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Friday 18 July 2025
  • Embracing Impermanence - A Raku Workshop

    Teacher: Sharon Paterson and Bernard Chatikobo
    Cost: 2 or 5 days accommodation + R300 surcharge
    Dates:

    sharon patersonbernard charikoboJoin Sharon for a unique and meditative ceramics/pottery workshop, where we will explore the ancient art of Raku, a traditional Japanese technique which celebrates the beauty of imperfection and impermanence.

    In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the basics of Raku, from preparing and shaping the clay to glazing and firing, embracing the unpredictability of the firing process and the beauty of imperfection. Included will be an organic saggar firing where articipants will be shaping and burnishing their pots. These will be fired in a drum surrounded by organic materials. As these combustible materials burn, they produce a reduction atmosphere within the saggar which reacts with the clay. This method results in unique, subtle, unpredictable results. These are one of a kind pieces that showcase the beauty of chance and unpredictability in the firing process.

    Through this creative journey, we will cultivate mindfulness - letting go of expectation, and embracing the present moment. No prior ceramics experience is necessary – just an open heart and mind. We look forward to sharing this transformative experience with you

    Bernard Chatikobo will be offering forest walks and introducing 'forest bathing' with traditional Mbira music for healing and harmony. 

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    Sharon Paterson is a potter and stained glass artist. Currently, she teaches pottery at her studio in Ballito and has a retail shop in Salt Rock. The sea and life style influence her style of pottery. She produced a lot of wild life pottery and dinnerware  while living in Mpumalanga for thirty-four years. Recently, she and a friend collaborated online and started a website called Curiosity. Their slogan is “Ceramics for Change” and their ambition is to empower local artists and give them a place to work and platform from which to sell their art. 

    Bernard Chatikobo is a part-time ranger in the Hawaan Forest in Durban where he takes people on guided walks, introducing 'forest bathing' and traditional Mbira music for healing and harmony. His passion is trees and birds. He will be leading the walks over this retreat where one can immerse oneself in nature and find inner serenity.

  • From Seeking to Seeing - The Heart Of Meditation

    Teacher: Dave Gardner
    Cost: 2 days accommodatuion + R450 surchrge
    Dates:

    dave gardner 2022In this retreat, participants can expect to be guided gently through the process of becoming mindful through meditation and movement. David will lead sitting meditation as well as walking and moving meditation in the inspiring and nourishing sanctuary of the BRC. He will also facilitate intentional open discussions around the fire to stoke the wholesome sparks of enquiry and deep listening. Whether you are a beginner or committed practitioner, this process will empower you to cultivate presence, clarity, adaptability, creativity and patience. The retreat will be held in an atmosphere of noble silence and introspection.

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    David Gardner has been teaching for 13 years and studied meditation, yoga, martial arts, movement, acrobatics and dance with some remarkable teachers across the world. He formed 'Original Condition' - a practice for people to remember the heart of life. He is a preceptee at Poplar Grove and has been practising with Antony and Margie Osler within the Zen tradition. Dave has also been inspired by Joseph Goldstein, Bhikkhu Anālayo, Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach.