Heroes of the Apocalypse
Part of the reason we find ourselves in the current state of disarray is because the structures that maintain domination and hierarchy are built on the principles of acquisition, status and division. These themes are mostly enacted through violence and are simply not conducive to the flourishing of life.
So, what are our alternatives? In order to be present as the old cultural frameworks fall away, and for something new to emerge, who do we need to be? What might being a man look like when we engage with the world through a lens not defined by invulnerability, individualism and status?
The less we feel, the easier it becomes to transgress. The more we transgress, the less we come to feel. It’s been mandatory under patriarchy, for men to close the heart in order to do the violence necessary to achieve power and dominion. It’s a vicious cycle.
With a view to reflecting on this cycle in more detail, Heroes of the Apocalypse seeks to provide a creative space—a kind of laboratory—for us to explore together how these dynamics exist within us and colour our experience of the world. Perhaps then we may have taken a step towards seeing beyond the veil and choosing a different, more compassionate way to live.
WHY THE WORKSHOP AND WHATS THE CHANGE
Contrary to popular belief, the word apocalypse doesn’t mean a catastrophic collapse of life as we know it. The true meaning of the word, coming from the ancient Greek root apokálypsis, is ‘revelation’ or ‘lifting of the veil’. It describes a disclosure of hidden knowledge, a divine truth, or a new understanding.
With this definition in mind, Heroes of the Apocalypse is offered as a response to the realisation that the system of patriarchy is central to maintaining beliefs and behaviours that are no longer appropriate for the continued health and prosperity of our world.
It is a workshop is for men who are interested to explore how we can participate in moving away from this system that crucially, continues to erode our capacity for compassion, connection and wise action
THE WORKSHOP
The main theme of the workshop will be organised around the practice of sensing and listening to ourselves and others. We’ll touch on the traditionally male taboo subjects of intimacy and vulnerability.
We’ll use ideas and exercises drawn from several embodied and relational approaches to movement, awareness and self-development in order to provide experiences that can be studied, shared and discussed.
We’ll use elements taken from the following practices - you may want to look them up.
CIRCLING
Is an organic, present moment group conversat ion practice focused on connection, relational awareness, non - violence and mutual discovery.
CONTACT IMPROVISATION
Describes a way of moving, in physical contact with other people. There is no technique as such, but there are skills to learn. For example, balance, spatial awareness, trust, letting go of agenda and expectation, listening to self and other, presence, play and much more.
BIODYNAMIC CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
Is a touch and presence based healing therapy with an emphasis on deep listening and energetic resonance. The training involves ever deepening and refining the capacity to sense and feel the energetic fields of physical and relational experience – past and present.
HAKOMI
Is a model of psychotherapy that focuses on the examination of unfolding present moment experience. Relational experiments are offered in a state of mindfulness so that the impact of experience can be clearly felt as a truth to be examined as it emerges into awareness. It has been described as assisted self discovery.
VENUE:
Cliffe Hall, 28 Cliffe High St, Lewes BN7 2AH
TIMES:
Saturday 14th November 2026 10am - 4pm
FOOD & REFRESHMENTS
There will be a tea break and one hour for lunch. There is a kitchen to use and many shops and cafes in the immediate vicinity.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided.
COST
£65.00
To book a place, find out more or just to have a chat about the workshop call or message Paul on 07780 239208
Or email: paulharringtonone@yahoo.co.uk