Practice of Council in Nature

Council is an ancient form and a modern practice rooted in nature and the land.

Sitting in Council offers a way of being together that nurtures attentive listening and honest, compassionate expression. This practice honours the truth that lives in each of us. We each hold a piece of the greater story, a voice that longs to be heard, and a gift to offer through the sharing of our lived experience. Council builds trust and community by listening to the whole circle: the people, the place, the land, the elements, the animals—the spirit in all life.

 

By welcoming our differences and bridging our divisions, we discover unity in diversity. We open to new insights, fresh understandings, and the unfolding story of healing—both personal and collective. 

 

Council Practice in Depth

This retreat invites you into a deeper exploration of what it means to speak and listen from the heart—in our relationships, in our communities, and in the world. The path to healing and wholeness becomes real when we begin to accept ourselves fully, including the parts that feel difficult, hidden, or rejected. As we name and sit with what has been exiled within us, we open the possibility for transformation. With courage, we meet the shadow and allow nature—including the nature of ourselves and each other—to become our guide, teacher, and mirror.

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Wild Nature and Our Nature in Council

Throughout the week, we will be held by the wisdom of the Four Directions—an ancient map of consciousness, which includes the seasons and cycles of life. We will practice listening like a mirror—attending to the whole person: body, mind, heart, and spirit. We will listen not only with our ears, but with our presence. The land, the elements, and the beings around us will reflect back the truth of our own nature and wholeness. We will learn to speak with clarity and heart, sharing our stories with honesty and depth. Our words will carry the details of our lives—raw, beautiful, essential—helping us to embody the full expression of who we are.

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We Will Be:

• Remembering the ancient wisdom that lives in our bones—reconnecting with what has been forgotten, and remembering that we are part of something greater than ourselves.

• Embracing the uncertainty and unpredictability of these times, finding strength and inspiration even when the world feels chaotic or out of control.

• Risking everything to live the life we are truly here to live—to step fully into our authenticity, our courage, our calling and our place in the circle of life.

• Contemplating the Way of Council not only as a practice, but as a way of life.

Where – Our venue is a beautifully converted barn, which nestles in the Nanmor valley, Gwynedd, surrounded by ancient woodland, with views of Moel Ddu. It’s a safe and restful retreat base to be immersed in nature while preparing for your twelve hour solo time. Walking out from the door leads you to an old drovers track, or higher up through bilberry scrub to Cnicht, the Welsh Matterhorn, or along lanes and paths to secluded swimming spots in rivers and lakes.

 

Living simply with the beauty and peace of this magical landscape, we will open to our own rhythm and nature as our Council emerges and comes alive. Living together as a small community we will provide and cook our own food.

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What participants say about Council in Nature

"Out of your utter commitment to the human heart streams great healing and I am so very happy and grateful to have been able to bathe in this these last days. You guided us to our own hearts so beautifully and it was miraculous to witness the power of this transformative activity of listening and speaking, speaking and listening and feel it in me as a huge peace, an oasis of peace in the turmoil. And the witnessing of others pains and joys makes clearer the eyes to witness ones own pains and joys without the usual urge to fix - to solve or to avoid."

Heartfelt gratitude, Charlotte

 

Read more about Council 

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