Art and myth: an ecotherapy training weekend in Southern Scotland
Join us for a professional ecotherapy training weekend amongst the forests and ruins of Moorfoot in the ancient Scottish Lowlands. During this weekend we will be working with art and storytelling and exploring how to approach creative work with clients in nature.
This weekend will take place in the small village of Temple (close to Edinburgh), which was named after the infamous Knights Templar. The Knights Templars were a tribe of warrior monks who held their main Scottish seat here in Temple in the 12th-14th centuries. Their ‘Old Kirk’ ruins remain here to this day.
This region of Midlothian – Moorfoot – is very sparsely populated. The South Esk Valley in Temple can invoke feelings of enchantment or fear. It is a space to encounter old stone bridges, flowing streams, mysterious ruinous buildings, and perhaps a faery or two.
During the weekend will work with the little-known myths from this area. (Expect live storytelling by the river!) We will explore how we can use storytelling and mythology as inspiration for nature-connection – even if our clients live in the city.
This weekend will also look at how we can work with art in nature. Shifting our focus, we can look to the unfurling fern, feel the texture of a leaf in our hand or hear the sound of falling rain. These moments can invite us into the present and stimulate our creativity. These encounters hold the potential for deep creative expression within ourselves.
Working with the ephemeral and the transitory; we will focus on art as a process, in a non-fixed, fluid way in response to the encounters we experience. Combining walking and responsive art-making, we will explore the woods together, tapping into both our individual and collective imagination.
Temple Village Hall will be our base for the weekend; an old church in the centre of Temple’s only street. We will provide lunches and a communal meal on Saturday evening. All food will be vegan. If you have any specific dietary requirements, you can let us know on the order form that prompts you after booking. We will do our best to accommodate.
Working hours:
Saturday: 10.00-17.00 followed by a communal vegan meal at 17.30
Sunday: 10.00-15.00
Note that this group is limited to between 6-12 participants and you must attend the full weekend.
This event will be facilitated by Stephen McCabe and Stephanie Whitelaw