Nonviolent communication immersion Wild water paddling journey Nymboida river, northern nsw 20-28th of march 2019   

Why  would  this  experience  be  good  for  you?  

This  experience  is  a  beautiful  opportunity  for  individuals,  couples,  family  members,  and  friends  to  

deepen  and  nourish  relationship.  Deep  growth  and  connection  is  available  by  immersing  together  

into  nature  whilst  developing  supportive  communication  practices.  

 

Being  in  canoes  creates  a  platform  for  a  much  more  intimate  understanding  of  self  and  the  water.  It  

is  not  like  the  gun-­‐ho,  guided  experience  of  a  rafting  adventure.  Instead  boats  are  paddled  in  pairs,  

facilitating  an  opportunity  for  participants  to  develop  trust,  communication  and  understanding  with  

their  canoeing  partners,  as  well  as  experiencing  first  hand  the  outcome  of  their  paddling  decisions.  

The  Nymboida  river  has  a  safe,  drop-­‐pool  style,  so  capsizes  and  mistakes  are  harmless  fun,  with  

ample  room  to  collect  our  wits  and  process  our  experiences  in  the  calm  pools  below.  

 

The  excitement  of  the  rapids  is  well  complemented  by  the  peaceful,  pristine,  natural  gorges  that  

engulf  us  as  we  venture  further  downstream.  Wilderness  campsites  far  from  civilisation  provide  the  

backdrop  for  impressive  stargazing  opportunities,as  we  commune  around  the  campfire  by  night.  

 

 

   

 

 

What  it  involves:  During  the  retreat  we  will  spend  time  living  and  moving  together  as  community,  connecting  with  all  of  life  –  our  surroundings,  ourselves  and  others  to  tangibly  experience  our  interdependence.  This  moves  us  beyond  our  ideas  of  separation,  habitual  thinking  of  who  is  right  and  who  is  wrong.  We  will  travel  downstream  as  a  tribe,  carrying  everything  we  need  to  survive  and  thrive  in  our  canoes,  and  all  contributing  to  cooking  and  camp  creation.    What  is  NVC?  Nonviolent  Communication  (NVC),  was  founded  by  Marshall  Rosenberg  in  the  1960s.  It  is  grounded  in  consciousness,  language,  communication  skills,  and  uses  of  power  that  enable  us  to  remain  connected  to  everyone's  humanity,  even  under  trying  conditions.  Nonviolent  Communication  contains  nothing  new:  all  that  has  been  integrated  into  NVC  has  been  known  for  centuries.  The  intent  is  to  remind  us  about  what  we  already  know  -­‐  about  how  we  humans  are  meant  to  relate  to  one  another  –  and  to  assist  us  in  living  in  a  way  that  concretely  manifests  this  knowledge.    Do  I  need  prior  experience?  The  prerequisite  for  this  retreat  is  prior  attendance  at  a  NVC  2  day  foundation  training  or  equivalent.  Arriving  with  some  understanding  of  NVC  helps  people  to  benefit  from  each  moment  of  the  retreat  (not  just  the  sessions).  Kate  will  offer  us  all  an  experiential  style  of  integrated  practices  that  support  learning  NVC  in  ways  that  are  lively,  relevant,  engaging  and  deeply  enriching.     For  a  list  of  trainings,  go  to   www.nvcaustralia.com  Talk  to  us  if  you  can't  make  one  of  these,  there  may  be  other  options.  

 

 

 

 

What  if  I  haven’t  paddled  a  canoe  much/ever?  

If  your  canoe  experience  is  limited,  don’t  stress:  no  paddling  experience  is  required  and  beginners  are  welcome!  We  will  teach  everyone  the  skills,  features  and  safety  tips  needed  to  give  whitewater  canoeing  a  go.  An  open-­‐mind,  positive  outlook  and  sense  of  adventure,  will  be  all  you  need  to  bring.  This  section  of  river  is  perfect  for  developing  canoeing  skills,  as  there  are  easier  grade  1  and  2  rapids  for  the  first  few  days,  allowing  time  for  solid  skill  development,  and  little  consequence  for  mistakes.  As  the  journey  continues  and  your  skills  improve  we  will  approach    some  more  challenging  grade  3  elements  to  paddle  and  grade  4  rapids  to  portage  (walk  around).  A  great  progression  in  physical  challenge  will  be  equally  matched  by  a  journey  deeper  into  our  understanding  of  ourselves  and  the  way  we  can  effectively  communicate  with  others.    

 

The  Wilderness  is  a  beautiful  platform  for  developing  new  skills,  friendships  and  exploring  new  

places,  both  in  the  world  and  our  relationships  with  others.   During  our  holistic  adventures  we  

encourage  participants  to  accompany  the  physical  aspects  of  self  powered  travel  by  welcoming  an  

emotional,  spiritual  and  transformational  journey.  After  all,  away  from  technology,  and  immersed  in  

reality,  it  is  a  great  place  for  some  reflection  and  introspection.  Come  and  JOIN  US  on  a  unique  

opportunity!  

