Dzogchen Beara Care Centre

For the past week I have written about my stay at the Dzogchen Beara Care Centre, West Cork, Ireland. Some of you have asked for further information about accessibility, costs, and about how the centre will help someone living with illness. This post will look at all those questions. (A long post, but maybe just go to the section you are interested in). I hope it is of help, but feel free to contact me, or of course anyone from the Dzogchen Beara team with further questions.

View from Dzogchen Beara Care Centre

Just a note... you don't have to be ill to be staying at the Care Centre. It is a beautiful location to just restore your batteries. Or use it as a base to explore the Beara Peninsula. Better than any hotel. Not just my words, but that of many other guests. And you don't have to be a Buddhist or be into meditation either to be visiting or staying at Dzogchen Beara.

How I initially got here

After years of a slowly improving well being from ME/CFS my health started to decline again in 2012. After almost two years I felt I had lost all the ability to find my way out again. Getting ill first time round, there is still that sense of hope of recovery. To have to do it all over again, I simply felt I was stuck. Stuck in how to move forward.
I needed to find my balance again. I thought that maybe a week or so away from home, in a place that could provide some healing- some understanding would be a good idea. I explored such places on the internet and came across the Care Centre at Dzogchen Beara. (Then know as the Dechen Shying Care Centre). I had heard of this place from a few people over the years so started to look into it a bit more seriously.

Dzogchen Beara Care Centre conservatories of private rooms

I booked my stay at the Care Centre during March 2014. What I found was an amazingly kind, warm, friendly, supportive and accessible place. With stunning views to add to the 'package'. I was hooked within hours... (See Extraordinary Generosity link at bottom of page).

I have been back several times since. Partly with the help of a Rehab bursary to work on my book Into the Light which was 'conceived-born- and launched at the Care Centre.
During last week's residency, I wrote a daily blog about my experiences and thoughts.

I have only ever stayed at the Care Centre so can only tell you about that. 

There are 7 rooms at the spacious Care Centre, a large open communal kitchen, a family room, and the most beautiful meditation room. 

For other accommodation at cottages and hostel (and many courses/retreats) see Website.

Dzogchen Beara Care Centre wheelchair accessible rooms

Care

• Although it is a Care Centre, it does not mean that personal care is provided. If you need a carer, you need to bring someone along.
• What they do give, is their warmth and support in whatever way they can.
• There is the option for one-to-one spiritual care during your stay. This is not counseling, but a supportive chat to help find ways to deal with for example acceptance. I have availed of this during all my stays here and have build up a relationship of care and trust with John, one of the  support members.
• There are weekend and week long retreats too, which deal with loss and grief and meditation. See the website.
• The vision of this centre is from the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying

Dzogchen Beara Care Centre wheelchair accessible rooms

Wheelchair Accessibility rooms: 1, 2, 3, 4

• The whole building is spacious, bright, warm and fully wheelchair accessible.
• Rooms 1, 2 and 3 have two have two single beds, of which one is a high-low bed.
• Room 4 has a low, small double bed.
• These four rooms are fully wheelchair accessible, with wooden flooring, wide doors, and plenty of sockets for charging wheelchairs or scooters or other equipment, and have plenty of space to move around in.
• Fully accessible bathrooms, with grab-rails and wet-room showers.
• Room 1 has grab-rails on both sides of toilet; room 2,3,4 has only a fold down grab rail on the right of the toilet. (Right side, as in seated on the toilet, with a ledge on the other side to lean on)
• There are shower chairs/seats available on request.
• There is a manual hoist available.
• These rooms also have a private conservatory attached to the rooms, which are spacious, and have a recliner chair and other furniture.
• My experience is that furniture can be re-arranged to suit your specific needs.

Room 5,6,7

• These rooms are at the other quieter end of the building. They are smaller and don't have 'wet-rooms'. They do have the views of the sea.
• Those who need a carer to accompany them on their stay at the Centre often book one of these rooms for the carer (as extra room)

Food and kitchen

• There is a large communal kitchen, where guests can sit together and have a chat.
• The counter and cupboards are normal height. 
• One low level drawer has cups, plates etc accessible for wheelchair users.
• There are two fridges, and a freezer. One fridge is for general use. The other is for guests own foods.
• There are teas, coffee, biscuits and etc provided. Self service.
• Self catering breakfast is included. There are cereals, milk, bread, eggs is in the fridge and cupboards.
• A large delicious vegetarian lunch can be ordered (€10)  and eaten at the Shrine room. But as this is a little tricky to reach by wheelchair (steep hill), lunch can be brought up to the care centre.
• Diets are catered for in terms of the booked lunch. Ask in advance of stay. But do bring your own dietary foods with you!
• You can do your own food too. Bring supplies!
• If you need support, bring someone along.
• Shops are far away, so do bring plenty of snack and other foods if you do not intend to leave the building for the duration of your stay.
• For me the lunch is big enough to be my main meal of the day. I bring frozen soups from home for at night.

