Programmes and Group Journeys
Explore your inner life
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From the southern African philosophy of ubuntu to the buddhist notion of 'interbeing' ancient wisdoms have repeatedly spoken of our inherent interconnectedness – nothing in the universe makes sense without everything else; I am because you are, because we are; no man (or woman) is an island.
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In Waytu Programmes and group journeys, we are encouraged to honour ourselves as individuals in and through the life of the whole – the group, nature, and other belongings.
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In recognising our inter-beingness with the whole, we do not lose our individuality – instead we find more meaning in it. We can find our voice without silencing others; we can state our case without violence; we can learn from others without losing our own way; we can provide a spur to others without needing them to be like us.
Waytu Programmes and group journeys invite a quality of being together which allows each to maintain the dignity of their own authority, whilst giving to, and receiving from, the group and Nature. They offer a variety of spaces and activities which welcome people in our rich -and challenging – diversity. Without papering over our differences or denying our conflicts, we can together experience a sense of greater interconnectedness, understanding, compassion, oneness.
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Waytu Wa/onderings
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These are spaces held jointly by Anuja Sharma and Razia Aziz for exploring the deeper streams of your inner life through an encounter with self, each other and Nature.
Together Razia & Anuja bring tools and wisdoms from life's journey (see About), and a mind of loving service, which they place at the service of the gathering or group.
Wa/onderings take place both outside, in nature, and inside. They currently include:
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Women's Mini-wa/onderings – two hour monthly gatherings, open to those women who would like to experience this quality of being together
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One day wa/onderings - pilot events for up to 10 Women or Men
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Longer 'closed' Programmes for up to 10 people
See events page for the current schedule of wa/onderings.
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Healing Racism – Finding Our True Colours
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These are spaces for people of all racial origins and identities who are concerned about racism and have a personal commitment to a world free of the barriers and suffering that racism brings. Participants in these events have travelled some way along a path of personal awareness and self-development and may also have engaged in social action to address these issues.
The aim of this work is to embark on a journey of healing our self and our relationships in the area of ‘race’ and racism. It is our hope to increase awareness, insight, compassion and resilience in people in a way that can help transform us and our world. The journey starts with an introductory day and opens out into a series of gatherings to support our growth and understanding.
We hope through this work to help develop the wisdom and compassion that is sometimes missing in consideration of ‘race’, laying the foundations for genuine dialogue, wisdom and healing – across – and within - racial distinctions.
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See events page for the current schedule of workshops.
Facilitation
There is no challenge too great for us as human beings if we come together across our distinctions and differences and practice deep listening and true speaking. However, the conditions for such hopeful and creative dialogue have to be mindfully and skilfully co-created. We have to want to find a way that is good for all; we have to take care to build the skills and resilience to speak and to hear truth. This is not a one-off matter: it is an ongoing labour of love. The role of the facilitator is indispensable to this work, and an essential ingredient for addressing the challenges in our world – both personal and global.
As an experienced facilitator, I have worked in a wide range of environments – businesses, organisations, community groups – supporting many different people to have important and difficult conversations and reach better outcomes. I continue to learn and grow in my practice in this area.
You may need facilitation for any of the following reasons:
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You may have teams, groups or communities that need to work together or understand each other better
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There may be conflicts, tensions or difficulties between people or between groups of people, which need to be surfaced, processed or resolved
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A group or team may need to find a way to articulate a question or problem more clearly
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A group or team may need to find solutions or common agreement to a challenge they are facing
My facilitation practice covers a broad spectrum which could support you in any of these aims. It ranges from loosely structured meetings, where participants come together to explore and clarify a topic, to processes aimed at a concrete outcome, to structured learning ‘workshop’ style learning events which are closer to ‘training’, but with more open outcomes.
Examples of facilitation I have done in the past:
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Inclusive retreats with Interfaith Vision
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Inner track leadership development programme and Leadership Lab at Adur & Worthing Councils
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Finding Our T-Spot & Trans Education Round Table
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LGBT+ and Religion & Belief Hub (Sheffield)
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BAME and LGBT Forums at Brighton & Hove City Council
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Over the last 23 years, I have facilitated workshops on a wide range of topics in the area of equality, diversity & inclusion