If you have trouble using this application, call the office.
"The labyrinth is a spiritual tool that has many applications in various settings. It reduces stress, quiets the mind and opens the heart. It is a walking meditation, a path of prayer, and a blue-print where psyche meets Spirit."
-- The Reverend Lauren Artress
Facilitating the Labyrinth is a Spiritual Path ...
The goal of this Veriditas Facilitator Training is to prepare people to introduce others to the labyrinth in an articulate, professional and effective way. The training addresses both meditative walking and ceremonial use. It is focused primarily on the Eleven Circuit Medieval Labyrinth but is inclusive of all forms.
Walking the labyrinth is being embraced as a spiritual practice throughout the Western world mostly because of Veriditas trained facilitators. The Veriditas Facilitator Training -- which began in 1997 -- remains the most rigorous and comprehensive training offered. Some people take this two-day course to deepen their knowledge of labyrinths. Others take it with the goal of becoming a Veriditas Certified Labyrinth Facilitator.
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Grace After Hours 9/11 Memorial Walk, Grace Cathedral Labyrinth, San Francisco
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To date, Veriditas has trained more than 1,900 labyrinth facilitators -- therapists, clergy, hospital administrators, parish teams, doctors, artists and labyrinth enthusiasts -- who are introducing the labyrinth to their communities. About 600 people are certified. Often certification helps people secure new jobs due to the hunger to know about and use labyrinths in various settings.
Why Become a Trained Facilitator?
Our experience has taught us that if a person does not have a satisfying first experience, they do not easily return to walk again. Over the years a body of knowledge about labyrinths, their history and how to use them effectively has developed. The labyrinth seems deceptively easy to introduce to others. However, common mistakes have begun to appear: presenting a 'right way' to walk a labyrinth or interrupting someone's experience due to the presenter's discomfort with emotion are just two examples. Benefit from Lauren Artress' extensive experience and knowledge, through 14 hours face to face that is a behind-the-scenes conversation about using these powerful archetypal patterns as blue prints for transformation.
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Canvas Labyrinth in Sanctuary, Unity In Marin, CA USA |
What Topics are Covered?
Different models i.e., workshops, conferences, open walks, retreats.
Communicating in the "language" of your audience.
Designing both the approach and content for presentations
History of labyrinths and their symbolic meaning
The difference between archetypal and contemporary designs
Application to various settings: healing centers, retreats, churches, hospices, schools, hospitals, prisons, corporate parks/offices, community parks, multicultural centers, spas, women's spirituality groups, special needs groups such as cancer support, co-dependency work, kids-at-risk and the physically challenged populations.
Meditative walking and ceremonial, or ritual use
Specific applications: as a path of prayer, in dream work, asking a question of discernment, and many more
How to "hold the space" before, during, and after the walk.
Unusual experiences in the labyrinth
Various patterns to provide space between participants
How to interact with the media, which the labyrinth attracts.
The business aspects of presenting the labyrinth: fees for your time, considering non-profit status, distributing literature, brochures, copyright concerns.
The Benefits of the Facilitator's Network
The Veriditas Facilitator Network provides ongoing opportunities to share experiences and learn from one another though offering access to the Facilitator Listserv and the on-line Facilitator Portal.
The Veriditas Council, empowered by the Veriditas Board continues the connection with both trained and Certified Facilitators.
There are opportunities to assist Lauren Artress at events around the country as well as in Chartres, France.
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| Candlelit Labyrinth Walk facilitated by Danielle Wilson at Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, London |
What's Required?
1. An Application: Admission to the training program begins with a brief questionnaire available online, by phoning 415.561.2921 or emailing contact@veriditas.net . Please include a 3 X 5 or larger photograph, resume or biographical statement, a signed Facilitator agreement and a Training Reservation Form noting which training you will be attending along with the questionnaire or your approval may be delayed.
Those who are accepted into the Facilitator Training Course, demonstrate in their application that they have an ongoing relationship with the labyrinth as a personal spiritual tool, basic experience in leading small groups, and a vision of how they would like to use the labyrinth in their area. Many people have experience in presenting the labyrinth. Though this makes our conversation much richer, it is not a prerequisite to acceptance into the training.
2. A Qualifying Workshop serves as a model to presenting the labyrinth. This experience also helps the facilitator-in-training to embody the labyrinth. Although it is helpful to have this experience before the two-day training, it is not always possible. It is required for Certification. This can be an designated workshop: a sponsored workshop, a Grace Cathedral Pilgrimage, Walking a Sacred Path in Chartres, France, or the Labyrinth Week at the Golden Door.
Please note: Qualifying programs are separate events with a separate fee per event.
3. Read Lauren Artress' Walking a Sacred Path and The Sacred Path Companion.
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The Cost: the cost is $600 for the two-day Facilitator Training. The fee includes instruction, materials, a twelve-month follow-up for Certification and membership in the Facilitator's Network.
Lunch is provided both days, and a networking gathering the first evening if the setting allows. For further information, call the Veriditas Office at 415.561.2921.
Upcoming Facilitator Trainings
July 28th - 29th, 2008
San Francisco, California -- Grace Cathedral. Qualifying Pilgrimage and Faciliator Training
Contact the Veriditas office. contact@veriditas.org To register for the Pilgrimage, click here
July25th -- 29th, 2008
San Francisco, California -- Grace Cathedral. Qualifying Pilgrimage and Faciliator Training
Contact the Veriditas office. contact@veriditas.org
September 8th -- 23rd, 2008
Chartres, France, Walking a Sacred Path and International Facilitator Training, Chartres Cathedral, France
For more information, email contact@veriditas.net
October 24th -- 28th, 2008
Suagerties, New York -- Miriam's Well. Qualifying Workshop and Facilitator Training.
If you have trouble using this application, call the office at 415-561-2921.
Click here to apply for Veriditas Facilitator Training
Veriditas
P.O. Box 29204
The Presidio
San Francisco, California 94129-0204
voice: 415.561.2921 -- fax 415.561-2922email: contact@veriditas.net
