Join me on July 27 for this two-hour purpose workshop, which I’ll be following with future opportunities for diving deeply into this work between September and November.
Soulcentric Purpose Workshop
at Living Arts Collective, 410 W Greer St, Durham, NC
Saturday, July 27; 3pm-5pm; $15-$30 sliding scale
“What shape waits in the seed of you to grow and spread its branches against a future sky?”
—David Whyte
How do we hear the mysterious call of what is wanting to emerge in our lives? What does it mean to live in service to one’s deepest calling and walk our authentic path in the world? Drawing on depth psychology and traditions of nature-based soul discovery, including the work of such authors as Carl Jung, James Hillman, and Bill Plotkin, this workshop illuminates aspects of the journey of ever-deepening discovery and embodiment of one’s unique “mythopoetic” identity. In this workshop, we will explore soul-centric models of human development and adulthood; principles and practices associated with hearing and following the call of one’s soul; the role of the imaginal realm, symbol, and mythic and poetic sensibilities; the place of nature-based practices and the vision quest ceremony; eight different facets for understanding the expression of one’s mythopoetic identity in vocation; and the journey of soul initiation. Participants will be exposed to some of the foundations of this work, while also engaging in guided activities and self-reflection. This workshop is suitable both for those who already feel they are following some of the threads of their deeper purpose and for those who feel drawn to discovering these threads or are in a period of transition in their lives. There will be future opportunities for further pursuing these explorations, including through a solo, one-day, wilderness fast and quest this coming fall.
About the facilitator: Simon Spire has trained in soul-centric purpose discovery with Purpose Guides Institute and studied it immersively with Animas Valley Institute and Bill Plotkin. He brings to his facilitation years of exploration of self-inquiry, non-dual wisdom traditions, and meditative practices; the perspectives of post-conventional human development and soul-centric depth psychology; and his long experience with artistry and the creative process. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Auckland and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Columbia University; is a Certified Trainer of Focusing, a mindfulness-based, somatic approach to psychological healing and development; has completed a yearlong vision quest immersion with Animas Valley Institute, while also training with Purpose Guides Institute and in Thomas Hübl’s Academy of Inner Science; and is currently pursuing doctoral studies in psychology and philosophy. He has been a director with organizations active in international sustainable development and social entrepreneurship, leadership development, and mental health, and was led from his New Zealand homeland to the US by his career as a recording artist and songwriter.