Kirtan
2019-10-22 19:30 - 21:00, 2019-08-13 19:00 - 20:30, 2019-07-09 19:00 - 20:30 (Europe/London)
Accompanied by harmonium and guitar, we will sing Indian devotional chants based on simple mantras. These are like beautiful forms of prayer in which we invoke the qualities that are expressed in Indian deities like Shiva, Krishna, Durga, Saraswati and Ganesha, qualities that are all present within us as well and that can be brought to our awareness and celebrated singing together. No prior experience is necessary. Arrive a little earlier if you like for a cup of tea and some time to connect before we begin.
With Leo and Sundara Sofer

SOLD OUT - Down to Earth - Movie screening followed by discussion
2019-10-18 19:00 - 21:30
SOLD OUT!
Leaving the rat race behind, a family of five embarks on the journey of a lifetime. They travel the ends of the earth searching for a new perspective on life. During five years on six continents they seek out tribal sages never filmed or interviewed before. DOWN to EARTH reveals the deep wisdom they found and its power to transform lives.
This film is the starting point for a people-powered change, based on the wisdom of the Keepers of the Earth.
DOWN to EARTH is a mirror to humanity, a poignant and timely reflection on our civilized world. The movie invites us to see the world through the eyes of the Keepers of the Earth. It takes us on an inner journey, connecting us with the source and the mutual path we are walking. DOWN to EARTH is both a wake up call as a resurgence of hope for our world to come.
The movie will be followed by a discussion on how we can put bring some of these inspirations alive in our own lives.

The Path Of Self-Love, with Belinda Bluebell
2019-10-10 19:30 - 21:00
Come with me on a journey to discover a way to connect to your self-love. This evening will include some poetry and a guided bee meditation. I will share some of my own journey from my path of Bee Shamanism, and how I have combined some of my healing practices from that path with my own intuitive bodywork. There will be a humming meditation to start, and a bee meditation to end the evening. – Belinda Bluebell

The Bright Path Ishayas' Ascension Weekend Course
2019-10-04 19:00 - 2019-10-06 17:00 | The Dragon Sanctuary, 34 Bossell Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DD, United Kingdom
Ascension is a simple and gentle meditation practice that helps you go beyond the limitations of your mind. There you will find an inexhaustible source of peace, love and joy that can change how you experience your life.
A regular practice of ascension can relieve stress, deepen sleep, improve performance and help you see your life from a larger perspective, allowing you to connect to more meaning, purpose and fulfillment.
Do get in touch if you have any queries, we’re happy to speak more about this practice, in person or over the phone. Sundara’s details are below.
Here is more information about the course. For more detailed information see The Bright Path website: www.thebrightpath.com.
During ‘The First Sphere’ you will learn four techniques called Ascension Attitudes, which are based on Praise, Gratitude and Love. They are effortless to use, yet powerful to practice. Like the thousands of people who have already learned, we are sure you will find The First Sphere course to be simple, relaxing and fun.
The First Sphere courses generally happen over a weekend; from a Friday evening to a Sunday afternoon. By the end of the course you will have everything you need for a self-sufficient practice that will enhance all areas of your life. As an added bonus, once you have completed The First Sphere course, you are welcome, and encouraged, to repeat it as often as you wish, for FREE!
This venue is fully wheelchair accessible.

BENEFIT EVENT FOR “THE SEED”
2019-09-28 17:30 - 21:00
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT RAW FOOD PLUS LIVE WORLD MUSIC
Raw Food Extravaganza
by CATE BARLEMOOR
& ROB FITZGERALD
Music from
ROB CARNEY
LEWIS RILEY
CHINMAYA DUNSTER
CHRIS GLASSFIELD
And FRIENDS
TICKETS ONLY AVAILABLE IN ADVANCE
FROM THE SEED, BUCKFASTLEIGH Tel 01364 644699
FOOD& MUSIC:
ADULTS £15
6-15 years £5
MUSIC ONLY £7.50

Kirtan
2019-09-24 19:30 - 21:00
NOTE LATER START-TIME! (7.30pm not 7pm as previously)
Accompanied by harmonium and guitar, we will sing Indian devotional chants based on simple mantras.
No prior experience is necessary.
With Sundara and Leo Sofer.

Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement
2019-09-24 17:30 - 18:45
Somatic movement lessons help re-educate poor postural and movement habits from the inside out. They help develop body awareness too, and improve balance, and co-ordination. Come and join if you are comfy working laying on the floor, are not in any persistent chronic pain, and can get up/down easily. A unique and practical way to help you do the things you want to in life, Feldenkrais is an educational method focusing on learning and movement, and is named after it’s originator who was an engineer and physicist as well as Europe’s first ever judo black belt. Booking is essential.

A Guide to the Night Skies of Autumn
2019-09-21 20:00 - 22:00
Explore the wonders of the night sky with us and discover some of the astronomical highlights you can enjoy over the coming months.

About this Event

Our Guide to the Night Skies of Autumn will give you all the info you need to get stargazing. Discover the planets and constellations you’ll be able see, the meteor showers that will be lighting up our skies, and the wondrous galaxies and nebulae you can spot. Feel free to ask us lots of questions too!
If you don’t own a telescope of your own, don’t worry. We’ll cover a range of things including objects to see with the naked eye and binoculars.
Get Stargazing
Assuming the clouds are behaving themselves, we’ll lead you to Victoria Park where you can use our telescopes and binoculars to see some of these amazing sights for yourselves.
Talk with us about our future work
We’re developing new projects and want to know what we can do to benefit Buckfastleigh and the wider community.

Introduction to Ascension Meditation
2019-09-19 18:00 - 19:30
A free talk with Valmiki and Sundara
Ascension requires no belief and is not a religion, but it is a beautiful, effective and simple practice that can reconnect us with the peace and stillness within.
All of us want more peace, harmony, happiness, fulfillment, joy, purpose, love and understanding. The problem is that we tend to look for these things outside of ourselves. This search leaves us with a sense that we are never doing enough, never reaching fulfilment. But when we recognise that these qualities reside inside, we can more effectively direct our efforts there. A regular meditation practice has been proven to improve health, relationships, effectiveness at work, and to reduce stress. It’s one of the most efficient investments of your time you can make.

Animal HQ
2019-08-01 13:45 - 15:15
Come along to this amazing animal event where the chidren can hold and interact with a variety of different insects and animals. There are the cute and cuddly ones such as the rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchilla’s degus and not forgetting Teddy the dog! Or you can hold a snake, spider, stick insect or lizard.
The event will be free but will require a ticket booked in advance. Each ticket will permit one child and an accompanying adult. Tickets can be booked through the library as part of the summer activities. There will be four , twenty minute sittings. The first will be at 1.45pm for twenty minutes followed by subsequent sittings at 2.15pm, 2.45pm and 3.15pm. Come and have fun with the animals but book early to avoid disappointment.

Kirtan
2019-06-11 19:00 - 20:30 | The Dragon Sanctuary, 34 Bossell Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DD, United Kingdom
Accompanied by harmonium and guitar, we will sing Indian devotional chants based on simple mantras.
No prior experience is necessary.
With Sundara and Leo Sofer.

TRE (Trauma & Tension Release Exercises) FREE workshop for Community Carers
2019-06-03 19:00 - 21:00
In this workshop you will experience how to safely reduce the stress, tension and trauma held within the body.
This workshop is being offered to the community FREE with full Lottery Funding subsidy. Aimed at people with caring responsibilities (parents, carers, community workers and more).
Spaces limited to up to 8 people.
What is TRE?
TRE uses seven exercises to release tension held in the muscles, connective tissue and to regain the adaptable responses of the body. We will focus on the psoas muscle, a large, deep and not easy to access muscle in the body, which plays a part in our trauma response to physical, emotional, and mental stresses encountered in life. We have all experienced stressors that create a trauma response, in many forms, and we can learn how to release these slowly, gradually and safely to regain balance and experience more peace in our bodies and minds.
How does TRE work?
The exercises are simple and gentle stretches, easy to learn. We stretch different muscle groups especially in the lower body to tire them in order to induce a natural muscular tremor or shaking process.
What can you expect in your TRE session?
We engage in stretches and breathing which connect to rest and to move the body safely, within your own comfort zone. We end the session with up to 15 minutes of alternating tremoring and resting. Typically people experience shaking in their first session – in lower parts of the body such as legs, thighs, hips up to the abdomen.
With regular practice of TRE people may find the muscles and connective tissue of the whole body releases constrictions, slowly and gradually, from head to toes, including areas where one has experiences past injuries. Experiences are mostly physical, but may also release an emotional, mental, or energetic component.
What are the benefits of TRE?
Many find the benefits from the first session, to include:

