AUTUMN VIRTUAL VERSION: This course is about DISCOURSE with cat

2 sessions/2.5hrs each – VIRTUAL ONLY
limited space for ample attention.
pre-course work will drop 2 weeks prior to first session.

MUST ATTEND BOTH SESSIONS: £100
any questions or concerns if it’s suitable? [email protected]

This is not necessarily about DHARMA TALKS (but very well could be).

If you have a voice and wish to articulate experiential insight from paper to spoken word, you are more than welcome.

Vietnamese master Thích Nh?t H?nh says the following about Dharma talks:
“A Dharma talk must always be appropriate in two ways: it must accord perfectly with the spirit of the Dharma and it must also respond perfectly to the situation in which it is given. If it only corresponds perfectly with the teachings but does not meet the needs of the listeners, it’s not a good Dharma talk; it’s not appropriate.”

For the autumn virtual version of this course: 1000 word (or less) essay on ONE OF THE FIVE POISONS – ATTACHMENT (GRASPING), AVERSION (ANGER), IGNORANCE (DELUSION), PRIDE, JEALOUSY.

Please email the essay ahead of the first session. Participants will also be asked to submit a bullet point format which will be used as the foundation for the 5 minute “talk” to be shared with all participants. More information will be sent 2 weeks before.

In these sessions, we will workshop approaches and practices that would invite resonance and insight from the learned to the applied. That said, beyond a teaching capacity, it can also facilitate communication in interpersonal relationships to be clearer, more confident and engaging – to be more aware of diverse perspectives other than our own limited scope.

No need to be a skilled orator, performance-ship definitely not required, as a matter of fact, leave it out. Must simply embody a willingness to communicate with personal insight, honesty and integrity. Everything is a remix, originality not imperative.

Please book early, if possible, to allow for time to fulfil pre-course materials. Preparation is key to be able to eventually and naturally be more responsive in the moment. This approach will be explored with suggested exercises between the sessions.

“Insightful, powerful, and effective—Cat openly shares her decades of experience in communicating with wider audiences, offering practical, down-to-earth guidance. Rooted in spiritual teachings (with the research itself being deeply enriching), the skills learned extend far beyond the yoga class.”

“Cat’s classes always leave me looking at the world through a different lens, so when I saw the discourse offering, I jumped at the chance. It was invaluable receiving direct feedback from Cat and the group on how to deliver a talk in a way that is interesting and approachable to a wide spectrum of people. Even though I was nervous, Cat has a special way of making everyone feel at ease, seen and supported and it’s helped me so much in my teaching already.

“This went far beyond simply learning technical skills. The workshop discussions that followed were invaluable. Cat encouraged us to think more expansively and inclusively, helping us recognise the kaleidoscopic potential of our words. Cat facilitated chats that demonstrated how our intent can shift in meaning depending on context, tone, or perspective, highlighting the complexity, dynamism, and diversity that shape how others interpret what we say.”

“I love participating in DISCOURSE with Cat and the crowd she attracts. These sessions inspire me to think / write / speak about meaningful topics and learn to organise my exploration of Buddhism. You can study a topic, which is close to your heart, through the lens of Buddhist concepts (I once chose attachment, once non-Self) and get very thoughtful feedback. The modern world does not leave much room for deep discourse with strangers, so it’s great that Cat creates a space for it, but also shares the tools to initiate it in your own life (for some: work – there will be Yoga teachers, but expect a beautifully diverse group with varying levels of “spiritual expertise”). As always, Cat somehow manages to ensure everyone is equally seen and heard, and strike a perfect balance between pushing you outside of your comfort zone to grow & keeping it light through humour & kindness”