around the fire
wild spirit women
Free creative gatherings for women inspired by the idea of coming together around the fire in community. These are spaces to share, support and explore in a welcoming, neuro-friendly environment.
Date to be arranged
Wild Spirit Woods, Congleton Edge
A 2 hour session with an optional hour before and after to connect with the woods and each other
Open to all women 18+ (trans inclusive) - 10 places
£10 (£5 low income)
All proceeds to Wild Spirit Woods
Please book - message Ali through the contact form
A gathering around a real fire. We'll use creative approaches to land with ourselves, tapping into what we're bringing into the space that day and where we are in the Wheel of the Year. This will involve drumming and conversation and there may be writing, movement, visualisation and so on.
After a break, we'll come back together. Each woman will have the opportunity to share something, if she wishes. This might be something brought to the circle or that has grown out of the circle that day. It could be a poem, song, dance, artwork or object - or simply words that want to be expressed.
The event will be in Wild Spirit Woods' large tipi but connecting with the outdoors if weather permits.
What you may like to bring:
Hot drinks are provided but you are welcome to bring your own
A bite to eat
Mats, blankets, cushions to keep yourself cosy
Ear defenders, fidget toy or other accessory
Something for the decorative area at the centre of the circle
- like a stone, leaf, picture or other object
A drum, rattle or other percussion instrument
Something for the Share
Cash for payment
How it is neuro-friendly
-
You contribute just by coming. There is no demand to do anything. It's all just invitation.
-
Show up as you are. This is about connection, not performing - a place to take off our everyday masks.
-
Do what you need to do to be comfortable. Sit at the side or take a break; lie down or sit on cushions; stand or stim if you need to.
-
The circle will be held in a way to encourage co-regulation. This means more of a somatic approach where movement is welcomed. It can be better for neurodivergent nervous systems than neurotypical practices like mindfulness, meditation and breathwork.
-
No hierarchy. We're all important, we all matter. These circles are about coming together to co-create. Each gathering will be a unique collaborative event.
Please feel encouraged to get in touch before or after a circle to share any needs you might have. Use the online form.
IMPORTANT: By the nature of this work, some powerful stuff may come up at times. While Ali is trained/experienced in offering emotional support and holding space, everyone is responsible for themselves during the gatherings and taking care of their own wellbeing.
about ali
I'm Ali Davenport, Manchester writer and poet. I'm offering these gatherings for free to develop my own creative practice.
As a neurodivergent person, I'm keen to play with neuro-friendly approaches. These can be better for everyone, allowing people to be themselves.
I was very blessed last year to find my way to Wild Spirit Woods, a magical place in my ancestral homeland. Thank you to the woods, Dawn De Vivre and Wild Spirit Woods CIC, including Amanda Claire Vesty, for giving us this space to play.
Come, sisters, gather in circle.
Bring a seat of your choosing
– rocking chair, rug, stool;
a throne, if you’re so inclined.
We are all queens, sovereign to ourselves.
Show up as you like; nothing is fixed.
We’re curators of this liminal space.
Sit, sisters,
around this communal fire we’ve made.
Settle yourselves.
We’ll begin.