Songmap - Singing and Wayfinding in Uncertain Times 6 Week Course

This is a creative 6-week singing and sense-making course in Dublin 2 for sensitive souls to reflect on what gifts they can bring to the world, while looking after themselves.

This course starts 7pm-9pm on Thursday 12 March 2026 and runs for 6 consecutive weeks. This is not a drop-in course, it will be a closed container to provide a safe, non-judgemental space to explore living through challenging times (climate change, conflict, polarisation) while staying sane.

Each of the six two-hour sessions will blend uplifting and inspiring songs (and you don’t have to be a good singer to join!), somatic work and small group discussion on how to keep our hearts open and stay sane in these uncertain times.

Singing together will provide a container for our gratitude and grief and will fuel us with a sense of solidarity and courage to take part in the co-creation of a better world. To build a fairer and more beautiful society, we need more than information about the issues — we need collective cultural and emotional paradigm shifts. Music engages the body, the nervous system and the social field. Singing together regulates stress, builds trust and creates a sense of shared purpose and courage. Sound can open reflective space where difficult feelings about ecological destruction and human suffering can be acknowledged and held, without having to verbalise them or discuss the specifics of what is going on. We will sing songs and chants from various cultures, with lyrics which reflect and resonate with this journey in self-care and connection to the wider world.

Throughout the course we will explore how contribution can be a source of meaning and wellbeing as opposed to an experience of sacrifice and self-denial. We will explore how Indigenous wisdom and modern research have shown how cultivating a sense of interconnectedness, seeing ourselves as nature and focusing on why we do things rather than what we can get out of them (intrinsic motivation) all help us extend our circle of care further.
The focus throughout our time together will be on finding balance between self-care, meeting life demands and making a difference beyond ourselves (e.g. in our communities, in our consumption habits or by taking other action). The intention is for you to leave feeling lighter and clearer about how you can be a good ancestor, enjoy a sense of wellbeing and keep your heart open heart at this tumultuous time on the planet.

This is not a formula for avoiding suffering, but about adopting a regenerative mindset, finding support and creating a personal roadmap or ‘song-map’ to help you find your way to what makes sense for you.
More information about the course: https://fullcirclechange.ie/songmap-6-week-course/

Tickets:
Early bird till 26 March is €220 and standard entry is €250. Tickets must be booked and paid in advance. If price prevents participation please contact me, there are a few reduced rate tickets available.

### Who is this course for?

This course could be for you if….
· You enjoy and feel restored by singing with other people, especially when there is no pressure to perform, be a good singer or get it right.
· You feel strongly about equality and justice and want to express that in the way you live and enjoy your life at the same time.
· You feel you’re doing as much as you can for the world, but you need to nurture yourself to prevent stress and burn out.
· You feel you’re not doing enough for the world, but you don’t how to be effective with the resources you have available.
· You feel that we need deep transformation to heal ourselves and our world and you want to explore this idea through creativity, self-expression and deep chats in a safe non-judgemental space.

The Facilitator:
Rachel Dempsey is a song leader, ethnomusicologist, global citizenship educator and change-maker. She has led singing workshops and music research projects with Indigenous people, activists, refugees, women's groups and other communities around the world and is passionate about the power of singing for regenerative wellbeing, connection and positive change. Rachel has also co-designed and delivered projects with activists, eco-artists and NGOs blending voicework with nature connection, climate justice, eco-anxiety and resilience building.
Rachel’s recent research for a Masters in Climate, Justice and Sustainability explored the role of wellbeing, trust and inner transformation for sustainability and she draws on her training in Joanna Macy's Work that Reconnects, trauma informed holistic practices (Capacitar) and forest bathing in her own work in this area. Her project which promotes connection, wisdom and resilience for thriving people & planet is called Full Circle Change. www.fullcirclechange.ie.

### Details:

Dates and Times: 7-9pm from Thursday 12 March for 6 weeks
Venue: Carmelite Community Centre, 56 Aungier St, Dublin 2