Journey of the Radiant Heart 2009
12 Days into the West of Ireland 30th September — 12th October, 2009
Friends,
In writing about this years pilgrimage I feel that I want to express it in a personal way, especially for those of you who are considering coming with us. Many of you who know me realise that I co create, working in the moment as the inspiration flows, so even when there are plans things can change. Such flexibility affords us exceptional experiences that otherwise wouldn’t come our way. Our pilgrimage offers high adventure, inner journeys, profound experiences in sacred landscapes, the embracing warmth of community, sumptuous feasts and picnics, and a surrounding vista that conjures all kinds of stories in ones imagination.
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In this time on our planet it is imperative that we take positive action to bring balance into our lives. It is time to be open, honest and welcoming to each other. Time to initiate a true sense of community into our lives. Life is so much richer where communities have been a building block of society, as they have in west Ireland. Something I have realised over the years of this work is that in so many places we have lost our communities and we are bereft of our stories - and many of us are calling for the wisdom of the indigenous peoples.
Our ancestors number among those indigenous peoples and in the west of Ireland there are authentic living traditions that stretch back to time immemorial. The tradition known as Sean Nós is an authentic root of western culture and one that offers us deep insights into re establishing community and a sense of belonging, purposefulness and a way of life that brings the magic back into our daily lives. Within the Sean Nós tradition there are many facets which the community collectively and individually nurture and polish. These facets also link communities to each other in the greater web of life.
Imagine living as part of a small community of like-minded individuals, drawn together by a common desire to explore the sense of mystery that shrouds our ancient past as we seek to create new ways of living in the world that are sustainable and harmonious. Imagine being in a time out of time where watches and phones are not important and the light of the sun, moon and stars guides your way.
A land of 200 lakes, rugged mountains and epic coastline, Connemara is a stronghold of ancient tradition and a place of refuge for many native Irish in the past. A land of mystique, pirates and smugglers, fairy forts, prehistoric stone alignments and hollow hills, it beckons us.
A place of deeply spiritual experience and spectacular natural beauty, it calls us, this land where we will celebrate, explore, rest, contemplate, rejuvenate, and dream.
Wim and I welcome you to be part of such a community, to spend 12 rich days steeped in the mystery and magic of the west of Ireland this October. Our base will be the powerful and mysterious landscape of Connemara.
Our time together in Ireland is a time that is restorative, empowering and life changing.
Our accommodation is beside the magnificent Streamstown Bay, close to the Connemara National Park. Described as the finest example of a Neolithic and Bronze age ritual landscape in the world, this environment is evocative of heroic myths that leap out at the imagination from magnificent ancient sites of pre history. These 12 days will be a rich and intimate exploration that brings history, mythology and spirituality together. People have lived, loved, fought, prayed, mourned, celebrated and danced in this land for thousands of years. Their story is threaded throughout the landscape where we will spend our time, soaking up the mysteries and the beauty. You will discover that this mystical land and culture carries a transformative power and wisdom that will inspire you during this very special time.
EXPLORING THE MYSTERIOUS
Going into the west in Ireland is associated with going to the Otherworld. A land of wild beauty and untamed character, unpredictable weather and dramatic light. A grand landscape where the echoes of the heroic past can still be felt in the wind and rain, in the radiant light and the potent places that defy the narrow boundaries of modern ideas. The landscape is marked at every turn by its stories and histories. One of the legends we will follow is that of my heroine, the fierce and exceptional leader, Granuaille O’Malley, the 16th century pirate queen whose territory reached from Mayo to the southern edge of Connemara.
During our time together we will explore the local myths and lore of the land seeking and discovering the mystical keys they contain for awakening consciousness. They will inspire us to transform our own life stories into the new myths that we need to shed a guiding light in these challenging and uncertain times.
This year we already have many plans afoot for October.
Our friend and local story teller, the renowned archaeologist, Michael Gibbons, will be taking us for a day out in the landscape and whatever we do, one thing is certain - it will be a great day.
The Irish have long known that poetry is a language of the soul and as a special treat this year Australian Irish poet Dr Robyn Rowland will be joining us on several occasions including an evening of stories and readings from her work, embellished with her classic humour and deeply insightful perceptions of humanity.
She will also work with us in creating new myths for now.
We will stay in a homely, comfortable cottage that features a conservatory overlooking Streamstown Bay, where we will share sumptuous vegetarian feasts prepared with local produce, accompanied by great conversation, stories and fun! Each morning begins with a healing circle and visionary meditation and discussions, a time where we will set the intention for the day’s adventures.
Celtic cultures are the cornerstone of the western world. The Irish and Scottish traditions are still alive today. Explore the deep mysticism of these traditions as we guide you through a deeply personal journey in the land of my ancestors.
And of course, there are many more surprises in store for you!
Join Wim, Susan, and myself from the 30th September – 12th October for an unforgettable experience!