Better sleep/rest/relaxation
Less stress/anxiety
More peace/resilience/wellness
Less aches/pains in body
Better awareness of the body
Increased ability to self-care and self-regulate

Not recommended for people who are:

Pregnant
Epileptic
Untreated high blood pressure
Surgery/injury recently
Acute untreated trauma with no other support networks. In these cases 1-1 support is necessary to continue the work of resourcing outside of and in between TRE workshops.

Sunday Singing Sanctuary
2019-06-02 19:00 - 20:30 | The Dragon Sanctuary, 34 Bossell Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DD, United Kingdom
A monthly community singing event, with different teachers each month. Come and sing heart-felt songs from sacred traditions around the world. With Emily Roblyn.
£7 (£5 concessions)

TRE (Trauma & Tension Release Exercises) FREE workshop for Community Carers
2019-05-30 19:00 - 21:00
In this workshop you will learn how to safely reduce stress, tension and trauma held within the body.
This workshop is being offered to the community FREE with full Lottery Funding subsidy. Aimed at people with caring responsibilities (parents, carers, community workers and more).
Spaces limited to up to 8 people.
What is TRE?
TRE uses seven exercises to release tension held in the muscles, connective tissue and to regain the adaptable responses of the body. We focus on the psoas muscle, a large, deep and not easy to access muscle in the body, which plays a part in our trauma response to physical, emotional, and mental stresses encountered in life.
We have all experienced stressors that create a trauma response, in many forms, and we can learn how to release these slowly, gradually and safely to regain balance and experience more peace in our bodies and minds.
How does TRE work?
The exercises are simple and gentle stretches, easy to learn. We stretch different muscle groups especially in the lower body to tire them and to induce a natural muscular tremor or shaking process.
What can you expect in your TRE session?
We engage in stretches and breathing which connect you to rest and move your body safely, within your own comfort zone. We end the session with up to 15 minutes of alternating tremoring and resting. Typically people experience shaking in their first session – in lower parts of the body such as legs, thighs, hips up to the abdomen.
With regular practice of TRE people may find the muscles and connective tissue of the whole body releases constrictions, slowly and gradually, from toes to head, including areas where one has experiences past injuries. Experiences are mostly physical, but may also release an emotional, mental, or energetic component.
What are the benefits of TRE?
Many find the benefits from the first session, to include:

Better sleep/rest/relaxation
Less stress/anxiety
More peace/resilience
Less aches/pains in body
Better awareness of body/better capacity to care for body.
Increased ability to self-care and self-regulate.

Not recommended for people who are:

Pregnant
Epileptic
Untreated high blood pressure
Surgery/injury recently.
Acute high level of trauma with no support networks, as additional 1-1 or ongoing group support and resourcing is important for this level of healing process.

Sho Moskowitz is a qualified and insured TRE provider, with 20 years experience in leading groups and individuals. Founder of www.karunadetox.com the first UK detox retreat, leading mind-body wellness retreats since year 2000.

Kirtan
2019-05-28 19:00 - 20:30 | The Dragon Sanctuary, 34 Bossell Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DD, United Kingdom
Accompanied by harmonium and guitar, we will sing Indian devotional chants based on simple mantras. No prior experience is necessary. With Leo and Sundara Sofer.

