Hello All Would-Be Earthwalkers!
“A Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step…”
This is a fully participatory course where you supply the input and you reap all the benefits. You will require space and time to mentally and emotionally assimilate your experiences and recalibrate your thoughts as you grow and develop.
Much of what I tell you, and ask you to do might seem quite simple and straightforward. On one level it is. You might think that you have heard or read most of it before. But do not be deceived. Taken to deeper levels, which is the real intention, and which you will increasingly learn to do, the simplest idea or action can become amazingly profound, revelatory and catalytic.
The key to fulfilment and success as an Earthwalker is your personal commitment and integrity.
It is important that whatever I ask you to do, you carry out the task with as much intention and wholehearted attention as possible. That you are as fully in the moment, here and now as you can be. Because it isn’t just what you do, it is the way that you approach it, your attitude, and the manner in which you respond which will denote whether or not it ‘works’ for you.
- Be diligent. Read everything slowly and make sure that you fully understand what I am saying and what I am asking you to do. Don’t rush on ahead with only a sketchy idea of what has been said or is expected of you.
- Concentrate. Give your full attention to everything that you are asked to do, otherwise you might as well not bother. It is useless to try and visualise something whilst simultaneously writing your shopping list or planning next week’s agenda at work!
- Be sincere. Any written work, conclusions or ‘answers’ that you make, will only ultimately be of relevance to yourself. Therefore always try to be honest with yourself and as truthful and open in your work as possible.
Contents Of Pathways
Each pathway will contain many different activities and modes of learning. These will include:
- Outdoor activities
- Main reading material
- Inner Journeys and Experiences
- Crafts
- Cookery
- Seasonal activities
- Consideration; suggestions for other ideas to think about
- Review
Please note: Each Path will contain an element(s) of all the above list. However, each aspect will not always be obviously designated and labelled. Some assignments may entail several activities joining harmoniously to produce a satisfactory end result.
Written Work
Each Pathway will involve exercises, questions, lists, notes and journal-keeping. Nothing too academic but to help you respond to each stimulus and remember those responses. It is always of huge benefit to be able to keep some kind of a record for yourself and look back at details, or compare and assess just how much you have actually
changed/advanced.
There will also be lots of opportunities for other forms of creativity, such as cooking, craft work, movement, painting, music and dance. It largely depends on how you decide to express yourself.
A Place To Work: Freespace
Whenever you wish to do inner work, it is good to have somewhere comfortable and warm (but not too hot or stuffy), quiet and undisturbed to retreat to.
Switch everything off; unplug the phone if you have to.
Sit on a firm chair that supports your whole body in an upright position with your back straight and both your feet flat on the floor, erect but comfortable… Don’t strain.
Alternatively, you can lie on the floor with a small flat cushion under the back of your head and another (if you wish) under your knees, or even under your lower back.
If you like, you may sit or lie on a nicely coloured blanket or piece of cloth (whatever colour and/or pattern appeals to you). You may also like to use some nicely scented soap to wash your hands before you begin (If you haven’t just had a bath!). You may also wish to keep plants or cut flowers in this space. But please do not otherwise clutter your physical or mental space with music, incense, lighting or emotive ornaments. Keep it simple.
Be alert: conscious of yourself in this place, this position, and relax. Close your eyes, slow and deepen your breathing a little.
Now you are ready for the next cleansing experience.
Please Note
If you feel that you would like to discuss any of the activities or issues which arise from working through the paths you can always put a post out on the forum and invite a general discussion. I am keen to stimulate thought and the sharing of ideas and information and so would strongly recommend this. Alternatively, if your observations or queries are of a more private nature, you are welcome to contact me directly.
“Hold on to your centre. Man was made to sit quietly and find the truth within…”