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contemplative listening workshops

"...made me realise how little I walk in silence and actually listen to my surroundings. This helped to ground me and make me feel more connected to everything around me." Alison

Our listening and sound art workshops are tailored to the needs of the individual and organisations we work with. Working one-to-one or in small groups, we use contemplative arts practice as a way to focus attention, relax and enjoy being creative in ways that bring the everyday to life. Using a range of approaches and art forms, we support participants to explore their own creativity, sharing their experiences of art-making with others. Our approach puts the participant's needs first, adapting the flow and order of activities to suit the group or individual.

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Workshops can include:

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  • Listening meditations

  • Sound and music-making

  • Working with the body and imaginary sound

  • Field recording

  • Artistic responses to listening through sketching, photography, knitting, sound design and other art forms.

  • Compassionate listening exercises

  • Creative soundwalks

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The workshops can be adapted for all ages and tailored to the needs and aspirations of the group. Contact us to discuss how our contemplative listening workshops can support your work.

Our approach to wellbeing

 

In creating moments of silence we strive to support people’s wellbeing through:

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  • Paying attention to the present moment. Paying care-full attention to our experience helps us slow down, develop a calm focus and appreciate everyday happenings more intensely, encouraging us to be more compassionate to ourselves, others and the environment.

  • Connecting with others. Making art brings people together in a relaxed and friendly environment, encouraging the exchange of ideas, stories and experiences, while promoting cooperation, friendship and feelings of belonging.

  • Learning. Participatory arts practice develops a range of interpersonal, creative and technical skills that boost self-confidence, raise self-esteem and foster a sense of purpose.

  • Keeping active. Arts activities get us out and about, benefitting our physical health and mental wellbeing.

  • Giving. By sharing our experiences and creations we can inspire others, spark their interest, make them smile and foster understanding. Quietly connecting with others through engaging arts activities, nurtures positive feelings of purpose and self-worth.

  • Accessing quiet. Stillness and positive experiences of silence underpin Small Silence’s approach. We are committed to protecting and promoting access to public quiet spaces and helping people to enjoy and value small silences in the day that support wellbeing.

 

(points 1-5 are based upon the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’

developed by the New Economics Foundation and used by both the NHS and Mind)

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