Hello all,
Hope you are keeping well
A few updates and upcoming news….
The online events are all on the same usual Zoom link -
https://zoom.us/j/6375405321 - password is W2F
Experience Days reflections
These two online days in the middle of June were such a success. Those who were there reported back on how powerful the days felt, how strong the container was and how much support everyone felt. So many of you put in so much energy to make to hold the event in such a beautiful way, and to make the whole thing happen. Very special.
We will be posting some audio recording highlights from the Experience Days online very soon.
Some words from Ali (written as a Facebook post):
"Our first Online Experience weekend was an incredible journey for both staff and participants. I personally did not imagine we could present something on Zoom that would feel so connecting, nourishing and immersive.
Well – we did it and more!
The biggest and most beautiful thing that I shall take away from the Experience is that we now know we can reach out to those people who for health reasons, location etc can not come to a residential.
Covid-19 has made us all think, act, feel a little deeper about what it means to be connected and how does it feel to be isolated. An online community feels the way forward to become more inclusive for those who can’t get to the moors.”
Some wonderful feedback from some of the participants:
"I felt held and supported even though it was a digital gathering. In some real life circles I participated in, I have not felt this level of intimacy and trust. Everybody was heard and included. This experience gave me a good reminder that things don't have to be complicated in recovery. Connection to people and nature, creativity and mindfulness - nothing more is needed.” ~ Sarah
"Despite the day being online the essence of my experience was a feeling of being welcome and connected which was great, as there were plenty of opportunities for me to share my thoughts and I did not feel afraid to do so. Being able to share my experiences with others and hear about their experiences, which have similarities is very helpful for my recovery as a reminder that many people have face the same challenges and are overcoming them, which is encouraging.” ~ Jacob
"Felt very safe being online because there was still a nature connection being actively encouraged to happen through the processes & conversations.
Bodywork and meditations were lovely, and deeply nourishing. It all felt very inclusive, and, as always, nature nurtures and supports recovery no matter what.” ~ Becs
Upcoming Events
W2F’s Men’s Circle - Saturday July 4th, 10am - 3pm, Online.
This is a new space for W2F men coming together with men from the ManKind Project
We'll each be looking at the potential for healing and learning through the archetypes that some will already be familiar with through the Creative Pathways programme. The men who will be supporting us are an inspiration in how to live and be authentic, open, accountable men in a world where the masculine is often very distorted.
The essence of having separate gender groups is to learn how to be with ourselves and our chosen gender in a healthy, loving, honest way. This in turn helps us be with all other genders in a healthy way when we are back in the wider world. There is also a W2F women’s circle reforming. We are working with inclusion for non gender specific identification.
Round Tables coming up - fortnightly on Tuesdays, Online
July 7th (hosted by Ali), July 21st (hosted by Doug) and August 4th (host needed)
7-8.30pm
Reconnection Evening - Monday, July 13th, 7pm - 9pm, Online.
* For those who joined the recent online Experience Days *
This is a chance for all who attended the Experience Days in June to meet again, take some space to check in and share and integrate some of what we have explored together on this weekend. We will also be setting a small activity to do a week before the session, and there will be an opportunity to bring and share what you found to the group.
Future dates of ongoing Reconnection Evenings will be circulated closer to the time.
Mentoring Day, Saturday July 18th, 11am - 6pm. Dartmoor.
Our in-person Mentoring Days are back!! …with all the appropriate social distancing measures.
And monthly beyond that.
Write to Freedom August closed time
Just to let you know that we’ll be closing our ‘offices’ for 2 weeks in August to have a charity-wide break! From Monday 10th August and back on Monday 24th August.
All best wishes and happy summer time,
Jo
