STORY, SELF AND SPIRIT
Led by: OneSpirit Minister Tim Ralphs
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Embark on a whimsical quest with us as we dive into the captivating world of storytelling and self-discovery! Imagine your identity as a magical tapestry of tales, both told and absorbed, weaving through the fabric of the cosmos. Get ready to don your explorer’s hat and set sail on a voyage through your own epic narrative. With the guidance of global folktales, ancient myths, and timeless wisdom, you’ll uncover hidden treasures in the nooks and crannies of your imagination. This journey promises a chest full of resources to anchor you in storms and maps to navigate the wild seas of creativity.
Meet your captain, Tim Ralphs – a One Spirit Minister and master storyteller, charting courses in the seas of story for over fifteen years. His compass has pointed him towards myriad mystical myths, making him the perfect guide for this adventure from 2018-2020. He’s here to show you how to reflect on life’s narratives and deepen your spiritual bonds. But fear not, this adventure isn’t about performing for crowds. No, it’s about the inner stage – a space of self-reflection and growth, learning to draw from the well of myths and creativity. And you won’t walk the plank alone! Join a crew of fellow adventurers on One Spirit’s Online Learning Platform, setting out to discover the ‘you’ in the story of the universe. So grab your quill and parchment — it’s time to pen the legendary tales of you!
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Open to any applicant with an interest in the soulful enquiry, the only requirement is to complete the application process and confirm availability.
- To take part, you will need a computer or other device equipped with a camera, microphone, speaker and a stable internet connection.
KEY FEATURES:
- Meeting via Zoom for three weeks, then a week’s break for creative solo work, before a final session.
- You will need a webcam, microphone and reliable internet access.
- Open to all who want to explore with creativity, compassion and curiosity.
- You will be supported by a bespoke online platform, and a discussion forum to stay connected.
KEY INFORMATION
WORKSHOP DATE & TIME:
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Tuesday 23rd April 2024
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Tuesday 30th April 2024
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Tuesday 7th May 2024
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Tuesday 14th May 2024 (No live webinar, your time for creativity)
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Tuesday 21st May 2024
FEES
- ROSIM members, or OneSpirit students: £84
- Non-ROSIM members: £105
YOUR FACILITATOR
TIM RALPHS
Once upon a time, in the heart of the storytelling revival of the 80s in the UK, a young boy named Tim Ralphs was constantly awash in a sea of rich global narrative traditions. Little did he know that these early encounters would encourage him to dedicate more than fifteen years to exploring the power of the spoken word in different corners of the world. Over time, Tim evolved from a storyteller, finessing his craft to a vibrant performer, nurturing trainer, and inspiring facilitator. His reach was endless; it included not only regular audiences but also those who were particularly vulnerable. Take, for instance, the teenagers in Colombia whose lives Tim impacted or the conservationists and ecologists whom he aided. He showed them how storytelling techniques could illuminate and share their work and research in a more human-centric, empathetic way. In 2013, Tim’s life took a spiritual turn when he was ordained as a One Spirit Minister. He served as a celebrant, counsellor, and supervisor, and his years from 2018 to 2020 were spent as a tutor with OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation. His fascination for myths spanning different cultures was so profound that it led him to develop a unique practice – one that allowed us to reflect on the narratives of our lives and deepen our relationship with the Spirit. Tim’s journey hasn’t been just about telling stories. Rather, it has been a quest to explore how people celebrate their traditions and adapt to the ever-changing needs of their communities. His work nurtures creativity, mirrors an ever-deepening compassion and playfulness, and provides a sanctuary for self-reflection. And so, the story of Tim Ralphs, the OneSpirit Minister and storyteller, continues to unfold, influencing and inspiring anyone fortunate enough to cross his path.
MORE INFORMATION
Resourcing from Myth…
- The article “Resourcing from Myth” on the OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation website, introduces us to Tim Ralphs’ adept storytelling. Drawing from Scandinavian Eddas, he narrates the tale of Skathi, exploring themes of loss and grief. He effectively bridges ancient myth with a man’s modern sorrow. Referencing Karen Armstrong’s “A Short History of Myth”, Ralphs views myths not as historical facts but as ongoing influences providing profound depth to our experiences. He underscores the healing role of myth in managing inner chaos and encourages their use for personal enrichment. Tim’s course, “Story, Self, and Spirit” is aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of themselves and their surrounding world, driven by the enduring power of stories and myths. Read the entire article here.