Journey through the 2019 Touch Drawing Gathering through the photos below. Click on the images to enlarge and see in correct proportion.
OPENING SESSION: After a relaxed afternoon of arrivals and settling in, we do a silent land walk and gather in our opening circle. We then have our first Touch Drawing session – an open, fluid one. We each drift off to sleep as we are ready.
TOUCH DRAWING: Each day revolves around our core practice – deep immersion in soulful expression through Touch Drawing.
MOVING, REFLECTING, SHARING: Touch Drawing sessions are complimented by times of movement, vocal toning, reflective writing and sharing with partners.
WITNESSING INNER PORTRAITS: Each year one of the most moving Touch Drawing sessions is when we create ‘Inner Portraits’ for one another. After processing with our parter, we gather in the Sanctuary to share the amazing stories of receiving images of significance for our partner.
SILENT DAY: After all the intense focus, we enter a day of silence. Some choose to stay at the retreat center while others have a few hours on the beach. It was very windy this year so we arranged for some to walk and go back to the Center to draw.A few hardy souls stayed out and found protected spaces to draw.
RETURN: Later in the afternoon, we gather in silence in the sanctuary – time for reflection, writing and moving to integrate the images we have created. This year I also offered a ‘Song Bath’ with voice and crystal bowls.
COLORING DRAWINGS: After all that inward focus during silent day, we are ready to lighten up and have fun mounting and coloring our drawings.
WALKING THE LABYRINTH: We expand our awareness to a more universal, planetary focus as we walk the labyrinth and draw in the center.
PORTRAITS: On Thursday evening, I take a portrait of each participant in their fullness and beauty. And of course we get everyone together for our group photos.
CEREMONIAL DANCE: We transform our studio into a ceremonial space and spend the evening drumming, dancing and singing. It is a sacred time for integration and energizing new possibilities.
CLOSING, EVENING AT THE BEACH, AND BREAKFAST AT MY HOME: After our closing session on Friday afternoon, we clean up the Hall and go to glorious Maxwelton Beach for dinner. We were blessed with Susan’s Sabbath candles and wine. We savor the magic of our time together as we drum and sing through sunset. Most participants opt to stay over Friday night and come to my home for breakfast on Saturday. This allows for a gradual re-entry into the everyday world.
These are wonderful! Such beauty and precious memories. I wish we were there again now. Thanks for posting.