Meditation

• In the morning at 9am there is a guided meditation at the Shrine Room. Which is located down the road from the Care Centre. This is open to anyone.
• As the Shrine Room is not easily to get to by wheelchair, they kindly offered to move this meditation up to the Meditation room here at the Care Centre during my stays. This way, I, and other guest with mobility impairment are able to join in in the meditations.
• To me it is a beautiful way to start the day.
• At 3pm there is a Loving Kindness meditation, again at the Care Centre Meditation room.
• Both these meditations are free and open to everyone who stays,  or visits Dzogchen Beara for the day. 
• These meditations are guided in such a way that they are open to complete Beginners and the more experienced in meditation.

Cost

• See the website for Care Centre details (For all accommodation see here)

Wifi. No-wifi

• Just a note for people hooked or reliant on their phone, there is very poor phone reception, so you are (wonderfully) cut off from the world. Very peaceful.
• There are a few location on the grounds (near car park) where there is most reliable phone reception. Occasionally there is reception in the building. Occasionally.
• There is no wi-fi.

Outside

• The Dzogchen Beara complex consists of a series of buildings, stunning paths, trees, ponds, and a gorgeous little cafe/bookshop, walks and a meditation garden.
• The road is narrow so can be a little tricky to feel safe on on my mobility scooter.
• And it is steep.
• From the cafe down towards the Shrine room and meditation garden it is Very Steep.
• Staff suggest to Not go out on your own if you use a wheelchair or scooter. They prefer to walk alongside you, especially on wet days. Or when road and paths are wet from previous rain.
• For walkers, there are some lovely walks and views to explore.

Beyond Dzogchen Beara

• The Beara peninsula is just beautiful. It is worth a trip out for the day. 
• There is a wheelchair accessible taxi available from Castletownbeare. They can provide a trip around the area. Staff here can tell you more about that.

What this place means for me and how I use it.

For me this place means a break from the daily routine.
A different location.
Meeting new people.
A place where I can simply BE.

I find peace and acceptance.
And an amazing place to create. A few sculptures saw the light of day here, and my Into the Light book was formulated and launched here.

sculpture in the making

I have build up a routine during my stays, and now know what I would need to make my stay easy. I contact the centre in advance of arrival. When I get here, my room has been set up for me, for example a small table is placed in the conservatory to sculpt on...

I rest a lot.
I sleep a lot.
I hang out in the recliner in the conservatory. Looking at the glorious views, or listen to the wind and rain...
I don't listen to the news or watch tv.
(There is a telly and videos in the family room - also books, and a radio in the bedrooms.)

If you book for the first time, and have requirements, and questions, please make sure to make contact the centre in advance.



I hope you will make a trip here some day.
I recommended staying for a few nights at least. It takes me about two or three to feel ok after the journey and to settle in. And to settle into the beauty and silence.

I love it here!
But you properly gathered that already...


Links and further reading

• First visit: A place of Extraordinary generosity
• posts about my stay
• Book Launch with Michael Harding 
• Books- including Into the Light 
• Dzogchen Beara website

Re-emerging into the light armed with the wisdom of the earth

Yesterday I meant to write about re-emerging but ended up talking about grieve. Grieving is something, I believe, we have to do in order to be able to move on. To re-emerge into the light of life.  I took the day to just be. To be with my thoughts. To potter in the garden for a few minutes. And be mindful of my feelings of loss, in all its ways.

Today I woke up feeling much more calm again. Ready to be in the world. And was blessed to have a visit from three lovely people this morning.

I'd like to thank all of you who read and commented with such affection and understanding on my writing. My thoughts are with you.

Emerging. Sculpture. 11x12x19cm 
© Corina Duyn 2014

Over the past few days, a few of my readers shared their thoughts on the 'Emerging' sculpture (see image), and the quote "Re-emerging into the light armed with the wisdom of the earth."

It resonated with them: 

"This new year, in typically contradictory M.E fashion, I feel more physically ill but more accepting of my illness. I have felt lost and trapped for a long time and wondered where "I" was. I know that this acceptance will wax and wane but for now it is peaceful and  feels like a re-emergence of me."

