Talisman: The Power of the Word

Talisman: The Power of the Word is a ceremonial writing practice aimed at creating a 'manifestation poem' used to direct your future.

Combining Cha Dao tea ceremony, Vinyl ambient music, deep meditation and profound poetry workshop, Talisman is a powerful tool for opening the door to your future using the power of deep presence and clear words.

A 3-hour journey of reflection and creation resulting in a potent piece of writing for each participant: a poetic talisman that can be repeated as a mantra for years to come and treated as if it were made of pure gold.

Facilitated by Tal Derhy (lover of tea) and Luka Lesson (poet) Talisman is a call to presence, a journey towards setting an intention, writing this intention down on paper, and most importantly: being true to your word.

Summer Season 2024 - 2025

November 30 // 8am-11am, 1pm-4pm, 5pm-8pm

December 14 // 8am-11am, 1pm-4pm, 5pm-8pm

January 11 // 8am-11am, 1pm-4pm, 5pm-8pm

February 8 // 8am-11am, 1pm-4pm, 5pm-8pm

March 8 // 8am-11am, 1pm-4pm, 5pm-8pm

NOTE: Select 'get tickets' to choose your preferred date and time. There are only 15 places available for each session.

Summer Season Location:

Our Talisman Summer Season residency will situated in a Yoga Shala, on a beautiful property in Broken Head, 10 minutes drive south of Byron Centre.

The property is home to hundreds of fruit trees, a natural swimming hole, organic food production, positive energy and most importantly, uninterrupted silence.

Address: 1 Natural Lane, Broken Head

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please park in the street level parking bays, before walking up to the end of the driveway and finding the Yoga Shala on the left hand side. Do not drive up the driveway, to protect the peace and quiet of our hosts residing there.

The story of Talisman

In 2007, during a bout of depression, Luka Lesson wrote a poem entitled: "May Your Pen Grace The Page". The poem takes the form of a letter to himself, to believe that he could one day get out of the dark place he was in, and become a full-time poet.

In 2009, Tal Derhy experienced a serious spinal injury and started to use the power of words to do what the doctor's told him he couldn't: walk again.

Fast forward to today, and thousands of students study Luka’s poem: "May Your Pen Grace the Page" on national curriculums across the country.

And Tal walks with humility, into retreats, tea ceremonies and meditation classes - committing his life to teaching what he has learned along his healing journey.

Both based on Bundjalung country in Byron Bay, Luka and Tal have combined visions and histories to give the gifts of their learning to their community through Talisman: The Power of the Word.

Talisman Facilitators:

Tal Derhy

Tal is a devoted guide in the journey of self-discovery and inner healing, blending spirituality, metaphysics, and ancient wisdom from across the globe. With a deep belief in the body's innate ability to heal, Tal’s recovery from a significant spinal injury has fuelled his passion for helping others unlock their true potential.

Born in Israel to a Moroccan father and a Venezuelan mother with French and Transylvanian roots, Tal's diverse heritage and global travels, from Bali's spiritual communities to the Amazon's ancient wisdom, have shaped his unique approach to healing. These experiences allow him to blend traditional teachings with modern metaphysical practices in a truly transformative way.

Tal channels his wealth of experience into sacred, one-of-a-kind Cha Dao ceremonies, guiding participants through deep introspection and connection. Enhanced by the soothing soundscapes of ambient vinyl records, these silent ceremonies invite individuals to tap into their own healing potential in a serene, supported and nurturing environment.

With a calm presence and patient demeanour, Tal ensures all who are present feel fully seen and supported as they explore the boundless potential of their divine nature. The journey within begins here and now.

https://www.withinu.com.au/

Luka Lesson

Luka Lesson is a poet of Greek heritage who has won the Australian Poetry Slam, has featured at the mecca for slam poetry: the Nuyorican Poet's Cafe (NYC), performed with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, and been commissioned by the likes of the National Gallery of Victoria, The Institute of Non-Violence and the BBC (UK). Luka has released three collections of poetry independently: The Future Ancients (2013), Antidote (2015) and most recently Agapi & Other Kinds of Love (2022).

Luka has been a poet-in-residence at the Scottish Poetry Library, appeared at the Edinburgh Literature Festival, Splendour in the Grass, 4E Hip-hop Festival, Hong Kong Literature Festival, Ubud Writers' Festival and many more. Luka has taught poetry at the Athens University (Greece), Latrobe University, and across hundreds of High Schools in Australia and abroad.

Luka's musical theatre show: Agapi & Other Kinds of Love, based on the Ancient Greek words for love, premiered at the National Museum of Australia during their exhibition: Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors & Heroes from the British Museum.

https://www.lukalesson.com

“A talisman is an object imbued with power - used to keep us safe, or to make our wishes come true. But what if instead of buying jewels we recognised the power in our words. To write poems that reach across the ether, and bring our dreams to our front doors, to be memorised and used as lighthouses in the storms. Mantras that bind ourselves to ourselves in ways that are more precious than rubies set in gold. Words that taste sweeter than rose water, when they fall from our tongues.”

— Luka Lesson