I believe the most important "qualifications" are life experiences BUT you would probably like to know that my formal qualifications are in person-centred counselling and tutoring in adult education, and that I also have a BA (Hon.) in English Literature and Philosophy. I have been running relaxation and meditation courses in mental health and community projects for the past 20 years. I had a very exciting start to this year, studying Ecology and Spirituality at Schumacher College in Devon. A highlight of last year was the setting up of a Liverpool Spiritual Crisis Network peer support group.
What I find most effective in all my sessions is visualising being in a natural setting so I eventually decided it was time to take my sessions outside. For the last 6 years I have been running eco-therapy sessions for the Workers' Educational Association, St. Michael's and Lark Lane Community Centre and other organisations.
What I find most effective in all my sessions is visualising being in a natural setting so I eventually decided it was time to take my sessions outside. For the last 6 years I have been running eco-therapy sessions for the Workers' Educational Association, St. Michael's and Lark Lane Community Centre and other organisations.
The course that brings mindfulness, ecology and mental health and well-being under one umbrella. Because they ARE inseparable. A community of like-minded people. Whether someone is currently experiencing some mental distress OR is fine at the moment OR is always a stable, happy person all the time we can all learn from each other when we acknowledge our common humanity!
“I was very anxious the first week but all that fell away in that first session. People sharing apples and mint from their gardens – all that meant a lot at a very difficult time. It’s opened my eyes to nature. I’ve never looked at the detail before. It’s a treat to be able to do that and I’m starting to understand nature now”
- Former Student.
“I was very anxious the first week but all that fell away in that first session. People sharing apples and mint from their gardens – all that meant a lot at a very difficult time. It’s opened my eyes to nature. I’ve never looked at the detail before. It’s a treat to be able to do that and I’m starting to understand nature now”
- Former Student.
Courses for 2019
Mindfulness In The Garden: Hearing the Butterfly's Wings.
Everton Park Nature Garden
Lansgrove Street
L5 3PF
Each Wednesday
June 6th to 26th June
10.30 am – 1.30 pm
I have a course starting on June 5th for 4 weeks, on Wednesdays 10.30-1.00. It would be great to see you all again, and some new people too, and the garden will be looking its best, with all the leaves making an enveloping canopy around us, and lots of wildlife about. Here is a bit of information about it:
The purpose is to develop a strong mindful practice rooted in nature. It's suitable for beginners and experienced meditators alike. There will be guided meditations, self-directed meditations and fruitful discussions.
"A butterfly flaps its wings and there is a tornado on the other side of the world."
This well known saying expresses how the tiniest creature and the tiniest action are not insignificant. We are all connected in ways that are beyond our imagination. Recognising this and accepting this, brings relief, new meaning, purpose and excitement into our lives. Spending time meditating in nature allows the truth of this to gradually seep into you and make sense of what you see and feel. It is a truth that can only be arrived at through contemplation. Discover the butterfly in you! A lot of us feel powerless at this time but you never know what effect your actions may have or what unseen changes may be occurring. Mindfulness gives you a broader perspective and an abundance of peace and hope to draw upon.
Warm Wishes and xxx's
Lucy (and who knows, maybe we will even see a rainbow
Course aim
To develop a strong mindful practice rooted in nature. Suitable for beginners and experienced meditators alike. Guided meditations, self-directed meditations and fruitful discussions
The purpose is to develop a strong mindful practice rooted in nature. It's suitable for beginners and experienced meditators alike. There will be guided meditations, self-directed meditations and fruitful discussions.
"A butterfly flaps its wings and there is a tornado on the other side of the world."
This well known saying expresses how the tiniest creature and the tiniest action are not insignificant. We are all connected in ways that are beyond our imagination. Recognising this and accepting this, brings relief, new meaning, purpose and excitement into our lives. Spending time meditating in nature allows the truth of this to gradually seep into you and make sense of what you see and feel. It is a truth that can only be arrived at through contemplation. Discover the butterfly in you! A lot of us feel powerless at this time but you never know what effect your actions may have or what unseen changes may be occurring. Mindfulness gives you a broader perspective and an abundance of peace and hope to draw upon.
