Eequ · After school. In place of school. Beyond school.

Embrace the Dark

Night time nature connection events for women

Mentored by

Sussex Mindful Walks

Nature connector and lover of all things wild

Organisation links
Location address: Brighton, BN2 4FH
Chosen age group:

For ages: 18+ years

Available tickets:
Standard £25
Next date: None - message Mentor to express interest
A summary
Embrace the Dark is all about encouraging women to feel a stronger connection with the natural world at night. It's an ecotherapy workshop, a night walk and a fireside storytelling event all rolled into one! This December we're celebrating the Winter Solstice. In Celtic countries like ours, this was seen as a time of rebirth and renewal, as signified by the return of the light after December 21. It is a time for fire rituals, evergreen plants (like holly and ivy) and deep meditations on the year that has passed, the germination and rebirth of life to come. We'll be holding our celebration at the Bevendean Community Garden, a hidden gem on the edge of the Downs. This is in response to feedback about Stanmer Park as a location and the understandable discomfort many people felt about the long walk back through the park at night. The community garden is hidden in woodland but it's also just a few yards from the no.48 bus stop and free on-street parking. It has its own fire pit, kitchen area and compost loo. As always, we'll engage our senses fully with seasonal meditations and readings. But this time our night walk will be on open downland rather than in deep woodland. And as this is a Celtic-inspired celebration, we'll have our own special fire ceremony, just as the Celts would have done. We'll look within; pay attention to our own energy, our own sense of connection or disconnection, fear, joy, calm. We'll create time for ourselves and delve deeper into what the natural world means for us. We'll watch the shadows dance, share stories around the fire and connect to the themes of the season. These events offer a shared journey and supportive atmosphere. They create a sense of connection and authenticity, with everyone having the space to listen and share (if you want to). These are some of the things we do regularly: - A fun and creative activity - Mindfulness and grounding exercises - Storytelling around the fire - A group night walk - A 'sit spot' - Poetry readings - Sharing and reflection Practicalities: You can find the Bevendean Community Garden on Google Maps. It is opposite the school on Heath Hill Avenue, BN2 4FH and the No.48 bus stop is just outside the entrance to the garden. Please wear warm, weather-appropriate clothing and walking boots and bring a torch (for emergencies only!) Look forward to seeing you there....
About your mentor
Sussex Mindful Walks
Nature connector and lover of all things wild
My love affair with nature started in childhood. I was lucky to grow up in the 1970s, when it was perfectly normal for parents to shove their children out of the door and not expect them back until teatime. I lived in the countryside so I spent my time walking, riding horses and observing animals and birds. The legacy of all this is that I've always felt a strong sense of belonging to this world and a deep connection to the land. About 20 years' ago I learned to surf and this connected me to nature in a different, but equally powerful way. No words can fully explain what it feels like to stand up on a surfboard and ride a wave. There’s excitement, fear and adrenaline, sure, but there’s also something else - something more primeval and powerful. The older I get, the more I grieve for what the human race is doing to this planet - our only home. I've always been an environmental activist but it came as a shock to realise that some people don't really care. Or they know something is wrong but they can't face the reality of what is happening, so they shut it out of their minds. I realised that my true calling in life was to help people build their connection with nature. I do this for two reasons: it will help their wellbeing AND the wellbeing of the earth. People won't protect what they don't care about. So I gave up my career in communications and started changing my life. The first step was to travel around the UK, working as a volunteer on organic farms and sustainable land projects. The second step was to retrain in ecotherapy and ecopsychology. The third was to start working as a facilitator, which I've now been doing for the past three years. I run my own projects, Wild Wellbeing and Sussex Mindful Walks, but I also work as a facilitator at Sacred Earth Community Benefit Society. I've just started a post-grad diploma in ecopsychology and nature-based facilitation, so I'm keen to try some of the new theories and practices that I'm learning about!
Concession prices
We want to make this experience accessible, so we offer five half price concession places on each event for those on low incomes. Please contact me directly to discuss this.
Learning aims
Aim 1
Build your confidence around being in the darkness and in nature
Aim 2
Build a stronger connection with nature
Aim 3
Build a sense of community with other women
Pricing information
Ticket nameStandard
Price£25
InformationSome concession places are available for those on low incomes. Please message me to discuss.
PHOTO GALLERY
Where we'll be
Heath Hill Avenue, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN2 4FH
Safety
Risk Assessment
Public Liability Insurance
First Aid Training
First Aid Kit
Coronavirus Safety Policy

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
Cancel more than two weeks before the start to receive a full refund.

My experience consists of a leisure activity, on a specific date(s), and therefore the 14-day ‘cooling off period’ under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 does not apply.