Free baby massage classes
2019-05-10 13:30 - 15:00
Come and learn how to massage your baby in this warm and supportive class with Mary Beattie, trainer and instructor with the international association of Infant Massage (www.iaim.net) (babyandchildmassage.co.uk).
May help
Sleep
Bonding
Colic

Meet other parents.

Babies can be newborn to 12 months old

Contact Mary to book a free place or to ask a question, and of course there will be tea and biscuits.
Note you can leave early to collect children from school if you need to.

Sunday Singing Sanctuary
2019-05-05 19:00 - 20:30
A monthly community singing event, with different teachers each month. Come and sing heart-felt songs from sacred traditions around the world. With Eliza Kenyon

1 Day Guitar Workshop for Absolute Beginners (or those who've tried before)
2019-05-04 12:00 - 17:00
Does this sound like you?…

You’ve tried guitar before but quit?
You struggle with chords?
You’ve always wanted to learn but believe you’re not musical
Or…you’re an absolute beginner and want to get started the right way?

I’ve been teaching guitar to adult beginners for over 20 years. Over that time I developed a method (The Easiest Guitar Method) specifically designed for adults who struggle or have never picked up the instrument but always wanted to.
My basic premise is that all humans are musical (I can even prove this!) and have the right to express themselves musically.

In this one day workshop I will show you:

the absolute beginner guitar basics you need to get started
how to play at least 3 easy, great sounding pieces of music that you’ll be able to play from memory
building blocks towards playing several chords (and overcome any difficulties with them)
how to read basic guitar music (tablature) and chord diagrams
how learning a few simple notes will allow you to jam with others

Looking forward to seeing you!

Note: please be aware that spaces are limited so please book ahead via email or phone: mick@easiestguitar.com

07402 707 056

Best wishes

Mick Young

Nice things people say about the method:
Mick’s teaching style is so nice and thorough. It really takes the frustration out of it when he explains each tiny step. The songs are so good!
Kate McMahon Aged 37, Australia

“It’s the 1st time I actually feel like I’m playing something. Thank you.”
John SeaverAged 61, Australia

“Your course rekindled my enthusiasm after hitting that “no progress” point. I’ve improved more in the last 3 weeks using your system than the previous 9 months when I first started. Thanks Mick”.
Mike Avenell, aged 70, UK

How to speak Dog - Cancelled
2019-04-30 19:30 - 21:30
Sorry, this talk has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
This is a talk about how I understand and work with dogs and people. I don’t train dogs, I train people – to understand and communicate with dogs.
My work comes out of a lifetime of living with and loving dogs, 15 years of experience helping people with their dogs, and a great interest in dog psychology and behaviour.
If we understand our dog’s needs and how dogs communicate, we can offer clear leadership and the right environment for a healthy happy pack of humans and dogs.
My journey to help people understand and communicate with dogs has also been enriched by training in human psychology and communication, and in horse psychology, behaviour and horse whispering.
The work has been inspired by dog whisperer Cesar Milan, and horse whisperer Monty Roberts, and developed alongside my own knowledge and experience.

An Introduction to Ascension
2019-04-26 19:00 - 20:30 | The Dragon Sanctuary, 34 Bossell Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DD, United Kingdom
Leo Sofer (Valmiki) will be sharing about his journey as a spiritual seeker from the age of 16.
“After many years of development through nonviolent communication and intuitive storytelling, I found ascension, a practice rooted in the Vedic wisdom of ancient India, but presented in a contemporary form that makes it more accessible to westerners.
I’ve learned that our minds are the principle limiting factor in our experience of life. As we become more aware of our thinking process and start to see it as just one small corner of our total experience of life, we can start to experience a fuller and richer tapestry of life. Learning that we are less “in control” of our lives than we thought is actually a very liberating thing!
This will be an informal talk in which I’ll share some of my own journey, and the limitations that even being “emotionally aware” and “intuitive” can have. I’ll then talk about ascension and how it has given me the “gold” I was looking for all my life: an intimate sense of life, love and meaning that continues to expand! I’ll also talk about how ascension works, what the experience of ascending is like, and how you can learn it.
I’ll be teaching a weekend introduction to ascension in Jellyfish on 26-28th April. See here for more details.”

