Welcome and Introductions
Let me introduce myself. I am Christopher Hammond - my background is on the 'Meeting the Team' page - not one the most exciting pages though!
The state of the world
The world has reached a pretty dire state in many different fields - ecological, climatic, pollution, financial, political, health care etc etc. What we have been doing is either not working or is unsustainable or is only short term in its benefits. All this produces opportunities which would not otherwise exist.
The Future
I find it fascinating that there is so much really good stuff going on in the world today that we do not hear about in the 'mainstream' media. I keep coming across new people, groups and organisations who are thinking outside the box, who are doing things with an appreciation of the interconnectedness of everything and everyone. This is a common theme running through them all. Below is a little list of just a few of the ones that have come my way:
T.E.D. - if you haven't found this site yet you are missing a treat. Inspiration from people in all walks of life giving short talks in conferences to share their insights and experience with others whose minds are open. Wonderful stuff. If you ever despair about the state of the world, go here to be reminded it is not all bad.
The Charter for Compassion - Karen Armstrong, author of many books including her latest, Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life. I heard her speak recently at Dartington Hall - amazing woman whose head and heart are in the right place. The Charter for Compassion is stunning in the way it is taking off.
Gunter Pauli - I heard him speak at the Schumacher College ages ago. He was a founder of Ecover. If you are interested in how to save the planet, just google his name - lots of u-tube clips. He said "don't give me one problem, give me three - and I will find a single solution for all of them". He looks at systems as a whole and much more.
The Scientific and Medical Network - People from science, medicine, philosophy and spirituality getting together, sharing research and ideas, exploring new paradigms. I joined this organisation a couple of years ago and have been well nourished by them ever since. There is some absolutely fascinating mainstream research going on that we don't normally hear anything about.
And there are so many more offering solutions and insights into all the current problems of the world. I am convinced that the problem is not the lack of solutions.
When will the changes be noticed
How come more people don't know about all this? I believe that we have not yet reached the tipping point where old ideas, theories, paradigms etc are overtaken by the new ones. My sense is that we are close and as more people become informed, the quicker it will come. One thing you can do is to inform yourself. Then tell others.
Homeopathy and the coming paradigm
Homeopathy sits very well in this new paradigm. It does not fit into the old divisive, reductionist, rationalist paradigm. It is about wholeness, interconnection at all levels. It is not just left brained - it is both left and right brained together (have a look at The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World by Iain McGilchrist - google it)
The course and the coming paradigm
Because our culture is not generally supportive of a more holistic way of seeing and experiencing the world, an important part of the course is to begin or continue this journey of self discovery leading us to see ourselves, others and the world around us, including how health works, in a very different way. This way, homeopathy becomes easy, full of interest, inspiration and potential. It also leads to an appropriate trust in nature and its healing potential and processes, a new understanding of disease that to our minds, makes sense of the otherwise random or inexplicable.
Choices
If you have read this far, I guess you may be interested in a course. How do you choose a course? There are a lot of nice, attractive sites out there promoting homoeopathy schools, colleges and courses. Dozens of them. You have probably found that much out for yourself already. How on earth are you going to choose between them? On the Choosing A Course page I give you my understanding of some of the important considerations.
Fun and Serious
I want to be clear about something. Whilst some things on this site are quite light hearted and we have as much fun on the course as possible, we also take our responsibilities as professional trainers seriously. Homeopathy and being a practitioner has its serious, responsible and professional side.
However there is abundant evidence that we learn easily when having fun. Our own experience backs this up. We are looking to support the development of passionate, competent, responsible, successful (in all its meanings) and happy practitioners.
Where next?
So what do you want now? Here are the first links if you haven't been there already:
and then if you want to browse the site, I suggest you start with the tab at the top of the page on the left and work your way towards the right - like reading a book. I have put the links to things I hope you will find useful when choosing a course first, before the more factual and knitty gritty things. Do remember the links on the right of these pages too.
I decided to make this site reflect the course. Being true to who we are is important. I hope you like it and find the site interesting and useful. I also hope to talk to you soon.
Christopher
Contact me - email is best I mainly work from home now thanks to the wonders of modern technology. You may try the office on 0121 423 1913 or give me a ring at home on 01803 834499 If I am out, please do leave me a message!