Ben Gross MBACP(Accred)  MSc  Dip Sup  MBSR PGCE

Ben Gross MSc, Dip Sup, MBACP(Accred), PGCE, MBSR, BSc(Hons) is the Director of Wider Horizons Transformational Gatherings and has been organising retreats in nature for 30 years. He is a Transpersonal Psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, specializing in work with children and families.  He is a university lecturer specialising in Ecopsychology, Mindfulness teacher and musician.

Ben learnt with Sannyasins in India to play guitar and sing Indian bhajans and Osho songs from the age of seven. From the age of 18 Benji travelled the world learning and sharing songs from India, the South American medicine tradition and the Rainbow Gatherings  He has been holding sacred singing circles for over twenty years at The Green Angels community centre, Inspiral Lounge, eco-activism demos and camps, and festivals, here in England, such as The Tipi Field at Glastonbury Festival, Buddhafield and The Big Green Gathering.

SACRED SINGING CIRCLE

When asked what we could do to halt the self-destructive course we are on as a whole human society, an international group of Wisdom Keepers, Elders and Shamans advised us to connect with spirit and live a spiritual life. There is no dichotomy between meditation and contemplation and action/activism. The two are one. Meditation is activism, but the effort is turned inward rather than outward. As they say, if you want to change the world, change yourself. “Who are ‘they?’” you ask. They are you because we are all one, and we are all little ones, going around and about. In sacred singing we meditate and send prayers to people and situations which need healing. The power of group intention to heal is starting to be recognised now through scientific research. This workshop is an opportunity to experience this by singing sacred songs from around the world. It is a chance to sing as one and celebrate this beautiful holy life that we’re all in together, and together we’re all in this life we’re all in. Ben Ben and friends lead bhajans and sacred songs from around the world. These sacred songs are a beautiful gift and carry ancient magic. Perhaps when you hear them you will remember them, even though you may have never heard them before. Ben Ji plays guitar and teaches the songs. You are invited to sing, drum, clap, dance and join in any way you like. You are invited to bring songs to share, instruments and an open heart. “We are not on a quest to save the world; we are on a quest to save ourselves, which in so doing will save the world. So start with yourself – it’s the greatest gift you can give the world.” Zak Avery 2019.

THE WORK THAT RECONNECTS 🌏 with Georgia Francis 🧘🏽‍♂️👩🏻‍🤝‍👩🏽

A process that can profoundly support you in facing the many crises of our time.  Explore enquiries progressing through gratitude, grief, hope and inspiration and connect with others to transform despair into collaborative action.

The Work that Reconnects helps people develop understanding of their feelings and discover their innate connections with each other and the self-healing powers of the web of life, transforming despair and overwhelm into inspired, collaborative action. Based on the teachings of Joanna Macy, it follows a spiral of practices: Gratitude, Honouring Our Pain for the World, Seeing with New/Ancient Eyes and Going Forth.  Joanna Macy is an environmental activist, author, scholar of Buddhism, general systems theory, and deep ecology.