 

   

 

 

Where  is  it?  How  do  I  get  there?  

The  Nymboida  river  is  inland  from  Grafton,  in  Northern  NSW.  

We  will  connect  fellow  adventurers  to  encourage  carpooling.  

Commute  Times    

Coffs  Harbour  Airport   1.5hrs  

Byron  Bay/  Ballina  Airport   2.5hrs  

Gold  Coast  Airport   3hrs  

Brisbane  Airport   4hrs  

Sydney  Airport   7.5hrs  

*Approximate  drive  times  (minus  pee  breaks),  please  note  if  you  are  cycling,  swimming,  walking,  or  

sailing  to  us  it  will  probably  take  longer  

 

Where  do  we  meet?  

We  will  be  meeting  at  10am  and  finishing  around  midday  (NSW  daylight  savings  time)  at  the  Mann  

River  Caravan  Park,  Jackadgery.  Your  cars  can  be  safely  stored  here  throughout  our  Journey.  

 

 

 

 

 

What’s  Included:  

Daily  sessions  to  facilitate  and  deepen  our  Nonviolent  Communication  with  NVC  facilitators  

Qualified  &  experienced  Whitewater  Instructors  &  Guides  to  keep  you  safe  on  the  water  

Delicious  Nutritious  Food  for  your  entire  stay  -­‐  Featuring:  Local,  Organic,  Sustainable  produce    

Wilderness  Camping  under  more  than  5  stars,  with  nights  spent  relaxing  by  the  fire    

 

 

Also:  

Canoes,  Paddles,  Barrels,  Lifejackets,  Helmets  and  all  other  rescue  gear  

Wilderness  First  Aid  kit  and  Satellite  Phone  

Campsites,  National  Park  Permits  &  Car  Shuttles    

Optional:  Tent,  Sleeping  Mattress  hire    

 

 

 

Investment:  

The  price  of  priceless  time  spent  in  nature:  $2200  per  person  (up  to  12  spots  available)  

To  book  your  seat  in  a  canoe  -­‐   go  to  https://journeyoutdoorsinnature.com.au/product-­‐category/white-­‐water-­‐paddling/  

 

Please  note:  

We  would  like  to  make  this  training  both  accessible  and  sustainable.  Please  checkout  the  FUNdraising  ideas  document  if  this  is  beyond  your  reach,  we  would  not  want  money  to  be  the  only  reason  you  don't  attend.    

 

Also,  If  you  haven’t  yet  attended  an  Nonviolent  Communication  foundation  course  prior  to  the  retreat  and  are  still  interested  please  contact  us  prior  to  booking,  so  we  can  help  you  find  one.    

 

One  of  the  joys  of  working  with  nature,  is  that  river  levels  are  out  of  our  control.  If  the  Nymboida  river  levels  are  too  high  or  low  to  guarantee  an  enjoyable  or  safe  journey,  we  can  move  locations  to  the  Clarence  River  or  Clarence  River  gorge,  which  are  both  very  enjoyable  sections  accessible  within  1-­‐2  hours  of  the  Nymboida.  In  the  extreme  case  of  widespread  flooding  or  drought,  the  trip  may  be  rescheduled  for  an  alternative  date.  

 

 

 

 

This  journey  will  be  facilitated  by  Kate  Raffin,  Caitlin  Clare,  Tegan  Cork  &  Laura  Stampa.    Kate's  first  language  is  colour.  She  comes  with  over  12  years  experience  mediator,  facilitator  and  trainer  and  has  been  a  practicing  artist  since  she  could  hold  a  crayon.  She  is  a  certified  trainer  with  the  Centre  for  Nonviolent  Communication   www.cnvc.org  and  is  an  animator  with  Play  in  the  Wild  –  initiations  into  Nonviolence  for  youth,  educators  and  families   www.playinthewild.org  .  Kate's  work  and  passion  highlights  the  power  we  have  to  represent  our  true  longings  in  ways  that  inspire  connection  through  engagement  with  life  and  each  other.  Kate  brings  an  appreciation  for  the  human  challenges  of  'being  nonviolence'  as  well  as  inspiration  and  courage  for  real  change  in  our  lives  -­‐ CREATIVELY .  To  see  more  about  Kate  go  to   www.hearttalkmatters.com      Caitlin  is  a  Zenthai  Shiatsu  and  Biodynamic  Craniosacral  therapist,  NVC  mediator  and  adventurer  into  the  nature  of  all  things.  This  year  she  immersed  into  both  a  white  water  canoeing  journey  with  Tegan  and  Laura,  and  also  the  NVC  expedition  into  Kakadu  with  Kate  and  Cassie  Newnes.  And  from  the  profound  experience  of  these  journeys  grew  a  vision  to  merge  the  two.  To  combine  the  support  and  connection  of  NVC  with  the  thrill  and  challenge  of  white  water  canoeing  and  the  peace  and  simplicity  of  life  on  the  river.      Tegan  is  a  Somatic  Therapist,  Apprentice  Doula,  Artist  and  Whitewater  River  Guide.  She  enjoys  helping  people  come  back  into  their  bodies,  developing  an  understanding  of  the  role  that  our  emotions  play  in  our  overall  well  being,  and  drawing  metaphors  from  nature.  She  is  also  an  amazing  river  chef  and  will  nourish  your  bodies  throughout  the  journey  with  our  organic  and  ayurvedic  inspired  menu.    Laura  is  an  Adventurer,  Writer,  Outdoor  &  Environmental  Education  Teacher  and  Whitewater  Instructor.  She  has  explored  and  lead  people  on  adventurous  journeys  for  most  of  her  life.  She  particularly  enjoys  drawing  on  experiences  from  natural  journeys  to  help  us  negotiate  life’s  unpredictability.  She  is  fascinated  by  using  breath,  body  movement,  mindfulness,  and  nature  immersion  to  better  understand  and  connect  with  the  world  around  us  and  learn  to  go  with  the  flow.    Laura  and  Tegan  create  journeys  so  you  can  rediscover  your  natural  wellness  through  their  business  Journey  Outdoors  in  Nature   www.journeyoutdoorsinnature.com.au  Contact  us  for  bookings,  questions  or  inquiries  on   joinus@journeyoutdoorsinnature.com.au  or  0457  661  573    

