Lighten the Dark

An eco-therapy workshop for women

Mentored by

Julia Sands

Location address: Brighton, BN2 7BF
Chosen age group:

For ages: 18+ years

Available tickets:
Standard £40
Next date: None - Register your interest
A summary
‘Lighten the Dark’ is an opportunity for women to reclaim the dark as a safe space for walking, nature connection and mindfulness. We seek to carve out a place of safety, community and courage, to empower women to step out into the winter evenings, feeling the support of the ground beneath their feet and their sisters at their back. Within this container, we also take the opportunity to choicefully and safely share those aspects of ourselves which we may keep hidden in the shadows. The fears, regrets, anger and sadness that have us hiding our full natures, living our lives muffled, cautious and ashamed. Through lightening the darkness, we lessen the hold these shadows have over our lives. By speaking their name, we bring our fears into the light. By listening to others’ stories, whispering softly, “me too”, we learn that the power of our light can liberate us, our sisters and all women. This is an evening eco-therapy workshop for women, designed to increase our confidence, self-expression and enjoyment of the dark. To reclaim the dark as a safe, playful and powerful space for women. Together we step into confidence with being outdoors at night in nature, and learning to sit comfortably with our own metaphorical ‘darkness’. Programme: The workshop starts with a check in and a solo sit spot in a natural green space. We then take a slow guided walk, during which we make use of aspects of nature to illuminate our own feelings and engage in self-reflection and a shared dialogue. We use nature connection exercises and mindfulness practices to deepen our sense of relationship to the darkness. After the walk, we circle up around the fire, using nature-inspired storytelling to give voice to our truth, and to explore the common threads that connect our experiences as women. Deep listening, poetry, ritual and silence will support you to engage with the symbolism of the darkness on your own terms. You’ll leave feeling inspired, contemplative and held in your relationship with the darkness. Equipment: Wear walking boots and bring warm, waterproof clothes, a hot drink and a torch. Route: Grassy footpaths and unmade tracks. Difficulty: Nourishing; walking distance 2 miles, easy terrain, slow pace. Cost: £40 per workshop / £150 for series of 4. Dates: You are encouraged to book for the whole four sessions, to get the most out of this journey and build a sense of community with the group. Friday 29th September Friday 13th October Friday 10th November Friday 22nd December
About your mentor
Julia Sands
Expedition Leader/Wilderness Guide
Julia is the founder of ‘ipse wilderness’ and a freelance facilitator, delivering creative writing workshops for primary-aged children, life skills workshops for teenagers, and wilderness wellbeing walks for everyone! With a background in teaching, mentoring and expedition leading, I am passionate about well-being, nature and encouraging people to access the outdoors to support mental health. I have qualifications in Counselling, Mental Health First Aid and Remote First Aid. I run a local hiking group in Sussex and lead wilderness expeditions all over the UK, usually accompanied by my labradoodle puppy!
Learning aims
Aim 1
To build confidence in women to spend time outside in the dark.
Aim 2
To empower women to express themselves with authenticity.
Aim 3
To connect to nature and our own nature.
Pricing information
Ticket nameStandard
Price£40
InformationDiscount for booking all 4 sessions in advance - contact Mentor for bespoke invoice.
PHOTO GALLERY
Where we'll be
1A, Longhill Road, Brighton, England, BN2 7BF
WHAT’S PROVIDED
Drinks
Safety
Enhanced DBS
Risk Assessment
Public Liability Insurance
Safeguarding Training
First Aid Training
First Aid Kit

Please note

Please note, it is the responsibility of the booker to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of the safety measures. This platform is merely an introducer and does not verify the items listed here.

Cancellation Policy
No refunds are given except in the case of a cancellation by the Mentor.

My experience is an educational activity and the 14-day cooling-off period under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 therefore applies. After the 14 day period my standard policy will apply.