Warm Wishes and xxx's
Lucy (and who knows, maybe we will even see a rainbow
Course aim
To develop a strong mindful practice rooted in nature. Suitable for beginners and experienced meditators alike. Guided meditations, self-directed meditations and fruitful discussions
Disability-friendly.
The garden is 5 minutes walk from the 53 bus stop by Great Homer Street Market. £37.20 for course or FREE for people in receipt of benefits
Travel Directions
Everton Park Nature Garden is NOT in the main site of Everton Park but nearby.
Everton Park Nature Garden is NOT in the main site of Everton Park but nearby.
Coming from North Liverpool:
Get the 53 to the last stop on Great Homer Street, opposite the market, walk back up the road to Rose Vale. Pass through the large iron gates at the end of the street and follow the curved path round to the right towards the Shewsy. The 53 is a 7 minute service. This stop is also served by the 27 Sheil Road Circular, the 58 to Netherton, 101 to the Royal, 310 to Skelmersdale or 345 to Waddicar.
OR
Get the 21 to Netherfield Road North, Roscommon Street. Walk down Roscommon Street past St. Peter’s Church and the Shewsy or follow the signed path to the garden, turning right at the children’s playground. There are lots of steps along this footpath. The 21 is a ten minute service.
Coming from the City:
Get the 53 from Queen Square, stand 11, to the first stop on Great Homer Street (Virgil Street) by Great Homer Street Market. Cross the road and continue down the road to Rose Vale. Pass through the large iron gates at the end of the street and follow the curved path round to the right towards the Shewsy. The 53 is a 7 minute service. This stop is also served by the 26 Sheil Road Circular, the 58 to Netherton, 101 to the Royal, 310 to Skelmersdale or 345 to Waddicar.
OR
Get the 21 to Netherfield Road South by Roscommon Street. Walk down Roscommon Street past St. Peter’s Church and the Shewsy or follow the signed path to the garden, turning right at the children’s playground. There are lots of steps along this footpath. The 21 is a ten minute service.
Get the 53 to the last stop on Great Homer Street, opposite the market, walk back up the road to Rose Vale. Pass through the large iron gates at the end of the street and follow the curved path round to the right towards the Shewsy. The 53 is a 7 minute service. This stop is also served by the 27 Sheil Road Circular, the 58 to Netherton, 101 to the Royal, 310 to Skelmersdale or 345 to Waddicar.
OR
Get the 21 to Netherfield Road North, Roscommon Street. Walk down Roscommon Street past St. Peter’s Church and the Shewsy or follow the signed path to the garden, turning right at the children’s playground. There are lots of steps along this footpath. The 21 is a ten minute service.
Coming from the City:
Get the 53 from Queen Square, stand 11, to the first stop on Great Homer Street (Virgil Street) by Great Homer Street Market. Cross the road and continue down the road to Rose Vale. Pass through the large iron gates at the end of the street and follow the curved path round to the right towards the Shewsy. The 53 is a 7 minute service. This stop is also served by the 26 Sheil Road Circular, the 58 to Netherton, 101 to the Royal, 310 to Skelmersdale or 345 to Waddicar.
OR
Get the 21 to Netherfield Road South by Roscommon Street. Walk down Roscommon Street past St. Peter’s Church and the Shewsy or follow the signed path to the garden, turning right at the children’s playground. There are lots of steps along this footpath. The 21 is a ten minute service.
To book Click on Button
or
Phone 0300 303 3464
Nature Meditations for Healing and Awareness
Everton Park Nature Garden
Lansgrove Street
L5 3PF
Each Tuesday
March 26th to 16th April
10.30 am – 1.30 pm
To learn how to connect more deeply with the healing powers of nature through observation, meditation and myth. A quiet, safe space for the unfolding of your spiritual path. We are all on different paths but these paths can meet and we can learn a lot from each other. There are many ways into this course but if you have a love of nature and/ or an interest in mindfulness then this course is for you.
