The Winter Solstice is a moment for stillness and reflection. The long and dark nights around the solstice invite us to rest, reflect and look ahead as we anticipate the light to slowly return again.
2020 has been a year of disruption and shift on all levels. We are sad that this has also meant that many of our community members haven’t been able to visit the Centre for a while. Right now we’re finishing the first phase of building works which have been long awaited. We’re excited to show you the new look of the Centre, including the disabled toilets.
The Winter Solstice feels like an auspicious moment to open the doors of the Centre again to our community and to re-dedicate our lovely space for the time ahead.
On Saturday the 19th of December from 3pm, when dusk falls, we’d love to invite you for some ‘drop in time’ with contemplative activities. Upstairs in the candlelit Studio you can walk the solstice spiral and outside in the garden you can contribute to a wishing tree and light up the winter garden with lanterns.
From 3:15-3:45pm you’ll also be able to take part in a taster session in Xiang Gong in the garden, see blurb below.
In the evening there’s also an opportunity to take part in a gentle solstice fire ceremony.
Xiang Gong / Fragrant Chi Gong taster session – 3:15-3:45pm
Led by Geetam, as taught by master Tian Ruisheng.
Margaret learned Xiang Gong when she lived in China for a year. The people from the town asked her to take health and wellbeing back to her country. Margaret teaches Xiang Gong every Friday afternoon at the Salisbury Centre. Geetam has studied with Margaret for 5 years.
Xiang Gong is a 20 minute sequence of simple arm movements, guided by a sound track and an experienced teacher. It stimulates energy flow through the body. It does not require prior knowledge or experience. It can be done seated or standing. Suitable for all ages and capabilities.
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Practicalities & booking
Do bring some layers to make sure you keep warm and dry outside. We won’t be serving hot drinks this time, you’re welcome to bring your own flask and snacks. The event will be socially distanced and in line with our current Covid safety guidelines – we ask you to wear a face mask inside unless exempt.
We ask you to RSVP for the drop in time by booking a space if you can, though you can come anytime between 3 and 5pm.
Because spaces are limited for the fire ceremony we ask you to cancel your ticket and/or contact us if for some reason you’re no longer able to make it, so that we can make it available to someone else.
Donations
This event is part of the Salisbury Centre community programme and is offered free of charge as we want to make sure it is accessible to anyone. Any donations towards the Salisbury Centre are welcomed, as the Centre’s ability to generate income to meet its running costs has been challenged by the pandemic. There will be donation bowls on the day and you can also donate online on our donations page using the reference Solstice: https://www.salisburycentre.org/donate/ Many thanks for your contributions in advance.
Accessibility & Kids
Parts of the event will take place in the Salisbury Centre garden (two steps down from the main building) and in the studio (up a flight of stairs). We are delighted we finally have disabled toilets installed.
Please get in touch with the Community Development team (Susannah Phillipson and Olga Bloemen) if you have any questions about the event, or are interested in volunteering on the day: community@salisburycentre.org.
BOOK YOUR PLACE ON EVENTBRITE : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/winter-solstice-the-salisbury-centre-tickets-130289030999