​Exploring Silence workshops are led by
​Dr Alison Woolley, Director of Seeds of Silence.
The different Exploring Silence workshops:
  • 2½ hour workshops, usually in a morning, afternoon or evening.
These workshops are aimed at people with either no former experience of silence based prayer, or those who have explored short periods of silence or meditation on retreat days and would like to further their experience and understanding of developing these ancient Christian practices of silence.
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  • Full day workshops, typically from 10am-3.30pm.
These longer workshops are best suited to people who want to develop their experience and understanding of practices of silence, and who already have some kind of experience of silence based prayer or meditation. This may include short periods of intentional silence or engagement with meditation on retreat, in their personal faith practices or communally with others. However, these full day workshops are also accessible for people without any previous experience of silence or meditation.
What to expect from the workshops:
​The workshops are facilitated to create a safe space for participants.​
​You will have several different opportunities to try out meditation practices based in silence, which you will be gently guided through by Alison.
There will also be resources based on these meditations for you to take away and continue using at your own pace after the workshop, should you choose to.
During the workshops we will explore the word silence and its different meanings, particularly in terms of the ancient Christian tradition of developing a spiritual discipline or practice of silence. 
There will be an overview of the history of silence within Christianity, from the Desert Mothers and Fathers, through the different periods of the monastic tradition.
Events and key figures that led to a renewed interest in this spiritual discipline by Christians in the twentieth century up to today will be identified and discussed.
The workshops will have times for discussion in pairs and as a whole group, with opportunity to feedback on how you have found the different meditation exercises and chance to ask further questions about these.
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In longer, full day workshops you will also spend some time in a creative activity, hear more stories, poems
​and quotes about silence and try out a wider variety of practices of silence and meditation.
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The day will conclude with a period of ​reflection and worship.
There will be signposting to other Christian groups and organisations who can help develop your practice of silence, via their websites, newsletters, training courses and events.
There will also be books on silence for you to browse before and after the workshop, and a list of these and other books about silence that can help you continue your engagement with silence-based prayer.
You can search the entire website here.