The greatest teacher on this course will be nature her self and my primary role will be to help you access and communicate that healing space. It is vital that we heal our relationship with nature if we are to halt our wanton destruction of our beautiful planet; healing self and planet in a virtuous circle.
The garden is an enclosed space, managed wonderfully for wildlife and a private space to learn and meditate in.
Course aim
To learn how to connect more deeply with the healing powers of nature through observation, meditation and myth. A quiet, safe space for the unfolding of your spiritual path.
The greatest teacher on this course will be nature her self and my primary role will be to help you access and communicate that healing space. It is vital that we heal our relationship with nature if we are to halt our wanton destruction of our beautiful planet; healing self and planet in a virtuous circle.
The garden is an enclosed space, managed wonderfully for wildlife and a private space to learn and meditate in.
Course aim
To learn how to connect more deeply with the healing powers of nature through observation, meditation and myth. A quiet, safe space for the unfolding of your spiritual path.
Disability-friendly.
The garden is 5 minutes walk from the 53 bus stop by Great Homer Street Market. £37.20 for course or FREE for people in receipt of benefits
Travel Directions
Everton Park Nature Garden is NOT in the main site of Everton Park but nearby.
Everton Park Nature Garden is NOT in the main site of Everton Park but nearby.
Coming from North Liverpool:
Get the 53 to the last stop on Great Homer Street, opposite the market, walk back up the road to Rose Vale. Pass through the large iron gates at the end of the street and follow the curved path round to the right towards the Shewsy. The 53 is a 7 minute service. This stop is also served by the 27 Sheil Road Circular, the 58 to Netherton, 101 to the Royal, 310 to Skelmersdale or 345 to Waddicar.
OR
Get the 21 to Netherfield Road North, Roscommon Street. Walk down Roscommon Street past St. Peter’s Church and the Shewsy or follow the signed path to the garden, turning right at the children’s playground. There are lots of steps along this footpath. The 21 is a ten minute service.
Coming from the City:
Get the 53 from Queen Square, stand 11, to the first stop on Great Homer Street (Virgil Street) by Great Homer Street Market. Cross the road and continue down the road to Rose Vale. Pass through the large iron gates at the end of the street and follow the curved path round to the right towards the Shewsy. The 53 is a 7 minute service. This stop is also served by the 26 Sheil Road Circular, the 58 to Netherton, 101 to the Royal, 310 to Skelmersdale or 345 to Waddicar.
OR
Get the 21 to Netherfield Road South by Roscommon Street. Walk down Roscommon Street past St. Peter’s Church and the Shewsy or follow the signed path to the garden, turning right at the children’s playground. There are lots of steps along this footpath. The 21 is a ten minute service.
Get the 53 to the last stop on Great Homer Street, opposite the market, walk back up the road to Rose Vale. Pass through the large iron gates at the end of the street and follow the curved path round to the right towards the Shewsy. The 53 is a 7 minute service. This stop is also served by the 27 Sheil Road Circular, the 58 to Netherton, 101 to the Royal, 310 to Skelmersdale or 345 to Waddicar.
OR
Get the 21 to Netherfield Road North, Roscommon Street. Walk down Roscommon Street past St. Peter’s Church and the Shewsy or follow the signed path to the garden, turning right at the children’s playground. There are lots of steps along this footpath. The 21 is a ten minute service.
Coming from the City:
Get the 53 from Queen Square, stand 11, to the first stop on Great Homer Street (Virgil Street) by Great Homer Street Market. Cross the road and continue down the road to Rose Vale. Pass through the large iron gates at the end of the street and follow the curved path round to the right towards the Shewsy. The 53 is a 7 minute service. This stop is also served by the 26 Sheil Road Circular, the 58 to Netherton, 101 to the Royal, 310 to Skelmersdale or 345 to Waddicar.
