Retreats: Learning, Growing, Playing. . .
Editor’s note: Fri – Sun, July 9-11 we’ll be hosting a Family Cooperative Retreat (open a pdf about details here).
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Hosting retreats is one of the best things we do at Carp Ridge.
They are an efficient way to experience holistic living in balance. The resulting feelings of well-being are great motivation to make changes. At the same time we are building quite a lovely community of like-minded people who encourage and support one another in our healing journeys.
Highlights of the cleansing retreat in April included a magical spiritual walk led by Father Jack where we processed an issue through the natural elements; an inspiring art workshop facilitated by local artist Bina Mirza — the results of which are decorating the clinic; the usual delicious food made by Cindy and Dean and an interesting final circle where Katherine got a chance to resolve some issues around her sexuality! As you can see, cleansing is about more than just the colon . . . .
The latest retreat in May was something totally innovative: a retreat using the material known as German New Medicine, a map of matching emotional shocks with dis-ease. This is where we have the opportunity to delve deeper into the issues that make us sick. We start with an introduction to GNM and then integrate that with meditation, yoga, Journeywork, good eating, good company and safe sharing to learn how to heal our issues gently and compassionately. Barb Pierce played a central role with her classes, Dr. Seth Yates gave an inspiring talk on natural pain management and Father Jack offered a spiritual perspective on healing. We’ll be running this one again Nov 19-21 and hope to deepen the process each time.
Coming up July 9-11 we’ll be offering another new format: a Family Cooperative Retreat (open a pdf about details here)where we will work together in the kitchen and in childcare to make it affordable for all. The classes will include yoga, meditation, learning how to use herbs, nature walks, cooperative games for all ages and special arts and crafts for the kids. If we get enough teens, they can have their own retreat out in the woods with a special facilitator. We are hoping to grow this retreat more every year so it can be a real boost to those families seeking to heal and live in a more natural manner.
Of course the fall will bring another cleansing retreat Oct 22-24, an opportunity to learn how to deal with the toxins in our modern world in a gentle and easy way.
We look forward to seeing you at some of these weekends!
