[vc_row section_mode=”fluid” bgmode=”customimagebg” image=”2483″ bgposition=”center center” bgattachment=”fixed” section_overlay=”yes_overlay” padding=”custom-padding” padding_top_value=”170″ padding_bottom_value=”170″ sectionoverlayopacity=”0.40″ video_opacity_overlay=”0.70″ sectionoveralycolor=”rgba(255,255,255,0.35)”][vc_column][az_special_heading heading_align=”textaligncenter” animation_loading=”yes” animation_loading_effects=”move_up” content_heading=”Residential Summer Retreats”][az_special_heading heading_type=”3″ heading_align=”textaligncenter” animation_loading=”yes” animation_loading_effects=”move_up” content_heading=”Charney Manor (Oxfordshire)”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding=”small-padding” sectionoverlayopacity=”0.70″ video_opacity_overlay=”0.70″][vc_column][az_special_heading heading_type=”3″ content_heading=”Approaching New Paradigms”][az_special_heading heading_type=”4″ content_heading=”By Francesca Hector”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][az_column_text]The fourth Alef Trust residential retreat from the 26^th – 30th August 2017 was attended by alumni, students and faculty of the Master’s in Professional Development: Consciousness, Spirituality and Transpersonal Psychology, who ventured to explore the theme of “New paradigms in psychology and spiritual practice”.

A circular oil lamp sits on a triangular base as the group gathers in the Solar Room of Quaker retreat centre Charney Manor in rural Oxfordshire. It is late summer and the sunshine streams in through the windows. Names, faces and voices of colleagues and faculty leap beyond the online infrastructure of webinars and forums, including Shamanistic Psychology tutor Steven Schmitz from California and Course Directors Jessica Bockler and Les Lancaster. Les lights the lamp and the first sacred space is created.[/az_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][az_column_text]Facilitating this residential is both challenging and extremely interesting, Jessica shares.  There are so many elements to bring together and balance; expectations and possibilities woven along threads of shared intention. As an online learning community, the opportunity for face-to-face connection is deeply appreciated, as is the chance to play together with embodied games and rituals, share practices and socialise through informal chats and walks in nature. The presence and participation of Jessica and Les’ brilliant seven year old daughter Amelia also adds to the warmth, joy and sense of community. The venue itself is a charming English country house with well-kept gardens, comfortable rooms and delicious vegetarian meals.

Each day begins by coming together for a meditation. This includs a non-dual Advaita experience guided by John, a Shamanic prayer circle under the morning sky with Steven and a video of spiritual teacher Mooji’s satsang, sharing dialogue on male-female relationship dynamics followed by silent reflection facilitated by Ruth.[/az_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding=”small-padding” sectionoverlayopacity=”0.70″ video_opacity_overlay=”0.70″][vc_column][az_divider][az_special_heading heading_type=”3″ content_heading=”2017 Residential Retreat Gallery”][az_gallery_images images_gallery=”2470,2469,2468,2467,2466,2465,2464,2463,2462,2461″ gallery_layout=”carousel-gallery” carousel_gallery_navigation=”true” carousel_gallery_autoplay=”true” gallery_wall=”yes” gallery_random_image=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding=”small-padding” sectionoverlayopacity=”0.70″ video_opacity_overlay=”0.70″][vc_column][az_column_text]

What happens after I am accepted into the programme?

