Story, Self, 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!

"Tim was an excellent facilitator. He set clear and helpful boundaries at the outset, and his management of the sessions was characterised by warmth, calmness and gentle, encouraging support. One of the things I was hoping to get out of the course was a return to creative practice, and it was joyful to be able to do this. It was an absolute joy to attend, and I am taking away a great deal of learning."

– Vicky

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.

"Encourages you to look deeper into the ordinary and appreciate the magic of the story connected to it."

– Siobhan

KEY INFORMATION

WORKSHOP DATE & TIME:

All sessions start at 7:00pm UK time and will conclude at 9:30 pm UK time. Each session will take place via Zoom.

Tuesday 23rd April 2024
Tuesday 30th April 2024
Tuesday 7th May 2024
Tuesday 14th May 2024 (No live webinar, your time for creativity)
Tuesday 21st May 2024

FEES

ROSIM members, or OneSpirit students: £84
Non-ROSIM members: £105

"I thought Tim's facilitation was excellent. Each session was very well planned and he created a safe, easy, fun space. Tim is a great communicator and everything was well explained. I’m in awe of his use of language and ability to name what is happening in the space on many levels. I think this helped greatly with creating a clear atmosphere for the group to participate in."

– Sarah

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.

"This course has exceeded my initial expectations. I hoped it would be interesting and give me a new way to think about and or approach things but I got way more out of the course than I expected, in ways that I didn't anticipate even whilst taking part."

– Anonymous

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.