FOUNDATIONS OF THE WAY OF COUNCIL

A two-day immersive workshop in remembering our shared humanity through listening and speaking from the heart

Friday 18 & Saturday 19 September, 2026

Avila Centre, Dublin 4

⭕ About the gathering

Council is an ancient and universal practice of gathering in circle—of slowing down to speak and listen from the heart.  We come together to bear witness, one voice at a time, sharing stories rather than opinions, and listening without judgment.

Through stories of love and loss, courage and change, we begin to recognise how much we share beneath our differences.

The Way of Council invites us to:

🌿Listen deeply and speak authentically

🌿Remember the wisdom that lives between us

🌿Create space where hierarchy softens and community strengthens

🌿Cultivate compassion, resilience, and belonging

🌕Foundations of Council Training 

This foundational training (formerly Council 1) offers a grounding in both the spirit and structure of Council.

Participants explore the history, principles, and forms of the practice, and learn ways to bring Council into families, workplaces, and communities.

Through experiential learning and shared reflection, you’ll develop confidence in facilitating circles that foster presence, connection, and authentic communication.

This training welcomes:

community organisers, educators, mindfulness and meditation teachers, prison chaplains, artists, activists, caregivers, therapists, and anyone drawn to nurture deeper listening in their lives.

👥   Guides

Jared Seide — Executive Director, Beyond Us & Them

Dr. Ann Seide — Senior Council Trainer and board-certified Internist and Integrative Medicine Physician

Together they bring decades of experience in facilitating Council practice across diverse cultures and contexts.

Jared Seide is the author of  Where Compassion Begins , a book about Council and mindfulness. 

" Where Compassion Begins is an invitation to build the muscle of compassion, through exercises and practices that enhance our capacity to listen from the heart and, in so doing, take care of ourselves and those around us ."

💬 Voices from previous participants

“A wonderful training that opened the heart. I can see how Council circles could be transformational in people’s lives.”

“A rich blend of theory, experiential learning and humour that brought everyone together.”

“Beautifully nourishing—professionally and personally. The trainers are exceptionally skilled and warm in their approach.”

🌳Practical Details

Fee: €350

Early Bird: €300 if paid by 17 July 2026

This rate is also available for previous Council workshop participants

The fee includes a 5% contribution to Wholehearted Education (a sister project of showing up ) , supporting ongoing Council practice and training opportunities

Deposit: €100 secures your place; balance due by 11 September 2026

Attendance: Full participation both days is required

Time: Arrival from 9.30 for a 10am start till 6pm, both days

Venue : Avila Centre , Dublin 4

Please bring lunch on both days. Tea and coffee is provided. 

💡To register or ask questions:

Phone/text Niamh Barrett: 086 2857212 or Josephine Lynch: 087 2372130

Email Niamh and Josephine at wholeheartededucation@protonmail.com