Collective Presence: Winter Stories

Lions mane chai & storytelling X dinner X live flute

Artists: Elle from Bristol Fungarium & Kyle Medford-Hawkins

Join us for our second Winter edition welcoming Elle from Bristol Fungarium & Kyle Medford-Hawkins in a cosy ritual gathering to entertain all the senses including the felt one. An intuitive gravitation towards earth and celebration of the nesting season with time to dream to music feast on moreish food and learn of the folklore surrounding the Lion’s Mane mushroom. Candlelit and humming with the tantalising smells of dinner by Joey the intention behind this one is to savour the many stories Winter has to share and flip the narrative on its all just ‘cold and sogginess.’ 

Lion’s Mane chai & storytelling 

Opening the evening will be a ceremonial introduction to some of the history folklore and mycelial magic surrounding the Lion’s Mane mushroom across various cultures. Followed by chats and questions as we serve Lion’s Mane Chai (infused with other supportive plants) to inspire a meaningful relationship with the everyday and ancient practice of tea and its abundant healing capabilities.

Served up will be a Lion’s Mane Chai - called ‘Yamabushitake’ in Japan meaning “those who sleep in the mountains” and named after the Yamabushi Buddhist Monks – wandering ascetics from the Shugendō spiritual tradition - who were thought to use Lion’s Mane to assist in meditation. While seldom seen and often thought to be native to the farther throws of Europe Asia and North America the Lion’s Mane that Elle will be sharing with us was found quite beautifully on an old Beech tree just 300 meters from the Bristol Fungarium farm - and in fact led to it’s inception in many ways - more on that during our time together!

Mandala dinner & live flute

After teatime and as the ‘cosmic grandad’ of the mushroom world - much celebrated for its gentle stimulation of mental clarity and focus - softly lands you’ll be invited to bring a little Wintery something maybe a leaf stone poem or treasured item that collectively we'll build into a natural mandala. In the weaving and building we’ll create a meditative centrepiece around which we can sit and eat. 

Following a hot dinner Kyle will share his beautiful double Native American flute. Half immersive gig half sound journey you can expect an opportunity to fully doze off while digesting and integrating. And by immersing yourself in the resonance of sound a deeply meditative and expansive state often arises. One where Winter’s healing unfolds naturally.

Ticket covers storytelling ceremony mandala making a hot dinner & live flute.

18+. Babies & small people under 3 welcome!

Please let us know of any specific dietary reqs. Dinner will be vegan with a gluten free option.

Host or Publisher ElenaYoga