mindfulness. He is dedicated to helping people to be more present in their lives, in their relationships, work and with themselves.