Compost and Roses with Jo Hardy
The fragrant rose and the compost in which it grows are two sides of the same existence. Composting organic matter becomes the essential fertilizer for the garden. Without one the other cannot be. Everything is in transformation. The rose that wilts after six days will become a part of the compost. After some time the compost is transformed into a rose.
Together we will co-create an alchemical healing space to attend to our personal wounds and the creativity and possibilities inherent in them. In an atmosphere of deepening awareness and compassion, our prayers and intentions will weave a ground of collective focus and a circle of strong support. Through a mix of 1:1 time actively supported by the group, small group work and Movement Medicine practice, our wounds become the compost and fertile soil for the rose of ‘who we are’ to deepen its’ roots and flourish. We become ‘Gardeners’ of our body, heart, mind garden and discover that within our wounds lies our most essential medicine.
Jo Hardy has taught and explored conscious dance for over 18 years and teaches internationally. She is a staff member, mentor, supervisor and faculty teacher with The School of Movement Medicine, a 5Rhythms teacher (Waves and Heartbeat Level), an Open Floor teacher and has studied Amerta Movement with Suprapto Suryodarmo. She was a body based psychotherapist, supervisor and trainer for 25 years and has a background in meditation practices from both Buddhist and Sufi Traditions. Amongst many influences, her roots draw strongly on Joanna Macy’s The Work That Reconnects and Mystical Principles teachings of Thomas Hubl.
Along with David Rose and Sue Kuhn, Jo has been an elder of the School of Movement Medicine since our beginning in 2007. We value the particular wisdom and depth that Jo brings which link the personal with the archetypal, and the collective. We are so glad that she is offering this elective for the School, which gives our Apprentices a chance to do personal and biographical inner work within an embodied and moving group Movement Medicine context.
As Susannah and David Rose did in 2017, this elective will run side by side with Susannah’s at Rill and the two groups will dance together each day to share energy, dance and cross-fertilise our work.
This retreat is one of the electives for the Apprenticeship and is only open to current Apprentices and those who have completed the Apprenticeship Programme.