Theatre of Spontaneity, Sunday 28 July 2013, led by Daniel James*

Reyn til Runa: Seek the Mysteries - Journey through the Yggdrasil Norse Spirituality; The World Tree and the Runes

“Save us Oh lord from the fury of the Northmen.” English Priest, 8th Century.

The Norse were not just groups of marauding raiders, they were traders and explorers reaching the Ottoman empire, creating the Western world's first modern city (Dublin) and settling Iceland, parts of Scotland, Northern England, Ireland, Greenland and even, briefly, North Eastern America (well before the English).  The Country of Russia takes its name from a Norse tribe - the Rus. The first modern parliament (known as a thing) was created in Norse Iceland and the red hair gene flows from Norse blood.  Beyond all this, the Norse were greatly spiritual people.  Their creation/ destruction/ creation myth (Ragnarok) is one of the more powerful, imaginative and enduring religious images. Highly important aspects to Norse spirituality are the runes and the Yggdrasil (the world tree).  

Come and explore the nine worlds of the Yggdrasil of creation, destruction and restoration - a material, spiritual and most importantly, individual journey.  In which of the nine realms do you sit?  Where would you like to sit?  Which of the runes appeals to you?  Will the mystery of the runes (Runa) be revealed to you?  Were you also baptised in fire and ice?  These are some of the questions we will explore at the July Theatre of Spontaneity.

Kan Odins ravner guide reisen.

(May Odhhin’s ravens guide your journey)

* Brought to you by the Moreno Psychodrama Society and Melas Khole (the artist formally known as Daniel James)

Gather together for a cup of tea or coffee from 6 p.m for a 6.30 p.m sharp start at the Psychodrama Institute of Melbourne, 155 Langridge St, Collingwood.

$20.00 ($15.00 MPS Members) SUPPER provided!

RSVP by Friday, 25 July 2013 to Gavin O'Loughin 0403 597 685

www.psychodrama-institute-melbourne.com

Lunchtime Reading Group - The Cultural Conserve and the Philosophy of the Moment

Discussant: Sue Daniel

This coming Friday, 19 July, the fifth Lunchtime Reading Group for 2013 is being held at the Psychodrama Institute of Melbourne. 

In this one hour session we will focus on the concept of the cultural conserve and the philosophy of the moment.  Both these concepts are inextricably linked with spontaneity and creativity, the cultural atom and tele.  How do we live each day, being in the moment, despite the need for routine and the exigencies of daily living?  How do new ideas emerge?  How do we enter into communication and relationship with each other? These are some of the questions we might discuss.  The concept of the moment is different to the concept of the present in that it is dynamic and creative and offers us quality of life.  It is this notion which excites and inspires me.  Perhaps this is what the Greek philosopher, Heraclitus meant when he said, "You cannot step in the same river twice."  

Zerka Moreno, in her book Psychodrama and the art of healing (p. 9) said "that the cultural conserve as Moreno saw it is the end product of spontaneity and creativity.  It is really taking a moment and freezing it in time.  And to unfreeze that moment, you go back to the source, which is spontaneity and creativity.  So it is both, the end product and the beginning of something new, swinging back and forth like a pendulum."  She went on to say that " Moreno thought it [the cultural conserve] was negative if it prevented new spontaneity and creativity.  If it encouraged new spontaneity and creativity, then it became like a well that does not dry up..."

References:

1.  Psychodrama: Third volume, Action therapy and principles of practice by J. L. Moreno and Zerka T. Moreno. 1969/2012 edition, p.244-247

2.  Psychodrama, surplus reality and the art of healing, edited by Zerka T. Moreno, Leif Dag Blomkvist & Thomas Rutzel. 2000, p. 9-10

About the Lunchtime Reading Sessions:

These one hour sessions are held once a month on Friday afternoons from 12.45 to 1.45 p.m sharp in the small group room at PIM.  The sessions are designed to suit those with an hour to spare at lunchtime.  Budding writers, trainees and practitioners are all welcome! 

We will discuss psychodrama works; DVD’s and literature and other related material.  A moderator who will send the material, or give it out at the previous meeting for reading or viewing, will lead the discussion.

Dates: 22 Mar, 19 Apr, 24 May, 21 Jun, 19 Jul, 23 Aug, 20 Sep, 18 Oct.

Fee: $10.00 per session includes freshly brewed coffee and selection of teas. BYO lunch.

For all enquiries, rsvp and specific references call Sue Daniel: 0417 586 791 or email her on suedan@netspace.net.au

Working with Children and Families

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