Mirroring Training: The Art of Story Telling and Listening ~ Gooram, Victoria, Australia

Telling your story is an ancient art. These days, we have mostly forgotten how to listen and how to tell our own story, yet our very survival depends on our ability to communicate by telling and listening to stories. If we cannot tell our story with passion, our life is mute. If we cannot listen like a mirror, we cannot reflect back the wholeness of the story teller.

In this program, you will learn to listen and tell from the four shields -- the body, soul, mind, and spirit. You will see that human nature is not separate from the cycles and seasons of the natural world and that there is a synchronistic dance between us and nature.

In the old days, stories came from the land itself. We will practice this ancient art by going intentionally onto the land alone. This intentional practice, and the deep listening that follows, naturally leads us to the wisdom to go beyond ourselves. Those of us who work with people must know how to listen and respond to the stories our people and the natural world tell. This way of mirroring can support us all to create a life that is deeper, richer, and that benefits our community and the earth. 

During this week you will experience deep connection to the land and find your own unique way in the art of listening and mirroring.  This is a powerful individual and collective experience that will deeply and positively affect your soul and the work you bring to the world!

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land in which this guide training will be held is land of the Taungurung people. We acknowledge the traditional elders past, present and emerging.

LOGISTICS:

We will meet together in Gooram, on beautiful private land, surrounded with abundant waterways and spectacular wildlife. County will become our greatest teacher and mirror. Each day we will balance time with teachings, gathering for storytelling & mirroring, and solitary time with country. 

LOCATION/ ACCOMIDATIONS:

Gooram is located 2 hours North of Melbourne. We will be camping together on the land. Please bring your own gear and food for the program and be prepared to be self-sufficient. A basic kitchen will be available for your use. An equiptment list and more information will be sent once you register for the program.

Deposit:

$300 US to reserve space (Deposit is part of tuition)

Pay your deposit here.

Tuition:

$900-$2500 US sliding scale (Concession Rate: $700 US)

BIPOC Access Fund- Funding is available to support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to join this training.

ENROLLMENT & QUESTIONS: Contact Roo at ruthwharton@yahoo.com

GUIDES: Roo Wharton & Pedro McMillan

This training is taught by “Roo” Ruth Wharton and Pedro McMillan who bring with them decades of guiding and training experience through the School of Lost Borders, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reintroducing Rites of Passage around the world for more than 40 years. Roo and Pedro are also the founders of Wild Mountain Retreats.