Di Kirk

The story of this sculpture:

Since 2012 my health had been deteriorating after years of slow progress. From early 2014, I had to acknowledge that this was not a temporary set back.  I could not imagine, or accept going back to needing daily support again. To be even more dependent on mobility aids, to have to re-arrange the house to suit wheelchair use. To having to accept help in so many different ways.

Going through all these challenges during the early years of illness is tough enough. But in those early days there is always the hope that it will all get better. That needing help is temporary. That recovery is in sight.

Having to go through this journey again, was unthinkable...

But I had to.

Sinking. Sculpture, 15x19x11cm. © Corina Duyn 2014 

I remember lying in the bath and thinking how I was stuck in a hard place. Like being embedded in a rock. Not water.

I needed to open my bag of tricks I used to come out of this state years ago. I had to revisit my ways I knew would support me in my struggles: Writing. Creating. Being in a quiet location.

I booked myself in at the Dechen Shying Care Centre at Dzogchen Beara where I felt supported, cared for, and understood. Also I was told by staff and fellow guests that I really, really needed to ask and accept support in order to live well and to be able to continue with my creative work- and sharing this with others... 

I listened.

And reached out.

Reaching Out. Sculpture, 10x10x11cm. © Corina Duyn 2014 

I asked for help.

It was not easy emotionally. And practically, well, the wheels of bureaucracy are slow, and grinding and come to many stops... I wrote an article for Journal.ie about this.

Over time I did get support. And accepted support. And I did emerge from this challenging place.

My book Into the Light in the format of a box with loose sheets with reflections on life, was created as a result of this challenge. I truly believe that.

If we dare to go deep inside the darkness, and reach out when we are ready to do this, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Not always what we hoped to find there, but it can be a peaceful place.

At least for a while...

Be well my friends, and thank you for joining me on this journey.

Corina

Notes and links:

• These three sculptures were made during my first stay at Dechen Shying Care Centre at Dzogchen Beara. 
• My Into the Light book, the format very much inspired by this place was launched there by Michael Harding in September 2015
• These images are also in my Into the Light book and is available from my Web Shop
• Reaching out and Emerging are also available as PRINTS
• Journal.ie article: Opinion: Being ill is hard – having to fight for every basic human right is much, much harder, by Corina Duyn

Book launch of Into the Light with Michael Harding as guest speaker

Corina Duyn & Michael Harding at Dzogchen Beara Care Centre-
Book launch of Into the Light

Well, What can I say...
The first book launch was really a week long event. Everybody who was there was in some way involved in the preparation of the book launch.  Guests and staff alike. It was truly extraordinary.  Boxes were assembled, dinners were cooked,  layout for the launch were discussed and planned, breakfast was made, books were admired and purchased days before the actual launch.My deepest gratitude to everybody involved.I could not have done this launch without this support.

We had a private 'ceremony' in the conservatory of room 4 of the Care Centre, where the book in its present format came into being, just over a year ago. I had the honour to share this with John,  the spiritual care staff I have shared many hours talking with over the past year. With Mary and Karin of the Care Centre, and with Peter Cornish who was the brains behind Dzogchen Beara all those years ago. See here for his story 

The day of the launch started with the most amazing light flooding the ocean. It seemed the sunniest day of the year.  During the morning meditation I was thinking how I decided on the title Into the Light at least 2 years ago, as if I knew that when I would launch the book, there would be this extraordinary light. Mother Nature- so much present in my book, was doing her bit on launch day!

"prayer flags" book pages

Book Launch  at Dzogchen Beara Care Centre

Juliana and Tony at Dzogchen Beara Care Centre

Corina Duyn and Peter Cornish at Dzogchen Beara Care Centre-

Juliana played the violin when people came into the Centre for the launch.  Malcolm from Dzogchen beara opened the event with an informative talk about the Care Centre and introduced Michael Harding, the guest speaker for the event.

 Michael Harding at Dzogchen Beara Care Centre

Michael said it was a real honour to be here. He told some stories about meditation -  looking cross eyed -  having a tendency to not succeed at anything but is very good at being himself.Looking at the book pages pages hanging like prayer flag in the hallway –  he said how I used my art to enter into those spaces of unease, to enter into those spaces where you feel isolated in yourself, to feel all those terrible things illness brings forth. Quoting Susan Sontag he reminded us that we are all human, we are all going to be ill and going to die... 

