Aniccaloka Again

Aniccaloka - Solitary retreat hut Norfolk

I off to the wilderness again. It had such an impact last year that I cannot resist 

going again. Here is what I wrote last year... I ll see you on the other side : )

The beginning of 2011 was intense for me because my classes at the farm were booming and I was still working at Brighton Uni.  I had been reading several books by John Lane http://www.resurgence.org/shop/books and was ready to make a change of life style.  I was desperate to be more local and connect with my community.... commuting makes you so detached.  Between working and travelling hard and having lots of exciting (and scary) new decisions becoming reality I felt desperate for some time alone.

In the past I have felt guilty or embarrassed about needing time alone.... it seems to be some people's worse scenario.  You must not think I am anti social because I love people and the dynamics of groups and the power of friendships, it s just I am a better person when I have had a good quiet spell with myself : )

I found a postcard adverting Going On Retreat in Brighton Buddhist Center after doing yoga one evening.

http://www.goingonretreat.com
Before I had given it too much thought I was booked in.  The thing I found the hardest was explaining to my lovely partner that I wanted to be on my own for a week.  I was concerned this would hurt his feelings and I am not sure if I would be so understanding....? Anyway, I think he enjoyed the peace : )  So, I arrived after a very long drive - and the people were lovely and the place felt comfortable instantly.  It was basic, but very similar to a narrow boat so not such a big contrast for me. 

I stocked up on fresh fruit and veg determined that I would have a detox whilst I was there . The last month or so I had been relying heavily on coffee in the mornings and I was feeling pretty manky!  I spent lots of time preparing beautiful but simple meals. 

 I slept and ate and walked a little.  I never saw a soul.

I sat and I watched, and I read John Lane's Spirit of Silence. I forgot about everything that I normally worry about surprisingly quickly.

I did have my phone with me, switched off and I knew if I turned it on it would be a Pandora's box to the life I had left behind and I had no desire to spoil the magic.

I felt so at peace.  After a few days of rest I felt much healthier and did some yoga and meditation which is so much easier when you aren't constantly watching the clock and thinking of what you have to do next.  In fact I only checked the time around 5 times in six days.... I woke when I woke and I ate when I ate.  Quickly, meditation sessions were lasting for 40 ish minuets and I made huge progress with it - sadly that has been completely lost five months later.  However, it has given me a desire to reach that level of peace and calm again.

Doris and Elvis

I spent a lot of time watching the swans and often sat so still butterflies landed on me!

One of the most nourishing things was feeling so close to nature and I have to say having a solar shower outside was utterly liberating - I just laughed all the way through it! : )

My plan is go back and do this again next year, I would recommend it to anyone... you can go for shorter periods but I could have comfortably done a couple more days .. 

Next time I would get the train, they are happy to pick you up from the station and take you to get your supplies.  When I first planned it I felt the need to have the independence of my own transport but quickly realized there was no need to feel this way .... that is exactly the kind of sceptic thinking we need to ditch.

V22 Communal Ceramics Studio: Stage 2

I am settling in to the new space, it is amazing to have so much room and so much potential!

Somethings are going very well, I have a new permanent member Katie and a few other people join us temporarily to work on projects.

The lunches are gorgeous at PLV22 the cafe, run by Power Lunches 

in Hackney and it s all healthy and so reasonably priced.

View from the roof terrace of V22 Bermondsey

I am trying hard to keep some balance through this project. 

This means proper lunch breaks and also provision for my own practice.

My lovely new beach hut studio.

It feels so good to have a proper space to work and think in : )

All the gear from the farm needs a good sort out.... I am working on it!

I have been working on several community projects this summer so progress is
slow but I will be full time in this space from September so it will have my full focus.

We have lots of good stuff penciled in. We are going to run more weekend courses. 

Naturally there will be ceramics and pottery but also we will have 

Pewter Jewelry and Mosaic making in the first term.

Katie's space.

The kiln area is the bit that is giving me nightmares!

The electrics has doubled as a job from when we started...
I wont bore you with the details but as
 you can imagine  it s draining the bank!
 But we will get there ; )

Lovely Melissa popped in to decorate a few prezzies she had made,
it felt good to have company.

One of the main attractions for me with this space was the 'group feel' ...
I am craving a creative hub like our Uni days .

The cafe is nice for chilling and it has wifi.

Did I mention the lunches?

to be continued.......

Young Farmers Sculpture Project Part 2

Another fantastic session with the Young farmers at

Surrey Docks Farm : )

We started with a good chat about all the ideas we had worked on and

 brought them together into one big exciting plan. 

We are making a mythical beast that breaths fire and can be used as a bench to relax and enjoy the Farm's stunning view of the Thames and Canary Wharf. 

The girls got stuck into the wings!

The results were perfect!
We plan to stain them with oxides to make them look like stone.

The boys took care of the gigantic jaws!

It was interesting dealing with scaling (lol!) up.
So far they have only made hand size objects with me. 

After a second or two of overwhelm they both plowed into the task and pulled it of confidently!

Billy did the tail

He was pleased with it : )

So many parts to this beast! 

Scales were added...

...using a bit of plastic to make and indent and patiently repeating it.

Scarlet worked hard rolling out

and her and Emily made some scales!

Scarlet kept on working while in dawned on Emily exactly how many more we are
 going to need!!

 To be continued.....