Author: Fabiana Fondevila

What does it say about a society that calling someone ‘childish’ is an insult?

We might conclude that our culture demands that adults be serious, productive, responsible and, let’s say it, conform to the norm. As children, we were unique, one-of-a-kind beings. But as we grew up, some of that shine and authenticity went underground, in order to accepted and fit in.

Many of us must go back to our earliest years to find our full, undiluted essence. Not because childhood was a pristine and perfect time, but because it is, perhaps, the last time we allowed ourselves to be so fully ourselves.

Fortunately, the children we were are alive and kicking, anxiously waiting for us to call them out to express themselves, feel fully, and play to their hearts’ content!

In this Saturday’s session, we’ll explore the qualities of this vital archetype. Among them, the capacity for enjoyment, simplicity, spontaneity, authenticity, creativity, vulnerability, awe, and also, of course, magic!

Roald Dahl writes: ‘”And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”

Here’s find that magic together!

When

August 31st, 10 AM PST / 1 PM EDT / 5 PM GMT

Format

One monthly online session, via Zoom. You will receive the audio, video and notes to keep for a lifetime.

Tuition

U$D 30 to $ 50. Choose your donation according to your possibility, and in accordance with the value you feel you receive. Please make your contribution via Paypal to the following address: alfredo.berge@gmail.com

Questions: info@fabianafondevila.com

Sign up here!

“There is a force within you that gives you life – seek that.”

Rumi

Ebbs and flows, forward motion, depth, meandering course, unceasing change: it’s no wonder musicians, writers, philosophers and preachers have seen in rivers a rich metaphor for life. Its dynamism mirrors the life force that pushes the tides, drives salmon to swim upstream to spawn, makes clouds erupt in downpour when the atmosphere reaches its peak and encourages dandelions to break through a crack in the pavement to release its seeds into the wind.

In humans this force expresses itself in even more mysterious ways. It’s the energy that drives us to discover continents, explore the bottom of the ocean, expel ourselves from the only planet we know, create poems and murals and symphonies, open our hearts a thousand times, unfold and grow, and also, in dark times, to get out of bed and face a new day.

Wisdom traditions gave this Mystery its name. Hinduism called it prana (“vital principle”), Chinese medicine postulated chi, the raw material of health and vitality, and Tao (supreme principle that brings order and unity to the universe). In America it was k’uh, among the Mayas; camaquen, among the Incas. At the beginning of the 20th century, the French philosopher Henri Bergson baptized it élan vital.

Medicine and psychology speak of “vitality,” a virtue expressed as vigorous enthusiasm for life, and one of the five character strengths most closely associated with life satisfaction (the other four are hope, gratitude, curiosity and love).

Vitality has been increasingly studied over the last few years, because research reveals that it is a key component of health, longevity, immunity, and the quality of relationships.

Being alive is a biological fact, but feeling fully alive is a state of being. We all experience moments of vitality, moments of feeling the river of life flowing through our body and heart. If we consciously cultivate this state, if we string together living moments like beads on a necklace, this state can gradually become our baseline; a new personality trait.

To expand, strengthen and cultivate these states, we will turn to a powerful technique called “mythic imagination”. What is mythic imagination? It’s the ability to create, interpret and connect with mythic stories and symbols, ancient narratives that express profound truths about the nature of life.

The mythic imagination is inherently creative and opens a portal for self-discovery, personal growth and transformation.

In the journey we will take together, we will explore ten “Archetypes of Aliveness”. An archetype is an image that lives in the Collective Unconscious, and that drives impulses, emotions and energy. Although it’s represented in different ways in each culture, its essence speaks to us all.

We will use a kaleidoscope – an “artifact to look at beautiful things”-, which we will rotate to focus on one archetype at a time.

Each month, we will explore one figure experientially; from the Cosmonaut to the Sage. We will look through their eyes, unfold their gifts, soak in their energy, and use it to ignite the specific and unique transformation that eagerly awaits in each of our hearts.

Archetypes of Aliveness:

1. Cosmonauts	Living in infinity
2. Wild Ones	Living with freedom
3. Adventurers	Living with risk
4. Mystics	Living with presence
5. Heroes	Living with courage
6. Dancers	Living with sensuality
7. Children	Living with delight
8. Creators	Living with imagination
9. Wise Ones	Living with humility
10. Lovers	Living in love

Said the brave Helen Keller:
“Life is a bold adventure, or it is nothing.”

So be it!

Let’s say a resounding “Yes” to the adventure of our lives, together!

When

March 30th, 10 AM PST / 1 PM EST / 5 PM GMT

Format

One monthly online session, through Zoom. You will receive the audio, video and notes to keep for a lifetime.

Tuition

U$D 30 to $ 50. Choose your donation according to possibility, and in relation to the value you feel you receive. You can make the payment via Paypal, to the following address: alfredo.berge@gmail.com

Questions: info@fabianafondevila.com

Sign up here!