Inspired words
'It is difficult to feel gloomy and thankful in the same moment. Even in the midst of suffering, there will be moments of illumination, beauty, kindness, good humour. Noticing them, and allowing yourself to receive them, is the finest emotional tonic you could have.' Stephanie Dowrick
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Our presenters
Adrian van den Bok, M.A. is an experienced psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, lecturer and workshop leader. In addition to private practice, he teaches and/or consults at the Jansen Newman Institute, the Australian College of Applied Psychology, the Centre for Community Welfare Training and KidsXpress. For more information, visit www.adrianvandenbok.com
Almis Simans has journeyed along many of the historic trails of Europe, including the Spanish Camino, the Way of St. James in France, Offa's Dyke in Wales, the Coast to Coast Walk in England and the Via Francigena. He teaches a number of travel and history courses at the University Sydney's Centre for Continuing Education and WEA. He is interested in making walking journeys accessible to people, especially to those who have the desire but haven't yet ventured out upon a longer journey. A journey to Santiago de Compostela in 1997 inspired his interest in traditional and contemporary pilgrimages. For more information, visit: www.goodwalkingbooks.com
Beth Yahp has published short fiction and travel/memoir articles in Australia, South-east Asia and Europe. She is the award-winning author of The Crocodile Fury, a novel, as well as a libretto, Moon Spirit Feasting, for composer Liza Lim, which won the APRA Award for Best Classical Composition in 2003. Beth has worked as an editor and taught creative writing for many years, including at the University of Sydney’s Centre for Continuing Education and the American University of Paris. Beth is currently completing her Doctorate of Creative Arts in travel and memoir writing at the University of Technology, Sydney. Her collection of short stories, The Red Pearl and Other Stories is forthcoming with Giramondo Press in 2009.
Jolyon Bromley, a former teacher in a Rudolf Steiner School and now an adult educator, has a deep interest in spirituality and finding a modern expression which is relevant to our times. In 2008 he experience,he experienced the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela and discovered the value of walking consciously as a meditation and a way of reflecting re-assessing values and shaping future directions. He works closely with Rev. Stephanie Dowrick in her Interfaith services and sometimes leading the Wednesday evening meditations as well as serving on the Interfaith committee of the NSW Synod of the Uniting Church. Jolyon has been active in the environment movement for many years, also working as a trained bush-regenerator and practices Biodynamic gardening techniques. An enthusiastic traveller in Europe and Asia he has a particular love of Italy, staying for an extended period in some of the less touristed towns and cities.
Kara Yamaguchi majored in Japanese studies at the University of Sydney. She has also studied several modalities of energy healing including reiki and continues to research into ancient shamanism in Japan and its role in preserving the land through sacred sites. Kara has spent the last 20 years living in Japan where she has worked as a teacher, translator and writer. An active artist and photographer, she is the author of Spirit of Mu, the first photographic record of Japan's ancient sacred sites and ruins. Kara is dedicated to preserving the sacred sites of Japan for future generations, and her deep understanding and close connection to the people and culture of Japan, place her in a unique place to share Japan with others beyond the usual tourist experience.
Stephanie Dowrick, PhD, is widely known as the author of a number of life-changing books, including her seminal best-sellers, Intimacy & Solitude, Forgiveness and Other Acts of Love and The Universal Heart. Her recent books include Choosing Happiness, In the Company of Rilke and Seeking the Sacred. Everyday Kindness is her latest book. On writing specifically, she has written the ground-breaking Creative Journal Writing. Stephanie worked for many years in private practice as a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor and has been leading outstandingly successful workshops and retreats in Australia, New Zealand and Japan for more than two decades. Stephanie is also an ordained Interfaith minister; works with Breast Cancer Network Australia offering psychological/spiritual support to many hundreds of women annually; is an Adjunct Fellow at the University of Western Sydney's Writing & Society Research Group and has led spiritually inclusive services at Pitt Street Uniting Church in Sydney since 2006. Formerly a publisher, and founder of the prestigious publishing house, The Women's Press, she brings a wealth of knowledge about writing and the creative life more generally to her lively, inspirational teaching. "The joy of writing is available to everyone," she claims. "And with that comes greater insight, a keener sense of 'seeing' and choice, and liberating self-expression." For more information visit Stephanie Dowrick on Facebook ("Official Stephanie Dowrick") or http://www.stephaniedowrick.com