Return to Alentejo

“Contributing to life by expressing what is alive in us”

the 'town beach' in MilfontesMy favourite workshop venue is in the charming seaside town of Vila Nova de Milfontes on the Portuguese coast. I’m returning for a second workshop weekend this year to the wonderful hospitality and enthusiasm of the local NVC practice group led by Helen Lane. Milfontes is a favourite summer holiday destination of the Portuguese, but remains as yet unspoilt by the package tourism which dominates the Algarve. The Alentejo coastline features rugged cliffs interspersed with sandy beaches and rocky bays: imagine a warm, sunny version of Cornwall, without any caravan sites or ‘Private: No public access!’ signs! The Atlantic beaches are dramatic and exposed and often better suited to surfing than paddling, but Milfontes also has sheltered swimming and sunbathing due to the broad estuary of the River Mira. Inland is a landscape of rolling hills, forests of cork oak and plantations of pine nuts, olives and vines. This region is growing in popularity amongst seekers of an alternative lifestyle from all over Europe, with a large intentional community at Tamera, the Mooji ashram at Monte Sahaja and several smaller eco-communities within an hour’s drive.

cliffs walk (3)The NVC community here is a mix of native Portuguese and settlers from all over Europe. I will lead an intermediate level weekend workshop on 4th-5th October 2014, as well as co-hosting the weekly practice sessions either side of the weekend with Helen. Topics for the weekend will be decided at the previous practice session, and I am open to requests, but I have an idea that our theme this time may be around finding our voices: becoming more able to speak our truth and share what is really alive inside us, especially in situations where we might normally be scared of others’ reactions, or tempted to hide our light under the proverbial bushel.

There is room for two or three more participants from outside to join, so why not combine an NVC workshop with a holiday in this lovely location? Accommodation is plentiful outside the peak season, the food is excellent and prices are much lower than the Algarve or indeed anywhere else in Europe that I know of. Ryanair and Easyjet fly to the nearest airports, Faro or Lisbon, for about £100 return. Choose your price for the weekend workshop from just £80 to £120 and meet needs for warmth, sunshine, beauty, adventure, ease, relaxation and economy, at the same time as connection, learning and inspiration!
Contact me asap to book or with any questions.