A COMMUNITY GATHERING AT THE TIME OF NEW YEAR
OVERCOMING SADNESS AND PESSIMISM
Le Cayla, Aveyron
From Dec. 29, 2026 to Jan. 2nd, 2027
“Only if one loves this earth with unbending passion can one release one’s sadness,” don Juan said. “A warrior is always joyful because his love is unalterable and his beloved, the earth, embraces him and bestows upon him inconceivable gifts. The sadness belongs only to those who hate the very thing that gives shelter to their beings.“
Carlos Castaneda – Tales of Power
Don Juan described our psyche as an island — the island of the Tonal — on which are found the different elements that make up our world: our history, our beliefs, our habits, our emotions, and the way we perceive reality.
Depending on our upbringing, culture, and life experiences, some of these elements occupy more space than others. What is in the foreground at one moment in our lives may later recede into the background.
The arrival of winter, the end of a cycle, but also the events unfolding across Europe and the world can bring sadness, worry, and pessimism to the surface. But if these states suddenly move into the foreground, it is also because they were already present in the background. They have a history, memories, experiences, and beliefs that nourish them.
During this gathering, we will explore the moments in our lives when sadness or pessimism have occupied a significant place, in order to observe what feeds them and influences the way we perceive the future.
Through movement, breathwork, and silence, we will then seek to shift our attention and enter into relationship with what lies beyond the usual boundaries of our island of the Tonal: a wider and quieter space where we can reconnect with inner resources, calm, and a more open perception.
Rather than trying to make sadness, worry, or pessimism disappear, we will explore how they might gradually recede into the background, making room in the foreground for something else: our love for the Earth, our sense of wonder at life, the simple awe of being alive…
The aim will not be to make sadness disappear, nor to cultivate optimism as an antidote to dark thoughts, but rather to gradually loosen the hold of the fears, worries, and projections that form a veil over our perception.
As this veil begins to lift, something deeper may emerge: our energy body, that dimension of ourselves that is connected to the richness and diversity of the living world.
Participation: 530 € (accommodation and meals from Tuesday Dec. 29 dinner to Saturday Jan. 2nd breakfast: 4 nights and 7 meals.)
After registration you will receive a confirmation email with informations about the payment.
You can contact us : 07 77 07 30 30 for more details.
Places are limited.
PROVISIONAL PROGRAM
Tuesday 29 evening : arrivals starting at 4 pm, installation
Wednesday 30th morning : indoor practice: opening circle and learning of a form of movements
Wednesday 30th afternoon : Recapitulation: Sadness and Pessimism and review of the form
Wednesday 30th evening : Practice of movements
Thursday 31rst morning : movements and recapitulation practice
Thursday 31rst afternoon : preparing to cross over to 2027 and preparation of the Fire
Thursday 31rst evening: Fire, music and celebration
Friday 1rst morning : closing circle
Friday 1rst afternoon : Hike in the mountain and end of the program
Saturday 2nd morning: Cleaning of the rooms and departure
