Opening the Heart

Join Buddhist and Sufi practitioners Angie Ball and Razwan Ul-Haq in another inspirational and creative weekend. A mutual journey whose beginning and end resides in the heart of loving kindness and compassion.

A meeting from two different perspectives; those of traditional and experiential disciplines, we will focus on combining the breath with learning the sacred art of Qur'anic calligraphy and free-form painting. Through a collaborative sand Mandala and offering of rituals we can create a sacred space in which to prepare our inks to work with. We learn to open to the mystery of Sufi poetry, and to delight in sacred invocations to the Divine presence, using aromatic aromas and oils whilst practicing prayers and meditation. Following the path of Buddhist and Sufi practices and traditions both approach mindfully the heart awakening in loving kindness and compassion.

During the weekend we will be working with inks, calligraphy pens, paints, writing material, paper and sand. Most materials will be provided, further information will be available when booking a place.

Islamic tutor and writer, Razwan Ul-Haq is a Master Calligrapher; his unique style of calligraphy stems from decades of careful training and precision. He joins disciplines as diverse as mathematics, physics and spiritual art, and finds the same movement in healing as he does in calligraphy.

Mindfulness tutor and Buddhist practitioner, Angie Ball brings an innovative and creative approach to working with art materials and mindfulness practices influenced by her practice and interest in several therapeutic disciplines including Transpersonal Psychology and Tara Rokpa Therapy.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TUTORS:

Razwan Ul-Haq
Razwan is a former teacher, Head teacher and LEA Advisor, and has worked as an artist in Residence for many Local Authorities, Museums and Schools. In 2006, he was commissioned by Leeds City Art Gallery to celebrate the presence at the Gallery of ten drawings by Leonardo Da Vinci, on loan to the Gallery from the Royal Collection to celebrate the 80th birthday of her Majesty the Queen. He has also written many books, all of which explore his spiritual Sufi interest, and is, at present working on his current book.

Angie Ball
Angie studied at Kagyu Samye Ling Tibetan Centre for over 30 years during which time she trained in Tara Rokpa Therapy and also in Mindfulness with tutor Rob Nairn and is a qualified tutor for the Mindfulness Association. She is a trained counsellor and massage therapist (ITEC) and has had extensive experience facilitating workshops and community arts programmes in the private and public sector.