OR
Get the 21 to Netherfield Road South by Roscommon Street. Walk down Roscommon Street past St. Peter’s Church and the Shewsy or follow the signed path to the garden, turning right at the children’s playground. There are lots of steps along this footpath. The 21 is a ten minute service.
To book Click on Button
or
Phone 0300 303 3464
Mindfulness, Ecology and Spirituality
Quaker Meeting House
22 School Lane
Liverpool
L1 3BT
Each Tuesday
January 22nd to February 12th
From 11.00 am till 1 pm
A recent survey of the U.K. population found that 23% of us consider ourselves "spiritual but not religious". Many people are turning to nature for spiritual solace and our fresh appreciation of our dependence on nature can engender a religious feeling towards it. Many people of faith are also turning to nature and are making protection of the environment part of their religious practice. On this course we will pool our understanding, concerns and inspiration to deepen our mindful practice - or provide it with a solid platform if you are a beginner (which we all are in a way!)
Each week we will practise meditation on an earth-based theme - looking at images of the Goddess in the Palaeolithic, indigenous cultures and Gaia theory. I will be drawing on my recent studies at Schumacher College and 20 years of teaching relaxation and meditation. We will explore other ways of knowing through mindfulness and creativity and, most of all, we will learn from sharing this journey together
Course Aim
By the end of the course I should be able to:
Each week we will practise meditation on an earth-based theme - looking at images of the Goddess in the Palaeolithic, indigenous cultures and Gaia theory. I will be drawing on my recent studies at Schumacher College and 20 years of teaching relaxation and meditation. We will explore other ways of knowing through mindfulness and creativity and, most of all, we will learn from sharing this journey together
Course Aim
- A study of the subject using meditation, creativity and discussion.
- Do spirituality and ecology belong together?
- How did they ever come apart?
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Describe Palaeolithic images of the Earth Goddess and share your own response to them through meditation, creativity and discussion.
- Explore indigenous teachings about our relationship with the earth and share your own responses to them.
- Give a brief account of Gaia theory.
- Share your vision of ecology and spirituality and the part you wish to play in it.
Fees: £37.20
or
FREE (if in receipt of certain means tested benefits)
or
FREE (if in receipt of certain means tested benefits)
To book Click on Button
or
Phone 0300 303 3464
Courses for 2018
Mindful Minds and Yuletide Yews
Quaker Meeting House
22 School Lane
Liverpool
L1 3BT
Each Wednesday
November 14th to December 5th
From 11.00 am till 1 pm
Learn about mindfulness in the context of being present to the time of year and how its magic manifests in the Yew tree. The Yew tree teaches us how to surrender to what is vulnerable in ourselves. The dark energy of the Yew tree, once entered, contains illimitable light! This course comprises 4 weeks; an introductory and a concluding session of 2 hours each at the Quakers, School Lane, and 2 four hour trips on the in-between weeks: 11-1 for the indoor sessions, 11-3 for the outdoor sessions. On both trips we will meditate on the Yew's power of regeneration and the tale it tells us of everlasting life. The highlight will be the visit to the 2000 year old Yew tree on the Wirral as we approach the season of Yule, with which it has always been associated. In the last session we will share what we have learnt about the relationship between trees and humanity. Venue Name: George Fox Room at the Quakers, field trips to Eastham and Allerton
Course Aim
The Yew tree teaches us how to surrender to what is vulnerable inside ourselves. The dark energy of the Yew tree, once entered, contains illimitable light and engenders mindful minds.
Course Aim
The Yew tree teaches us how to surrender to what is vulnerable inside ourselves. The dark energy of the Yew tree, once entered, contains illimitable light and engenders mindful minds.
