Heart Circle, Absent Fathers Weekend Retreat

 

Heart Circle

Absent Fathers Legacy - professional development

Weekend Retreat

Horsham, West Sussex, 

Date: 4th March - 7th March 2021

Here is one description of forgiveness; "A psychological work in the continuation of the labour of mourning, with the power to safeguard the gains of a successful mourning process. It is minimally defensive, developmentally progressive and unconsciously motivated (Siassi, 2007).

This weekend is for adults wishing to explore the loss or absence of a father in their lives. It will consist of presentations, mindfulness, discussions, group work and a closing ritual. There will be time to reflect and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of West Sussex. 

In the UK nearly 1 million children are growing up without any meaningful contact with their fathers, and the number of single-parent families has rapidly increased over the past 30 years by nearly 30%. We cannot underestimate the impact and scars of growing up fatherless - how this contributes to both the shaping landscape of identity and leads to further transmission within family systems. Statistics show that fatherless children are more likely to be raised in poverty, drop out of school, develop addiction problems, be incarcerated, commit suicide, and show violent behaviour. Much of the discourse demonstrates a public health issue and epidemic. 

Benefits and Learning Outcomes 

1. During the course of the day, we will learn about the four stages of the forgiveness model by Robert Enright. This is a generic model that has been empirically validated by the American Psychological Association which deals with uncovering anger, resentment and revenge. The four stages have been specially adapted to address the issue of absent fathers.

2. The definitions and benefits of forgiveness; and understanding what forgiveness is and what it is not within the therapeutic setting.

3. The effects of absent fathers and their impact on men and masculinity. 

4. Enjoy silence time for reflection 

5, Toolkit, group discussions and processing, gain a deeper understanding of your process and misconceptions about forgiveness.

6. Forgiveness is a complex and often misunderstood tool which none the less can be very transformative. During this workshop, we will work through the neuroscience, medical research and validity of forgiveness as a therapeutic model. 

7. The effects of absent fathers and their impact on women and femininity. 

8. We will invite you into a transmission of forgiveness in three directions, and we will end the day with a dedication libation ceremony. 

9. Creating community, group discussion and processing. 

Hosted by: 

William Fley 

Director, Psychotherapist (MA, PG.Dip, MBACP Accredited, BSSP) 

William Fley is a mindfulness teacher and integrative psychotherapist. He has developed the 'Empowerment Retreat Weekends' & MNPC International online. William has an MA from Birkbeck College, where his dissertation researched 'Higher Education and the Equality Act 2010'. He has also taught mindfulness at the Universities of Brighton and London. 

William specialises in adversity and supporting adults needing to work through the legacy of absent fathers. He is currently on a UK tour providing training for mental health practitioners through workshops and retreats on 'Absent Fathers and the Forgiveness Model'. Working within community organisations and marginalised communities, William aims to bring awareness through mindfulness-based interventions for resilience, self-care and cross-cultural dialogue. He continues to pursue his passion for eliminating the cultural and other barriers to accessing mindfulness by encouraging cultural awareness and responsiveness.

William is qualified as an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist from Roehampton University. He initially worked in the NHS treating bereavement, trauma and working with victims of crime; and now runs a private practice in the South Downs. He is currently undertaking clinical research into the legacy of 'absent fathers' and running professional development courses on this subject.

About Horsham

Horsham itself is a mixture of the old and the new, with historic streets being wrapped around the large but slightly unglamorous Swan Walk shopping centre in the heart of the town. However, Horsham shopping has a perfect mix of retailers large and small and is a pleasant place to shop.

Just a few yards away from the shops, The Causeway is one of the most elegant streets in Sussex, with a lovely mixture of old buildings, mature trees and the great Horsham Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin and the peaceful Memorial Garden at the Causeway's southern end. The Causeway even has a ghost. One of the Causeway's best buildings houses the Horsham Museum, which is terrific - and free. However, you can donate if you want to.

The weekly markets uphold Horsham tradition at Market Square and Carfax on Saturdays and the Bishopric on Thursdays. Horsham Park is a lovely park of around 60 acres right in the middle of Horsham, based in the grounds of the grand old Park House.