[/az_column_text][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_only” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_type=”az_steadyicons” icon_az_steadyicons=”steadyicons-checkbox-checked” title=”You will receive a Student Handbook that clarifies all details of the programme structure, schedule, online facilities and student support available throughout your time with us.” icon=”steadyicons-checkbox-checked”][/az_box_icon][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_only” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_type=”az_steadyicons” icon_az_steadyicons=”steadyicons-checkbox-checked” title=”You will be invited to an induction and orientation meeting, introducing you to the community, programmes and our online facilities.” icon=”steadyicons-checkbox-checked”][/az_box_icon][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_only” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_type=”az_steadyicons” icon_az_steadyicons=”steadyicons-checkbox-checked” title=”You will receive login details for the Collaborative Learning Environment, together with a digital guide book, providing full instructions on how to use the system.” icon=”steadyicons-checkbox-checked”][/az_box_icon][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_only” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_type=”az_steadyicons” icon_az_steadyicons=”steadyicons-checkbox-checked” title=”Before each course begins you will be provided with a Course Outline which will list the reading materials, time-lines, and any activities required as part of the course.” icon=”steadyicons-checkbox-checked”][/az_box_icon][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding=”small-padding” sectionoverlayopacity=”0.70″ video_opacity_overlay=”0.70″][vc_column][az_column_text]

What kinds of people sign up to our programmes?

[/az_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row sectionoverlayopacity=”0.70″ video_opacity_overlay=”0.70″][vc_column][az_column_text]Our approach appeals to many people from all walks of life. Most are professionals working in areas including coaching, therapy, counselling, education, health, sustainability, new technologies, ecology, business and management, as well as research and consulting. Many wish to enhance their professional practice and life, whilst others study with us for personal enrichment.

The real commonality across all in our learning community lies in the overarching reasons for joining our programmes, which include:[/az_column_text][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_only” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_type=”az_steadyicons” icon_az_steadyicons=”steadyicons-checkbox-checked” title=”A keen interest in spirituality, consciousness studies, psychology and more esoteric subjects; a quest to advance knowledge and insight in these areas.” icon=”steadyicons-checkbox-checked”][/az_box_icon][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_only” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_type=”az_steadyicons” icon_az_steadyicons=”steadyicons-checkbox-checked” title=”Having had transformative experiences people join our community to explore and understand them more deeply.” icon=”steadyicons-checkbox-checked”][/az_box_icon][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_only” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_type=”az_steadyicons” icon_az_steadyicons=”steadyicons-checkbox-checked” title=”Wanting an academic qualification to boost professional image and standing.” icon=”steadyicons-checkbox-checked”][/az_box_icon][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_only” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_type=”az_steadyicons” icon_az_steadyicons=”steadyicons-checkbox-checked” title=”A desire to refine academic know how, including research and publication skills. ” icon=”steadyicons-checkbox-checked”][/az_box_icon][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding=”small-padding” sectionoverlayopacity=”0.70″ video_opacity_overlay=”0.70″][vc_column][az_divider][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][az_column_text]

And a last word from our graduates…

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[/az_testimonial_container][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][az_gallery_images images_gallery=”1034″ gallery_layout=”carousel-gallery” carousel_gallery_item=”1″ carousel_gallery_item_tablet=”1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding=”custom-padding” padding_top_value=”0″ padding_bottom_value=”30″ sectionoverlayopacity=”0.70″ video_opacity_overlay=”0.70″][vc_column][az_testimonial_container][az_highlight]”The more time passes the more exciting the programme becomes. The modules opened up new horizons of knowledge and enabled me to reflect deeper on the meaning of life, on myself and others. It’s an adventurous journey of wisdom, reflection and fun. I also wish to say that, thanks to online learning, I have also found a new community of beautiful people. I look forward to continue my programme of studies, and hope that like many others, I would be able to contribute and work for a better peaceful world.”[/az_highlight][/az_testimonial_container][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding=”custom-padding” padding_top_value=”30″ padding_bottom_value=”30″ sectionoverlayopacity=”0.70″ video_opacity_overlay=”0.70″][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding=”custom-padding” padding_top_value=”30″ padding_bottom_value=”30″ sectionoverlayopacity=”0.70″ video_opacity_overlay=”0.70″][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding=”custom-padding” padding_top_value=”30″ sectionoverlayopacity=”0.70″ video_opacity_overlay=”0.70″][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding=”custom-padding” padding_top_value=”30″ sectionoverlayopacity=”0.70″ video_opacity_overlay=”0.70″][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]