To book Click on Button
or
Phone 0300 303 3464
Mindful Walking: Slow Steps Through the Infinite
Quaker Meeting House
22 School Lane
Liverpool
L1 3BT
Each Tuesday on
September 18th to October 9th
Starting 11:00 am
The rhythm of walking is a natural aid to mindfulness. Most of us have been walking since we were babies but how often do now wonder at it? Perhaps not since then! On this course we will recapture that wonder, and the wonder of nature and of the inner resource of our own minds. The pace will be slow and we will employ silent mantras from Buddhism and other, nature based, meditations. We will begin with a 2 hour introduction at the Quakers exploring mindfulness and getting to know each other. In this session we will also look at the infinity symbol and how significant this symbol is for portraying life's journey. This will be followed the next 2 weeks by 2 four hour trips to Formby. The 4th (final) week we will return to the Quakers for a 2 hour gathering of minds regarding what we have learnt.
Course aim
An introduction to mindful walking in Formby Woods with preparatory and concluding sessions at the Quakers, School Lane, Liverpool. For beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Course aim
An introduction to mindful walking in Formby Woods with preparatory and concluding sessions at the Quakers, School Lane, Liverpool. For beginners and enthusiasts alike.
To book Click on Button
or
Phone 0300 303 3464
Eco-Therapy; Dancing with the Elements, Listening to the Seeds
Everton Park Nature Garden
Lansgrove Street
L5 3PF
Each Tuesday on
May 22nd to 26th June
11.00 – 1.00
This meditation course will focus on healing ourselves through our elemental connection with nature. The elements - Air, Earth, Fire and Water - have been loved and imagined in many ways. They can be helpful to understanding and accepting the self in a balanced way. The inner and outer world separation can be overcome and nature, both our own nature and what is “out there”, joyfully embraced. I will be drawing on my own lifetime's experience of meditating outside and from my studies at Schumacher College on the Ecology and Spirituality course. The group's ability to create a safe emotional space will be a vital aspect of the course.
Feel the good vibes coming from nature! Listen to the trees, the flowers and the birds. You are not alone - we are surrounded by nature people everywhere whether they are two footed, one footed (snails) or a different kind of standing people altogether (the trees and herbs). Be part of the Awakening!
Our mindful practice will include nature study because what and who we love we also want to know more deeply. This will enhance your meditations and guide you in your practice. We will observe cooperative relationships between species in the garden to develop feelings of harmony.
This course takes us back to the roots of meditation literally, starting or developing your meditation practice with a deep connection with nature in a beautiful, enclosed nature garden. The garden is tucked away, NOT on the main site of the park, so make sure you follow the travel instructions!
This course, for beginners and non-beginners alike, takes us back to the roots of meditation, literally! The gated Walled Nature Garden, near Everton Park, is an oasis of streams and lakes in woodland.
Feel the good vibes coming from nature! Listen to the trees, the flowers and the birds. You are not alone - we are surrounded by nature people everywhere whether they are two footed, one footed (snails) or a different kind of standing people altogether (the trees and herbs). Be part of the Awakening!
Our mindful practice will include nature study because what and who we love we also want to know more deeply. This will enhance your meditations and guide you in your practice. We will observe cooperative relationships between species in the garden to develop feelings of harmony.
This course takes us back to the roots of meditation literally, starting or developing your meditation practice with a deep connection with nature in a beautiful, enclosed nature garden. The garden is tucked away, NOT on the main site of the park, so make sure you follow the travel instructions!
This course, for beginners and non-beginners alike, takes us back to the roots of meditation, literally! The gated Walled Nature Garden, near Everton Park, is an oasis of streams and lakes in woodland.
Disability-friendly.
The garden is 5 minutes walk from the 53 bus stop by Great Homer Street Market. £20.40 for course or FREE for people in receipt of benefits
Travel Directions
Everton Park Nature Garden is NOT in the main site of Everton Park but nearby.
Coming from North Liverpool:
Get the 53 to the last stop on Great Homer Street, opposite the market, walk back up the road to Rose Vale. Pass through the large iron gates at the end of the street and follow the curved path round to the right towards the Shewsy. The 53 is a 7 minute service. This stop is also served by the 27 Sheil Road Circular, the 58 to Netherton, 101 to the Royal, 310 to Skelmersdale or 345 to Waddicar.