Micklepage

A unique rural retreat set in the peaceful Sussex countryside

A beautiful historic farmhouse and barn with a barn chapel set in its grounds with cosy rooms, fireplace and space for 12 people.

https://www.micklepage.org.uk/

What is the duration of the retreat?

Check-in is from 4 pm on Thursday the 4th and checkout is Sunday 7th March, ater 3pm.

Other accommodation options

For people wanting single rooms or prefer to stay off-site, there are local B&Bs and hotels. Booking is your responsibility. Retreat 

attendance will be on a 'non-residential pass' basis. 

Dietary requirements

Please inform our retreat coordinator Timeverton1@aol.com.

If you have any specific dietary requirements at least one month in advance of checking in, we will do our best to meet your needs.

Teas, coffee, fresh filtered water and biscuits will be available throughout the weekend. 

Disabled access

Please contact the retreat coordinator.

What to bring

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing, as we will be sitting for periods as well as participating in gentle movement/stretching. Some yoga mats and blankets will be available, but feel free to bring your own if you wish.

Daily schedule 

A detailed schedule will be available on the website in advance of the retreat, together with maps and any joining instructions. Included will be presentations, group discussions, mindful movement, sound bath, yoga, walks, silent periods.

Booking and refund policy 

We require full payment at the time of the booking. If subsequently, you are unable to attend, we will sell your space if there is a waiting list and refund you in full. Otherwise, we regret that refunds are not available. Booking is through the website (www.mnpc.co.uk) or the events coordinator. 

What to expect 

1. All meals are included 

2. Accommodation is for nine guests in doubles or single rooms. 

3. There is a small number of ground floor single rooms for those with disability/access/medical issues. 

4. The retreat will include presentations, group discussions, mindful movement, sound bath, walks and silent periods. A detailed schedule will be published in advance of the retreat.

How do I get to the venue?

The address is:

Micklepage Farmhouse and Barn

Nuthurst Road

Nuthurst

Horsham

West Sussex

RH13 6RGT

The venue is accessible by train from London (80 minutes from Waterloo) or via Southampton (1 hour). Thirty minutes from Gatwick airport. 

Electronic devices

Please check in your device(s) at check-in, or have them off during the retreat to ensure that you participate fully during the weekend. 

Do I need to be an experienced meditator to attend the weekend?

This event is suitable for mediation students and practitioners of all levels.

Is the weekend aimed at people of colour?

The weekend will be fully-inclusive, but we understand the need to provide spaces of healing for people of colour; and will, therefore, give sub-groups to deal with issues concerning racism, oppression and discrimination. 

Other Retreats that you may be interested in

The Meditation Circle and MNPC run several other events throughout the year, which include:

'

- Forest Bathing weekends in the New Forest'; and

- LGBT' weekend retreat 

For more details, please see:  

www.meditationcircle.co.uk 

www.mnpc.co.uk

Cost: 

     

         £450 Standard rate 

        

What to bring 

Please bring appropriate clothing for forest walks, including boots, umbrella and waterproof coat.

Payment 

Payment plans. A deposit of 50% of the total cost is required at the time of booking. 

The balance is payable 60 days before the start of the retreat unless otherwise agreed. 

Please send us an email if you wish to proceed with an agreed payment plan. 

Please either make cheques payable to 'Meditation Circle' and send to the address below. 

OR

Pay by PayPal through our website – www.mnpc.co.uk.

Terms and conditions

Please note we will make every effort to provide all elements of the event as advertised. But the Meditation Circle will not be liable if an aspect of an event is not available due to circumstances beyond our control, such as terrible weather. Meditation Circle will make all reasonable efforts to provide an alternative. 

Cancellation 

If you cancel more than 60 days before the start of the event you will receive a refund of your deposit less an administration fee of £50. For cancellations of less than 60 days, there will be a refund of 50% of the event cost. For cancellations within 30 days of the event date, the full fee is payable. 

In the unlikely event that a retreat does not run, a full refund will be made.