Back to All Events

Knowing Our Ground - A Circle of Trust® Retreat


  • Campfire in the Heart 147 Ragonesi Road Ross, NT, 0873 Australia (map)
Ground is what lies beneath our feet. It is the place where we already stand;
a state of recognition
— David Whyte
20191014_111401.jpg

In so many ways throughout our lives we come to recognise the ground on which we stand. We can know it when we think about where on earth we feel we are “at home”, where we feel powerfully connected to the land around us, and are filled with a deep sense of contentment and relationship with a physical landscape.  We can know it in our work, and our ways of being in the world.  We feel at home too, within an inner ground of understanding and knowledge of self and of connection with other people.
 
In the words of poet, David Whyte, ground “tells us what we are, where we are, what season we are in and what… is about to happen in our body, in the world or in the conversation between the two.” 
 
With generous time for personal and shared reflection, this retreat will provide space to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the ground on which we stand in an environment that invites us into the heart of what matters. 

The Labyrinth Walk - Campfire in the Heart

The Labyrinth Walk - Campfire in the Heart

Venue:

Campfire in the Heart is a retreat and conference centre set on a tranquil 5-acre property, 10 minutes from Alice Springs.  It was established by David and Sue Woods in the belief that people come to the Australian desert to better understand the spirit of this land and its indigenous people and to nurture their own inner lives.  Campfire in the Heart is a place where we can gather to tell our stories, draw strength and sustenance from each other and deepen our understandings of our own ‘ground’.  

Campfire in the Heart_IMG_6878-1-2.jpg

What to expect:

Knowing our Ground is a Circle of Trust ® retreat based on the work of sociologist, writer, educator and activist, Parker Palmer, and the Center for Courage & Renewal. It will be co-faciliated by accredited and experienced Courage & Renewal ® facilitators, Kirsty McGeoch and Noela Maletz. Together with around 18 other people, we will create a space for honest dialogue and non-judgmental listening, practicing ways of relating that will help us be more present with ourselves and others, and that kindle our courage to act on what matters most.

campfire-heart-alice.jpg
....to come to ground is to begin the courageous conversation, to step into difficulty and by taking that first step, begin the movement through all difficulties, to find the support and foundation that has been beneath our feet all along: a place to step onto, a place on which to stand and a place from which to step.
— David Whyte

Cost:

Early bird - $795 by 29 February 2020

Full fee - $850 by 7 May 2020

The price includes program fees and materials, twin-share accommodation with shared bathrooms and all meals. Campfire in the Heart has also kindly offered complimentary airport transfers. There are a small number of camping spots for a $20 reduction in the overall fee.  Payment plans are also available upon request. Early registration is encouraged as spaces for this retreat are limited.

Cancellations:

We understand that life challenges emerge and changes happen. Cancellations must be made at least two weeks before the program date. The facilitators regret that they may be unable to offer any refund or credit if you cancel within two weeks of the program. If the program is cancelled due to low enrolment or other circumstances, you will receive a full refund. Please note travel costs are solely the responsibility of participants.