"The words in this book - Into the Light- are from the heart. They are realisations- rather than ideas.They are a beautiful kind of resource. It is beautiful and extraordinary… The artist used her illness - something that happened to her - to go deeper, querying the joys of being alive. The words and images tell us not to be afraid. It is beautiful here too. And that is an amazing thing. So thank you for that.”


I had to follow this wonderful talk which provoked laughter and contemplation.Thank goodness Michael suggested for Juliana to play a little more music. It gave me the chance to compose myself. I told a little about how Dzogchen Beara and the care centre were an important factor in how the book became a book in a box. Inspired by the prayer flags, the people I met, the reality of my challenging health at the time.  "The final presentation of a creative project about the people would in time. Influenced by circumstance, people, media, and location. Change these elements and the outcome is different." I thanked all the people who were involved in bringing this project to its completion, including the generous funding from Rehab and read a few of my pages, with a little explanation of the thoughts behind the words.

Corina Duyn and Michael Harding at Dzogchen Beara Care Centre- Into the Light Book Launch

small exhibition during book launch at Dzogchen Beara Care Centre-
with few sculptures and tapestries

See and hear a little of the launch at youtube

It was a truly memorable event. 

One filled with beauty and kindness.

THANK YOU ALL!

The next launch is scheduled for Thursday 24 September at Lismore Library, West Street, Lismore, Co Waterford at 7 PM with the guest speaker Padraig Naughton, Director of Arts and Disability Ireland.
All Welcome!!

I will also be selling my book during Culture Night, 18th September in Waterford City, upstairs at Greyfriars.

Book Launches of Into the Light by Artist and writer Corina Duyn

Please join us for the Book Launches of Into the Light

 by Artist and writer Corina Duyn

 Sunday 6 September, 3 pm

Dechen Shying Care Centre Dzogchen Beara Allihies, West Cork

Guest speaker: Michael Harding

Author Staring at Lakes / Hanging with the Elephant, playwright & Irish Times columnist

Directions: Dzogchen Beara , (027) 73032

RSVP Corina

AND

Thursday 24 September 7pm

Lismore Library Lismore, Co. Waterford

including an exhibition of Corina's Artworks 

Guest speaker: Pádraig Naughton

Director Arts and Disability Ireland

Exhibition runs till 15th October

Contact Corina  if you’d like to book a group-talk at the library during the exhibition

Directions:  Lismore Library, (058) 21377

RSVP Corina

 Into the Light is also available from shop page

If you would like to purchase one of the artworks or, ahead of the exhibition in September, please see the relevant pages.

supported by 

Illness and the value of Solitude

A short reflection on how Into the Light came into being.

Last year I really did find it difficult to deal with a deterioration in my health. I had worked so hard to gain independence after the first few years of illness, that going back to needing more support was not easy.

I remember lying in the bath, thinking, “I am stuck in a rough place, but I need to push myself out again.”

I booked a retreat week at the Dechen Shying care centre. (read the story here) . I used my time to rest, to rejuvenate, to talk, to learn, to mediate, to create. I made three small sculptures, including reaching for the light again. During my next stay the book was created. The silence of the place has been instrumental to the creation of my work, and to my overall wellbeing.  
Solitude and silence, and illness, all feature in Into the Light.

Pre-orders of Into the Light, or the pledging for original art which feature in my book, or pledging any amount from €5 upwards, will help me Greatly to fund the printing of the book, and the making of the boxes. The campaign runs until the 16th July 2015

Each book will be signed and numbered and ready for collection at the book launches in September, or can be posted to anywhere in the world. (postage included )
Please log on to http://fundit.ie/project/funders/into-the-light---a-book-in-a-box, to be part of my journey.

Sculptures created during that first stay at Dechen Shying

The Into the Light book-in-a-box, the idea 'conceived' during my second stay 

Into the Light - an adventure basking in kindness

Well it has been quite a while since I turned up on my blog. But, I have been busy with my Into the Light Artist book project. And some journey it has been.

The artist book will consists of a series of sheets, with on one side an image (art or nature) and quote by another writer; on the reverse an observation about living with chronic illness. This could be about daily reality, gratitude, art, society, independence, nature, stillness... All gathered in a box. More about this some other day!

Both sides of a sample sheet of Into the Light © Corina Duyn 2015

There is a awful lot more involved than just writing. There is also reading, note taking, finding the right quote, finding the right image, and that is all before editing and designing - and redesigning- and  more editing and fine tuning the pages. Box design... how to promote, where to launch...

