The Pursuit Of Happiness School Events
Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes. - Carl Jung
Currently, we host both single day and weekend events. Some events, such as the Archetypal Autobiography series are part of a 10-day program, which is spread out over a series of weekends. Each day in a workshop series is complete in itself and it is not necessary to have attended previous sessions in order to attend. We also offer a 5-day writers workshop, which takes place over a single week. For those who haven’t attended a workshop with us here is an overview of how the events operate.
Session Structure
The sessions are structured in such a way that allows for an integrated and holistic approach to workshop facilitation. While discourse forms part of the workshop, participants are given ample time to reflect, share, listen and connect in an open and supportive environment.
Discourse
Our workshops typically commence with a lecture, or presentation on a topic that outlines ideas, research and thinking from diverse fields such as philosophy, psychology, literature, biography, poetry and other areas.
Reflection Time
The presentations are followed by a time of reflection where people individually journal in response to the material presented and various questions posed. The impact of writing about one’s life experiences allows us to rearrange memories and bring about new and clearer perspectives. Writing is more than therapeutic, it is alchemy.
Before I can tell my life what I want to do with it, I must listen to my life telling me who I am. I must listen for the truths and values at the heart of my own identity, not the standards by which I must live - but the standards by which I cannot help but live if I am living my own life. - Parker J. Palmer
Shared Learning
We hold a strong belief in collaborative learning. Each of us mixes in different circles and has a set of different life experiences. Small group discussions and personal sharing harnesses this diversity and adds richness to the learning process.
Deep Listening
We encourage the process of reframing our stories, sharing them and listening to others share theirs is a potent mix.
Deep listening is miraculous for both listener and speaker. When someone receives us with open-hearted, non-judging, intensely interested listening, our spirits expand. - Sue Patton Thoele
Connecting with One’s Tribe
Connecting with kindred spirits is a major feature of our events. Each day provides opportunities to get to know your fellow participants through morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Mixing in small group discussions further accentuates this and often participants will gather together for a Saturday night meal.
A passionate love of growth, of being, THAT is what we need…Down with the cowards and the skeptics, the pessimists and the unhappy, the weary and the stagnant. Do not mock for an instant anything that looks like faith in our future. - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
We endeavour to keep the price of our events affordable and offer concession discounts as well as reductions for friends of The Pursuit of Happiness School (those who have attended 3 or more events.)