ISTA - Inspired Tribal Gathering | Abbotsford

Dear brave souls,

Do you long for the connectedness, the rawness, and the holding that you have felt at ISTA retreats? I know I do. For those who have completed trainings with ISTA, it can feel like a glimpse into a longed-for village. A sense of tribe. A sense of community. A sense of living in deep connection with the self and other that we can remember from our collective past. It can be shocking - a stark and loveless contrast - to go back into the society that we have co-created today. Which is why Patty and I have felt the need to create two, and hopefully more, ISTA-inspired gatherings. To anchor in that feeling of belonging that I believe we all crave.

Please note that this is not a Temple Night. There are many wonderful people creating gorgeous and deep Temple Nights. And while we have deep respect for that work, we have both sensed that there is a need for a more community-focused experience. It will be a chance to use the ISTA “tools”, and share from the heart about how we are really doing.

The first half of these sessions with be similar to the “Morning Circles” at ISTA retreats. We will sit in circle, and outline collective boundaries and guidelines for the container. Then we will have time for any and all who wish to share. To truly see and be seen. And don’t we all need more of that? The second half of the evening will be a facilitated group activity, inspired by the work we undertake at ISTA.

The event will begin at 6.15pm. Please arrive crisply on time so that you can go to the toilet, etc. and settle yourself in the space. In order to create a safe and stable container, we will be closing doors and not permitting people to enter the space after 6.30pm.

Yes, you read that right. Like a good piece of Tupperware, we like to get our containers tight. This is to prevent disruption, and respect the tenderness of those who will be sharing in circle. We all know that it can be hard to be punctual, but please see your punctuality as a gesture of love and respect for all those present, and as an investment in our community.

We will close the gathering at 8.30pm. Guests are encouraged to go out together for dinner or drinks afterwards if they wish!

Please note that this event is open only to graduates of at least one ISTA training. This is not to exclude others. It’s to create a more stable container, as we will all have a shared understanding and lived experience of what we are there for, and what we aren’t.

Please note that while all people who will be present are ISTA graduates, that this is not an official ISTA event, and is not run by, or endorsed by ISTA. I believe that is an important distinction to make, in order to protect the entity of ISTA itself.

Patty and I will take all care possible to make a safe and enriching experience for all attendees. But in the spirit of ISTA, this event is a co-creation and all attendees are self-responsible for their own experience. We encourage you to use all necessary self-care practices before, during, and after the gathering. Like at ISTA retreats, none of the experiences are ‘compulsory’ and all attendees are fully at choice at all times.

Patty and I are holding two Tribal Gatherings this year, and if this is enough interest and momentum, we would like to run ongoing monthly gatherings next year. To continue to build and strengthen our community, and for internal growth. If you are interested in helping to co-host please be in touch. This whole experience is a community co-creation!

Ticket pricing is primarily going towards covering venue hire, with a small amount going towards covering our time spent in organising the events. Please note that we will not be offering refunds for tickets, to ensure that will be able to pay for venue hire. If you are unable to come, consider giving your ticket to an ISTA friend.

The event will be taking place in the swanky 'Bishops Parlour' at the fabulous Abbotsford Convent. There's a map of how to find the room attached below, or you can also check out the site map at this link. Please allow plenty of time to find a decent place to park and walk in, as it's a big place. 

On the night, please wear clothes that you feel comfortable to move in, and a cushion to sit on (if you can bring spare that would be great!). If you have access requirements or any other special needs, please let us know. If you can bring any rugs, blankets, or shawls, that would be great too. If you have one (or more!) of the classic emotional release mattresses (foldable, foam, single), please let us know if you’d be willing to bring!

We’re looking forward to connecting with you all. And continuing to grow our beautiful community.

With love from Kate and Patty