Every time I think I have it all worked out another question arises... The latest being:

How to ask for permission to use quotes by other writers?

Will there be any cost involved?

Do I need permission when it is a limited edition artist book?

As it turned out yes you do need permission, even if it is just one line.
And rightly so. I would like to be asked too, if someone likes to use my writing!

A big adventure started by contacting many authors and publishers. I was fearful of huge costs, and lengthy waits. To my absolute delight, so far everybody who has replied to my request has given me permission, free of charge. My heartfelt thanks to everybody. 

And not only that, the goodwill towards my project is going way beyond that.  I received some amazing responses and encouragement from people I have never met, and probably never will.

Both sides of a sample sheet of Into the Light © Corina Duyn 2015

This into the light project is really that.  It is not just bringing the topic of the experience of living with chronic illness into the light, but in a beautiful way, I myself am reaching into the light, making contact with authors and artists I have admired for so long. Making contact with people all over the world.

When I started this project I found myself in a darker place.  My condition had deteriorated. I was more challenged again in my mobility, independence, and in my creative work.

Finding a way to do what I felt I needed to do is a huge blessing. I do not underestimate the power of art. The creative process.  Creativity is a lifeline.  It brings understanding. I learn. And I can share.

What a privilege.

The other forms of support have been to aid me in practical ways to my work.  Some of this has been supported through the rehab bursary. Friends have helped me with computer work; local graphic designer Dave Murphy,  has helped me to design the pages; friends are reading to spot any errors; staff at the IWA has helped me with my sculptures. Staff at Dechen Shying have been nurturing. The book most likely will be launched there first (September?).
Working with my mentor Grace Wells, has been absolutely invaluable. An acquaintance from years back, is supporting me to launch a crowd funding adventure and all other social media that comes with that. I have also been awarded a small publishing grant from Waterford City & Council Arts.

 I feel hugely privileged to have all the support.

 Thank you all!  My deepest gratitude.

The book is not finished yet, but it getting close.

Please come back for updates, or sign up for email notices.

An Author/Artist Facebook has created for me. Please 'like' it.

If you would like to support me, any proceeds from artwork or books sold will go towards the publication cost of Into the Light.


With every best wish

Corina

this project has been supported by

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please feel free to link it on your page. Thank you!

Dechen Shying, a place where my creativity moves into unexpected places

Prayer Flags at Dzogchen Beara

It has been already a few weeks since I am back from a stay at my beloved Dechen Shying at Dzogchen Beara, but my computer time has been taken up by working on my book project Into the Light.

Yet again it was a memorable week. 

It truly is an extraordinary place as I wrote here and here. You never know who you might meet, or what might happen.

For me it is also a place where my creativity seems to move into places I had not expected.

I was there to work on my book project and a head of a sculpture I had started recently.

The face emerged. Slowly.

I am fascinated by the fact that I use the same clay, the same method, the same tools, and yet the faces all turn out to have their very own personality. I was a little in awe of the face that came into being in this case. I let her happen.

Work in Progress © Corina Duyn 2014

One of the difficulties with staying at Dechen Shying... is that when I wake up I simply have to get up and watch the sunrise. Stunning every single time. No matter what the weather is like.
I snuggle up in a blanket and sit in the recliner chair in the conservatory off my room. Happy out!

sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean

At times I picked up some breakfast from the kitchen to eat in the conservatory, not wanting to miss the glorious views.

As always I rested lots in between work, took part in the guided meditations, if I got up in time... And chatted with guests and staff. ... or visited the cafe for overly delicious carrot cake...

even in the rain it is beautiful

One of the guests Margaret, brought me for a drive around the tip of the peninsula along Allihies. I had been told about the stunningly beautiful scenery. No word of a lie there. It was stunning. And I got see and smell the sea. Feel the wind. What a treat!

at a little beach near Allihies

the beach near Allihies

Peter Cornish who really is the person behind the whole story of Dzogchen Beara wrote a most wonderful memoir. Dazzled by Daylight The story is funny, extraordinary, trusting, heartwarming and written with such beautiful language. 

I am forever thankful that Peter and Harriet came to West Cork and bought this barren place and let it grow to what it is today.

Forever grateful.

I hope to go back early next year again, to further work on my book and art.

I can't wait.

See here for Irish Times  article  'Peter Cornish’s dream was to build a refuge from the mayhem.'

