There is a part of us that knows how to be free, effortless and wild. But for many of us this isn't our experience of our lives. We may have had tastes of this in the rapture of a beautiful sunset, the gentle soaking contentment of falling rain or the quiet immensity of the Drakensberg mountains. These experiences don't last long, and before we know it the familiar clouds of despair roll in and we are back in the constricting humdrum of our mundane and stressful lives. We long for a lasting freedom, imagining that we will find it one day when we can change what we don't like about our lives, when certain key conditions are met. But true freedom is unconditional, and is possible within the shape of our lives as they are. Come and explore this fascinating possibility with us, as we draw on the inspiration of some of the writers and teachers who have discovered this freedom:

• Michael Singer, from his book The Untethered Soul
• Richard Rohr, from his book Everything Belongs
• Pema Chodron, from her teaching series Getting Unstuck 
• Jens Soring, from his prison memoir The Way of the Prisoner
• Beatrice Bruteau, from her book Radical Optimism

and many more.

Facilitator: Sharon Grussendorff Cost: Donation basis

About the facilitator: "I started out my working life as a physicist, and have a PhD in quantum computational physics. In 2003 I left my position as a university lecturer to engage in rural science teacher development and research on a contract basis, and to found Solitude Retreat Centre, a beautiful space in nature for contemplative practice. I lead Dove Fellowship, a contemplative community based in Pietermaritzburg. I am passionate about the journey of spiritual awakening. Since I come from a Christian background I am interested in exploring this from a Christian perspective, and at the same time I am enjoying learning from other wisdom traditions. I have been practicing centering prayer and other contemplative practices for 20 years, and I regularly lead silent retreats. I have recently completed a two year training with the Living School for Action and Contemplation, with teachers Richard Rohr, Cynthia Bourgeault and James Finley. I have also completed a 7-week training course on the Power of Awareness, led by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. I recently published a book on Contemplative Living, which explores the path of deepening spiritual and personal growth."