 

Laura  says:  “Life  is  not  about  avoiding  capsizing,  it’s  about  learning  to  negotiate  your  world  when  it  is  

flipped  upside-­‐down.  The  river  is  a  great  place  to  embody  this  practice”  

Tegan  says:   “These  trips  have  changed  my  life  and  now  I  have  the  honour  of  being  apart  of  your  transformation”  Kate  says:     “Come  join  us  for  this  trip  –  it's  a  one-­‐off  and  YOU  get  to  make  it  that”  

Caitlin  says:   “This  trip  is  a  gift  and  will  be  an  absolute  life  changer”  

   

 

 

What  attendees  of  our  January  trip  wanted  to  say  to  anyone  thinking  about  JOINing  us:  

 

I enjoyed the food so much and am so grateful for the attention to details, provenance, health, taste, and that 

is was sustainably and organically sourced. 

Such a wonderful experience of emerging in pristine nature – fully supported by a highly skilled and nurturing 

team. An opportunity to connect with the river, each other, and ourselves. Informed by the river, we learnt 

through being with each other, meeting our edges and leaning into complex/challenges that arise using the NVC 

skills we integrated along the journey. I had so much fun and I am so glad I came.  

Thank you thank you thank you. 

Bridget  O’Donnell  

 

Go for it, book early, take closed in shoes, relax.    Anonymous  

 

The main thing I’m taking away is empowerment, hope, and pride. 

Be open, prepared to examine your inner landscape, and allow yourself to be challenged to grow. 

Paul  

 

Thinking about a trip with us? I’d say f*k yeah… And leave me a seat too! Oh, and be ready to be physical and 

practice good teamwork.   

Leith  Sharp  

 

Join! I quickly found it to be a safe place to be even with no canoeing experience and a little rusty in my NVC 

Rosita  Holmes  

 

I took away empowerment, skills on the river, a sense of community, belonging/to matter, new friends, and 

encouragement to take the skills into the future. Awesome adventure, get good gear, and get basic 

understanding of NVC first. 

Zena  Oliver  

 

I am taking away skills and clarity to use NVC effectively. Give it ago. I got a lot out of it. It helped me move 

through a lot of stuff. Plenty of love and understanding. Lots of help available. 

Kathy  C.  

 

I’m taking away renewed connection to community concepts, water skills, and inspiration. 

Do it. Amazingly supportive and very connective. 

Elizabeth  Hill  

 

 

Do it! It’s a fantastic way to connect yourself through the magic wonder medicine in the outdoors. The journey 

is challenging but momentously beneficial to growth and understanding. 

A gentle unwinding into natural flow. 

Bronte  Awesomeness  Glasby  

 

The main things I am taking away is witnessing the strength, leadership, resilience, competence, insurance and 

community of women. Go for it! Absolutely worth every penny! You will love it! 

Michael  V  

 

For sure, you would be crazy not to. I had the best time, great fun, great people 

Anonymous  

 

I’m taking away presence, connection, friendships, inspiration, direction forward, better understanding of 

rapids and group voyages. Also awesome ideas for food options and for travels. 

Definitely do it. If you want to meet great people, enjoy restaurant quality food, whilst enjoying the simplicity of 

nature and the fun of white water canoeing in a team learning to deepen relationships and connection. 

Sonia  

 

Thriving  Survivors  -­  NVC  Canoe  Class  of  January  2019