The October Gathering is designed to offer moments of reflection, togetherness and stillness and to help us reconnect with nature, at a moment in time when so much is happening, this is a chance to stay connected. We have amended the previous event to commit to something that is still helpful, still important, and that we could do regardless of what happens with Covid restrictions.
The event will be split into a two-day online retreat followed by some deeper journeys in nature with Andres. The online gathering will combine talks, stories, working sessions and practices to try closer to home. Then, after the gathering, we will invite small groups at a time on a 2 day journey through the forests at Wasing. The idea is to work more deeply in these ‘micro-retreats’ - going back to nature to support resilience, connection and groundedness at a time we really need it.
To say a bit more about the new programme, the intention is to hold the online part in the true spirit of a retreat - mixing learning, peer stories, inspiring practices and space to slow down and reflect across two days. We are planning this for the 14th and 15th of October, working on a journey at different levels:
Working with Bio-Leadership frames and stories around a virtual fire
Working with amazing speakers and making room for peer-learning
Stepping back to work on personal stories and share challenges with each other
Weaving in a good dose time, space and support for relaxation, creativity and reflection
We are delighted that this still gives us an amazing chance to work with some amazing guests:
Sid Sharma, from Shambala Festival, speaking about what they have learnt about a business working as a microcosm towards a better future
Anna Murray, from Patternity, sharing her journey working with cycles, feminine power and design
Dan Burgess, of Spaceship Earth, bringing in lessons from campaigns and revolutions that span generations
Sam Lee, the folk singer and merry broadcaster, doing a bit on music and stories across the airwaves
Now that this bit is virtual, we may also bring some added stories to the conversations, so watch this space.
For the forest journeys, well, this somehow feels even more special. The plan is that, small groups at a time, we will meet in a hidden away part of the land at Wasing, to embark on a 2 day journey to reconnect to the wisdom of the wild. We will make a circle, share food, camp out, share insights and stories and make time to be alone in the spirit of a gentle Nature Quest, alone in the wild. This part of the experience will be intended to support us through not only for the months ahead, but to continue growing a culture of connection and care in the world.
Guides
Andres Roberts
Andres is a guide to human development in relationship with nature. His work brings together innovative approaches to leadership and change, wisdom from ancient cultures and deep work with nature to support more generative forms of living and working for our times. He is the founding partner of the Bio-Leadership Project and co-founder of Way of Nature UK, a project that works with contemporary rites of passage to support deep transformation.
Jamie Pike
Jamie began his working life as a creative psychotherapist. In this time he was struck how that it is “no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society”. Hoping to inspire wider systemic change he spent a number of years creating and developing values led companies that challenge the business as usual approach.
His work seeks to bring pragmatism, courage and hope to people who are ready to embrace new forms of leadership that promote system change and proliferate regenerative cultures.
He is a partner and strategic lead for the Bio-Leadership project alongside his private practice as a mentor and guide.
Ella Wiles
Ella began working life in human rights. She has since developed her experience as a researcher and more recently in food technology to disrupt food waste.
She's passionate about social enterprises, having helped two working with material reuse grow their impact and set another up working with food engagement in inner city london.
She’s a fan of physical roles, pulling up her sleeves and digging in, she values this ‘learning by doing’ approach and seeks to bring this to her work.
She is Bio-Leaderships Production and Operations Lead, working closely with the Fellowship Programme and events.
Practicalities
We are inviting these experiences to flow as one, so the following costs are for the whole experience; both the virtual sessions followed by the time in the forest at Wasing Estate.
For the virtual part on 14th -15th October, these will take place on Zoom so please do have an account available for you to use. Everyone registering needs to be available on these dates.
For the forest journeys, these will be limited by spaces available, with only a handful of spots per micro retreat, allocated on a first come first served basis but we will try to be flexible and adapt as best we can.
Micro-Retreat Dates:
16th - 17th October
6th - 7th November
Price:
Supported Place, £325
Individual, £425
Finally, our main principle is to make this event accessible. If you would be able to join us for the two days of virtual retreat on the 14th -15th October, you are most welcome. For these two days only we are suggesting the price of £100 for a Supported Place and £150 for an Individual.
To Register:
Please email connect@bio-leadership.org with your preferred dates of micro-retreat to check availability.