OR
Get the 21 to Netherfield Road North, Roscommon Street. Walk down Roscommon Street past St. Peter’s Church and the Shewsy or follow the signed path to the garden, turning right at the children’s playground. There are lots of steps along this footpath. The 21 is a ten minute service.
Coming from the City:
Get the 53 from Queen Square, stand 11, to the first stop on Great Homer Street (Virgil Street) by Great Homer Street Market. Cross the road and continue down the road to Rose Vale. Pass through the large iron gates at the end of the street and follow the curved path round to the right towards the Shewsy. The 53 is a 7 minute service. This stop is also served by the 26 Sheil Road Circular, the 58 to Netherton, 101 to the Royal, 310 to Skelmersdale or 345 to Waddicar.
OR
Get the 21 to Netherfield Road South by Roscommon Street. Walk down Roscommon Street past St. Peter’s Church and the Shewsy or follow the signed path to the garden, turning right at the children’s playground. There are lots of steps along this footpath. The 21 is a ten minute service.
Get the 53 to the last stop on Great Homer Street, opposite the market, walk back up the road to Rose Vale. Pass through the large iron gates at the end of the street and follow the curved path round to the right towards the Shewsy. The 53 is a 7 minute service. This stop is also served by the 27 Sheil Road Circular, the 58 to Netherton, 101 to the Royal, 310 to Skelmersdale or 345 to Waddicar.
OR
Get the 21 to Netherfield Road North, Roscommon Street. Walk down Roscommon Street past St. Peter’s Church and the Shewsy or follow the signed path to the garden, turning right at the children’s playground. There are lots of steps along this footpath. The 21 is a ten minute service.
Coming from the City:
Get the 53 from Queen Square, stand 11, to the first stop on Great Homer Street (Virgil Street) by Great Homer Street Market. Cross the road and continue down the road to Rose Vale. Pass through the large iron gates at the end of the street and follow the curved path round to the right towards the Shewsy. The 53 is a 7 minute service. This stop is also served by the 26 Sheil Road Circular, the 58 to Netherton, 101 to the Royal, 310 to Skelmersdale or 345 to Waddicar.
OR
Get the 21 to Netherfield Road South by Roscommon Street. Walk down Roscommon Street past St. Peter’s Church and the Shewsy or follow the signed path to the garden, turning right at the children’s playground. There are lots of steps along this footpath. The 21 is a ten minute service.
To book Click on Button
or
Phone 0300 303 3464
2017 Courses
Mindfulness with VisualisationThe techniques of mindfulness will be explained in a straightforward manner and there will be lots of opportunities to discuss progress, sort out any obstacles and have fun along the way! Visualisations will be incorporated into the meditations and you will develop your skills at creating visualisations that are tailored to your own requirements. Visualisation aids relaxation and healing and can help you achieve your goals in life. It also gives you greater understanding of yourself and your dream world.
Artwork by Ann Dormer former student
Times:
10.30am – 12.30pm Start date: Wed 27th September 2017 to Wed 8th November 2017 Fees: £20.40 or FREE (if in receipt of certain means tested benefits) Venue: Lark Lane Community Centre, The Old Police Station, 80 Lark Lane, L17 8UU. Press or Click course code below
or
Phone 0151 2435340 to book |
Mindfulness in the Secret gardenIn the garden you will see through “the eyes of a child”. A sense of wonder can provide a base of security that helps you deal with life’s adversities. This delightful garden will hold out a hand to you and lead you, if you will allow it, to a new understanding of yourself, other people and your purpose in life.
On the way you will discover how everything in the garden has a purpose, working in harmony with other species to create the splendour of life as we know it. Mindful techniques will help you access this. Times:
10.30am – 1.00pm (We may have an extra session if the weather is bad and if everyone is agreeable to this, trying to have as much of the 12 hours in sunshine as we can!) Start date: Tuesday 12th September to Tuesday 10th October Fees: £20.40 or FREE (if in receipt of certain means tested benefits) Meeting Place: The Rotunda College, Kirkdale, Liverpool, L5 2PL. Press or Click course code below
or
Phone 0151 2435340 to book |