Easter story crowns and songs
2019-04-22 12:00 - 16:00
Create an extraordinary crown to wear that tells as circular story as you follow it around. Or a different story each time you start again in a new place. While we work we will sing together, and at the end of the day, weather permitting, go for a little walk and perhaps process around the park with our crowns and songs.
Soundart Radio will be recording your stories for broadcast.
This is a free, drop in event for all ages. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Older children can attend by themselves, so long as a parent brings them along and completes a short form with contact details and permission.

Taize Singing
2019-04-21 19:00 - 20:30
We’ll sing the simple and beautiful songs from Taizé, a Christian monastery in France. With Leo and Sundara Sofer who led Taizé singing in the Findhorn community.

A Guide to the Night Skies of Summer
2019-04-20 20:00 - 22:00
Explore the wonders of the night sky with us and discover some of the astronomical highlights you can enjoy over the coming months.
Our Guide to the Night Skies of Summer will give you all the info you need to get stargazing. Discover the planets and constellations you’ll be able see, the meteor showers that will be hitting our skies, and the wondrous galaxies and nebulae you can spot. Feel free to ask us lots of questions too!
If you don’t own a telescope of your own, don’t worry. We’ll cover a range of things including objects to see with the naked eye and binoculars.
Get Stargazing
Assuming the clouds are behaving themselves, we’ll lead you to Victoria Park where you can use our telescopes and binoculars to see some of these amazing sights for yourselves.

Saga Grünwald - author, druid, photographer - an evening with Dartmoor stories, poems, images
2019-04-19 19:00 - 21:00
Saga Grünwald, author, druid and photographer from Germany will be reading from her new book LIMINAL REALMS, and other works.
Saga promotes and facilitates our connection with nature and our heritage through images and language. From her bio: “She strives to live in harmony with the earth, sea and sky, .. to protect nature and to spread peace…. to respect all beings and to meet all living things with love”.
I first met Saga last year, when she and her little dog Goldi were staying as my AirBnB guests. Saga immersed herself in the elements, woods, Tors, wind and weather of Dartmoor with its stories and myths to work on a new book. Her work sucks me right into nature with all its qualities of nurture, eternity, mortality, transience …. I was determined to bring Saga back to help her share the finished book, and here she is!
Tickets are £8 on the door. Tickets can now no longer be booked online.
Wikipedia definition ‘liminality‘: In anthropology, liminality is the quality of ambiguity or disorientation that occurs in the middle stage of a rite of passage, when participants no longer hold their pre-ritual status but have not yet begun the transition to the status they will hold when the rite is complete.

Exhibition and Performance
2019-04-19 12:00 - 16:00
Throughout the week we have been creating books, puppets, stories and artworks. On Friday we can come together to show what we have made, with an informal exhibition and some short fun performances. All welcome to visit and see the work created.
This free, drop in event for all ages is part of the Bonding over Books in Buckfastleigh, lottery funded project.
Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Older children can attend by themselves, so long as a parent brings them along and completes a short form with contact details and permission.

Shadow Puppets
2019-04-18 12:00 - 16:00
Join Clockwork Moth to create shadow puppets for your own stories, and come back on Friday to showcase your work. This is a free, drop in event for all ages.
Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Older children can attend by themselves, so long as a parent brings them along and completes a short form with contact details and permission.

Comic art drop in afternoon
2019-04-17 12:30 - 16:00 | The Dragon Sanctuary, 34 Bossell Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DD, United Kingdom
‘Bonding over Books in Buckfastleigh’ is a Big Lottery funded project that invites everyone to share experiences, learn skills and come together around a love of books and stories. Together with Gnash Comics, we invite you to explore the creative world of comics and graphic novels at free events for all Buckfastleigh residents.
Comic art workshop

Join illustrator Keith Sparrow for a drop in workshop for all ages. Keith is illustrator who will help us to reimagine Buckfastleigh with drama and fantasy, whilst learning techniques for drawing comic and manga characters.

Kirtan
2019-04-16 19:00 - 20:30
