Workshop Themes

 What are the benefits of meditation?

Through these workshops you gain experience of the benefits of a relaxed and calm mindfulness. This helps concentration and general well-being. Take home a piece of your own art to help self-esteem.

 Do I need to have experience?

No. I will guide you through a visualisation and clay techniques.

 Do you take absolute beginners?

Yes, what better way to enjoy something new than to have no expectations from previous experience. If you have been before, each time will be different and new, as if you are a beginner.

 But I’m no good at art and I can’t draw.

If you can draw a square, you are an artist. No one will be judging your work. It is based on individual experiences, so cannot be “better” or “worse” than anyone else’s.

 I find it hard to concentrate.

Just try to let go of outside factors in your life, and close your eyes, and relax. The rest will follow.

 How long will it take?

The meditation in the beginning takes about 15 minutes, then we draw or write our experiences, then we spend about an hour with the clay transforming our responses.

 What if I don’t want to meditate?

That’s OK, but please sit quietly in the background to not distract the others. You might find you want to join in later after you see what we are doing.

 What do I get from the workshop?

At the end of the workshop, we will have all made a clay piece of art, unique to our individual experience. This is then fired, or photographed, and arranged to be returned to you in about two weeks time.

 Can I make what I want?

The purpose is to let go of plans and expectations and go with the flow, and see what you get in touch with on that day. If after the initial exploration, you feel like you want to make your own thing, you’re welcome.

 Are there regular ongoing classes?

Join our mailing list to keep up to date on regular classes.

 What about children?

Children’s workshops are also running, with a different approach to the meditation. A calm, peaceful atmosphere is encouraged. And they have fun!

 What experience have you had?

I have been making things in clay for all my life, and been tutoring meditation and clay together, for the last four years.

 How do I get to Bundeena?

 What is ‘Interbeing’?

This is a word coined by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh describing the connection between all things in the universe, known as ‘Buddha-nature’ in Buddhism (Community of Interbeing).

 What is ‘Jizo’?
This is the name of a Japanese “saint” or bodhisattva who looks after children and particular times of transformations in people’s lives. (download pdf on Jizo)

 Do I have to make the theme?

 No, you go with the flow on the day, and make whatever arises. But the need to think about a theme, therefore any stress, is gone if you accept the offered theme.

 How do I use a ‘Reminder Rock’?

 A pinch pot is made while meditating on an aspect of your life which is perhaps in need of reminding. Peace, calm, relax, breathe, love. These are some of the words that may be written on the rock. After it is fired, place it near the most useful spot that is in the most need of that sentiment. When you are in need of reminding, just take it in your hands and remember how you made it. That feeling of peace will return to you in that moment.

What is a ‘Wish Ball’?

This is a simple hollow sphere with a loose piece of clay which rattles. You make two pinch pots and join them together. But before you do this sealing up, you put it aside and take a small piece of clay and roll it around in your hands while imbuing it with your personal wish. This then is popped into the sphere and sealed inside forever. Each time you want to release that intension or wish , take hold of your wish ball and shake. It causes a vibration with pure intent to be released into the universe.