PS See here for my Christmas book offer, valid till 15th December 2014 

Into the Light has been supported by the Rehab Group Visual and Performing Arts Fund

ps. As I no longer have a Facebook or Twitter account (find it all too confusing...) 

but you think this Blog deserves to make a presence there, 

please feel free to link it on your page. Thank you!

Dechen Shying, a place of extraordinary generosity

I had heard about the Dechen Shying Care Centre  in West Cork from several friends. I had looked at the website many many times since. In March I finally made plans to visit, to stay for a week and  find my "balance" again.

Am I glad I did!

Dechen Shying, means Heaven of the Great Bliss in Tibetan. Their website states that Dechen Shying is a unique place in an area of unspoilt natural beauty in West Cork in Ireland. We aim to serve people from all walks of life facing life challenges, such as ill health, disability, life-limiting illness, or a bereavement or loss, as well as families, carers and supporters.

What I found was a place of extraordinary beauty and generosity. For starters, please watch the VERY short video I took from outside the conservatory of room 1. It finishes with a view of the circular mediation room, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking these glorious view.  

I had come to find peace again. Peace with the deterioration of my health.  

I found an awful lot more.

Sinking © Corina Duyn 2014

For the past few months I had the feeling I  had sunk into a very rough place, and had found it much more difficult to find a way out again.  Although I obviously have dealt with challenges of relapses before, I somehow seem to have lost the ability to see beyond it this time round.  As one friend stated in an email, " I know you will make it fuel for your creativity whether you like it or not".
Of course she was right.
Initially an image of a figure rising out of a rock came to mind. But while at Dechen Shying, I realised there were images proceeding this re-emerging. One of sinking into the stone, one of a hand reaching out catching the light again and drawing it into the darkness.

Reaching for the Light © Corina Duyn 2014

Throughout the week, I worked a few minutes at the time on my sculptures in my beloved conservatory.

conservatory Dechen Shying 

Sculptures (all my art) arise from a very deep part of me. It possibly brings to fore what I can not express in words.  Creativity, became once again a big part of my life.

A great deal of this realisation was rekindled by the loving staff and fellow guests, for which I am immensely grateful. Thank you all, from the deepest part of my being.

I had lost my way. I had lost trust in my own abilities. They help me find it again.

...can one fall in love with a chair? I did.

Throughout the week I rested, meditated, contemplated, reflected, cried, laughed, slept, ate, wrote, talked with fellow guests and staff, and just looked out the window at these glorious views.

Dechen Shying is a place where you can do all that. It is a place to rejuvenate, to take time to evaluate where you're at, with the background support of the staff.

Twice a day there are guided mediation's, which I joined when I could. Provisions were made to make sure I was comfortable. Also one of the spiritual guidance staff was available to me to talk with during the stay. Not a counsellor, but a loving, listening understanding ear.
I had landed in heaven, at the edge of Ireland.

one morning's sun rise

 Not all the realisations were as easy as the creative one.  I realised I need to ask for more practical help, that I am not able to look after my own needs as I was before.  I realised I needed my mobility scooter to get around the building, which by the way is fully wheelchair accessible, as I could not trust my legs.
Acceptance.  That big word. Acceptance.
How many times do we have to enter this uneasy space...?
(I am in the process to obtain support... but that is a story in itself.)

Creativity is my way to combat the challenges. I accept that!
I very much enjoyed working on my sculptures, which I left in the collection of the Centre. I called them "Work in Progress" as they are not really finished, but neither is my journey of re-emerging.

"Work in Progress" in collection of Dechen Shying © Corina Duyn 2014

Re-emerging © Corina Duyn 2014 

Re-emerging, and taking with me the wisdom and strength from the earth, from the rock. I am one with the earth.

One of my other hopes was to really get started on my writing of "Into the Light". I brought a few of  the now cut up sheets with me, and placed them around me. And hung them in the shrubs, like the Tibetan prayer flags...!

my writing sheets as prayer flags

prayer flags outsude Dechen Shying

I did a tiny bit of work on the book, but enough to bring back the confidence that this is what I need to do. Again, the support from people around me helped me see this.

I have the fortune to be able to go back there in August, supported by a bursary from the centre.

This truly a remarkable place, and I for one am forever grateful I made the decision to go there.
Explore it here: Dechen Shying Care Centre and go and see for yourself if you can.
It is great for small groups too.

If you like to hear more, or have some questions, please email me, or leave a comment on the blog.

Best wishes to you all
Corina

ps. As I no longer have a Facebook or Twitter account (find it all too confusing...) 

but you think this Blog deserves to make a presence there, please feel free to link it on your page. Thank you!