Embodying Compassion
a Self-compassion retreat for young adults
30th April - 10th May 2022 (Mallorca, Spain)
Embodying Compassion is a Self-Compassion Retreat for Young Adults with the intention of exploring, through embodiment, how we can support and inspire one-another to live and spread compassion. We will create the space to step out of the routine of your daily life, to recharge and explore what it means for you to ‘embody compassion’ in relation to yourself and others; an experiment in being you and being together.
“Compassion is a flow between myself and others based on mutual giving from the heart.” ~ Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg |
In a world of prevalent loneliness and polarization, we wonder how we can live and cooperate together. Our experience has been that focussing on Self-Compassion is a foundation for all our naturally arising qualities which cannot be taught, such as “Calmness, Curiosity, Compassion, Connectedness, Confidence, Creativity, Courage, Clarity.” (Dr Richard C. Schwartz’s 8 Cs of Self-leadership).
“If you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken all of yourself. If you want to eliminate all suffering in the world, then illuminate all that is dark and suffering in yourself. Truly, the greatest gift you have to give is your own self-transformation.” ~ Lao Tzu |
Whilst it is easy to talk about compassion and acceptance, or read books and quotes about love and non-violence, how can we live it? This project is focussed on experiential and embodied learning. Exploring and connecting to yourself and others through the use of a broad range of Embodied practices, both more dynamic (such as dance, music, theatre/drama, singing, storytelling, martial arts, circus, movement, play, improvisation…) and more subtle (such as yoga, massage, body-work, meditation/mindfulness, breath-work, tai chi, qigong, nature connection…).
“To love our enemy is impossible, because the moment we understand our enemy, we feel compassion towards them, and they are no longer our enemy.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh |
Alongside Embodied practices we also value the principles of Self-Compassion, Authenticity and Empathy behind NVC (NonViolent Communication) as a practical internal map to guide us from conflict, separation and tension to understanding and connection. Through its emphasis on deep listening—to ourselves as well as others—it fosters dialogue, respect, attentiveness and empathy, and engenders a mutual desire to contribute to each other’s wellbeing.
“NVC helps us connect with each other and ourselves in a way that allows our natural compassion to flourish.” ~ Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg |
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Participants will be welcomed into an open space where they will first of all experience and recognize what is most important for them to work on and/or explore at the retreat.
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We will then spend the first part of the program sharing tools from our methodologies and principles to enhance inner and outer connection through Self-Compassion. As facilitators, we will alternate between embodied sessions, practices, open sharings and self-reflection for the participants to practice and integrate their learnings about what self-compassion means for them.
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Then they will have the space to share their own Embodied practices/tools during the second part of the retreat, offering their own workshops through our “Laboratory”. This allows them to integrate the principles even deeper and start bridging the experience with their lives at home.
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JORDAN HERREROS - Facilitator
Jordan is a facilitator with experience in designing and facilitating experiential learning programmes and workshops for youth, youth workers and communities in Spain, Estonia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Romania, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Greece, Liechtenstein, Sweden and Croatia. His mission and passion is to create contexts where meaningful insights and profound connections can happen - spaces where we are welcome and accepted as we are. He does this by creating and facilitating Workshops, Retreats & Experiential Learning Trainings; Facilitating Dialogue & Mediating Conflict among groups and dyads; and supporting individuals through Empathy Sessions. His work is based on a Person-Centered approach combined with the principles of NVC and embodied & mindfulness practices. For more information on his work: http://trainers.salto-youth.net/JordanHerreros |
ELIA DE MATTEIS - Facilitator Elia is a self-proclaimed ‘Pirate-Monk’; meaning he values adventure and peace in equal measures. Without taking himself too seriously, he enjoys the play of life and inspires others to do the same. Searching for meaning, depth, and truth is his passion and pursuit, yet no answers will satisfy the magnitude of mystery. He has endeavoured to embody the essence of NonViolent Communication in all his roles explored so far, as a Zen Monk, Seafaring Sailor, School Teacher, Amateur Actor, Aerospace Engineer, Police Officer, Environmental Activist, Conflict Mediator, Martial Arts Coach, Restaurant Manager and Land Worker. Currently, he loves to work to create therapeutic spaces and relationships in which people can grow, learn, and change of their own accord. For more information on his work: ask him. |
MELANIA FORTE - Coordinator Melania is passionate about witnessing the magic and synergy in offering spaces where ideas, inspiration and curiosities can flow; especially in relation to Experiential Learning and Non-Formal Education. She is a manager in the field of performing arts and cross-cultural cooperation, as well as a strong force of organisation who brings dreamers together to make things happen. Interested in deepening the effectiveness of collaboration and exploring how to create horizontal structures based on balance and sharing. |
Our home will be S’Om, a house located in a beautiful remote area, with the nearest town San Joan at a distance of 3 km. S’Om is the headquarter of the Yoga and Practical Philosophy Association. The house includes a training room, cuddly common spaces, a library for me-me time, and the garden with a living pool. We will sleep in bunkbeds in shared rooms. Bedsheets will be provided. |
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ARRIVAL
The arrival to the venue is the 30th of April 2022 and registration will be open from 16:00 till 18:30h. Make sure you arrive by 18:00 latest! |
DEPARTURE
The departure day is 10th May. According to the public transport schedules, the earliest you can be at the airport is 11:00h. Plan your travels accordingly. |