Belonging, LGBTQI Day Retreat (1)

  'Belonging'  

 Global retreat online LBGTQI  heart circle  

The Power of Mindfulness in a Time of Upheaval: Deepening Practices for Cultivating Presence, Healing and Empowerment Together 

Often there are few spaces which explore the intersectionality of sexuality, gender identity and race. In this space we explore this phenomenon and the art of belonging, the great existental crisis, isolation and longing for connection. An opportunity to celebrate, honour our shared history and narratives. 

Presenters

William Fley - Founder and Director, Psychotherapist and Mindfulness Teacher

William is a clinician in private practice with a speciality in 'Absent fathers' and trauma. A fully accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and Breathworks Mindfulness, he is the founder of MNPC. He holds Master's degrees from Birkbeck College, the University of London and Roehampton University. Working within community organisations in marginalized communities, William aims to bring awareness of racialized trauma through mindfulness-based interventions. He continues to pursue his passion to eliminate the cultural and other barriers to accessing mindfulness, by encouraging cultural awareness and responsiveness.

Presenters : Ade Adeniji - 

Adé Adeniji is a certified Coach, Group Facilitator, Consultant, Interfaith Minister & Spiritual Counsellor. He is a Certified Daring Way™ and Dare to Lead™️ Facilitator, programmes based on the research of Dr Brené Brown which explore topics such as vulnerability, courage, shame, empathy and worthiness.

Adé is co-founder of ‘The Quest for Gay Men’, a UK-based social enterprise that delivers personal development programs aimed at transforming the relationships gay, bi and queer men have with themselves, others and the world they inhabit.

As a practitioner Adé adopts a holistic approach in all aspects of his work, this involves working with individuals, teams and organisations to give voice to making the implicit explicit, with a view to having conscious courageous conversations and showing up wholeheartedly.

Ade is passionate about exploring the individual’s inner landscape to see how that plays out in day-to-day interactions. He is also keen on helping clients cultivate the necessary habits for consistent emotional hygiene.

Mindfulness is a relatively new 'technology' in the West. People of colour are under-represented in mindfulness groups, workshops and training pathways. We are more likely to experience cumulative stressful events such as marginalisation, poverty and limited access to resources, which directly impacts individuals, families and communities. The value, concepts and adaptability of mindfulness are yet to make an impact on marginalised communities.

Together, through inquiry, talks and mindfulness practices, we will explore and confront our habits. We will also explore patterns around noticing, accepting, investigating and confronting bias and facing injustice - in our daily lives and the world. We are examining how mindfulness supports all of us, inwardly and outwardly. To create a saner, more equitable world without compromising equanimity, compassion and our experience of common humanity.

Speakers:

Saturday December 12th (Subject to change) 

02.00 - Guided meditation practice with Gurnam bubber 

2:30  - Opening ceremony – Welcoming speech boundries and I

                                 Introductions - William, Pilar, Ade, Gurnam

2.45 - Comfort break

3:00 - The Quest for True Belonging’, Presentation by Ade Adeniji 

3:30 Breakout rooms - Round 1 of 1

Room A (1)   The light and shadow of Otherness with Ade Adeniji 

Room B. (2)  Rewrite your narratives  

Room C. (3)  Pink floffy room, Working with abandonment with William Fley

Room D. (4)  Womans Karen Larbi 

Room E. (5)   Gurnam Bubber

4:15 Music and movement 

Rainbow song 

4:45  The 7 stages of home coming, presentation by  Gurnam Bubber

5:15 - Break - Suggested practices - Silence, walking meditation, mindful movement,  Journaling and/or  per- discussions .

7:00 PM  “Creating Our Own Song,” Maria Pilar 

7:30 Breakout rooms - Round 2 of 2

Room A (1)   The light and shadow of Otherness with Ade Adeniji 

Room B. (2)  Rewrite your narratives  

Room C. (3) Pink floffy room, Working with abandonment with William Fley

Room D. (4)  Womans group, Karen Larbi 

Room E. (5)   Gurnam Bubber

8:00 Group Discussion 

8:45 Music and movement 

9:00 Close 

FAQ

What if I can't attend all sessions during the event?

We would prefer everyone to attend all sessions. However, we appreciate that this may not always be possible because of people's home environment/personal circumstances/connection. 

Recordings 

We will record the retreat for your convenience, accept for breakout rooms. 

Please be aware that the program is subject to change if circumstances occur beyond our control, such as technological issues. 

Schedule (UK GMT) time,

 Please be responsible for making a note of your time zone

We will be loggin in 3 different times zones at 2pm UK (GMT) 9(EST) 6 (PT)

Paying our teachers: Please help support our teachers

Dana (generosity) Practice  In the Buddhist tradition, the teachings are given freely because they are considered priceless; in the Buddhist tradition we also practice dana, or generosity, by making monetary offerings for the teachings. Dana is not payment for goods or services rendered; it is given from the heart. Your generosity is a gift that supports not just the teachers, but also the Sangha, the larger Dharma community, and your own practice. We pay our teachers a minimal sum to prepare and give their presentations and teachings which are made available to all. Included in your welcome pack will be a form that will enable you to pay dana if you wish as a gift which will be divided between our great teachers.

The concept and technology of a global online retreat:

Retreatants are responsible for providing their supportive environment at home, which should be conducive to learning and to being fully present with the group. A supportive environment includes having all 'phones switched off and no interruptions from anyone, suitable clothing, being able to arrive in the space on time, and microphones muted needed. Please note that participants are responsible for their own mental health. However, if you feel the need to speak to someone about triggers and areas of concern, please let one of the group facilitators know. 

If you have any questions, please contact our retreat coordinator - olitaylorsmedia@gmail.com

Electronic devices

Please turn off all 'phones and other electronic devices, and ensure that you have privacy. Be ready to participate!

Professional development certificates

For those who require them, certificates for 6 hours of CPD will be available.

To become a friend or member of MNPC please see our website for details.

Terms and conditions

Please note that we will make every effort to provide all elements of the event as advertised. However, MNPC will not be liable if an aspect of an event is not available due to circumstances beyond our control, such as significant signal disruption. MNPC will make all reasonable efforts to provide an alternative.

Cancellation

We operate on a not-for-profit basis, relying on the support of many volunteers.  In the unlikely event the retreat does not run we will be unable to offer any refunds.

The cost of MNPC International Online retreats

Cost:

£ 90 Support us

£ 40 Standard

£ 20 Solidarity

MNPC offers face-to-face programs on a 'not-for-profit' basis.

Many dedicated people give countless hours to make this all possible. We factor in costs including website, social media & marketing, IT, insurance, books & materials, presenters' fees, venue hire (for offline retreats) and admin costs for the eight people on our management team.

We can assure you that the income for each online retreat is well spent and managed. 

We appreciate your support.

William Fley,

Director