Summer Retreat Review 2008
By Jo-Anne Wuziuk
We started off the retreat
with guidelines to create a container of safety. Getting to know
each other, we started our adventure.
We learned that, the physical body stores emotional patterns. To
be able to shift out of physical pain or emotional turmoil, we can
re-wire the responses our body has stored. This takes awareness
and support. Rather than limiting the support received in the
process of our changes, we could actually accomplish them easier with
the support of many around us. The openness to supporting each
other, without judgement, opened our hearts to greater depths of love.
We discussed couple dynamics. Some couples shared knowledge and
experiences that helped them through the rough periods of their
relationships.
There was time for communing with Nature by walking through the forest
and swimming in the river. There were all kinds of fun games,
including bocce ball, table tennis, and card games.
We were able to learn how to set boundaries and reclaim our power for
our own Sovereign space. We found out how important it was to
communicate with each other so we could reach deeper levels of intimacy
by finding out what others boundaries were and by asking for more
information. We also learned about the importance of apologizing
for our mistakes and of the value of forgiveness.
With the help of dancing, massage work, and exercise like walking in the
forest and playing physically active games we helped our bodies release
strongholds on emotions that no longer served us.
We worked on grounding in our bodies an awareness of what open-hearted
boundaries felt like.
We did some toning to open our hearts.
We found out our inner child needs to be able to speak and act from time
to time and that a place of safety is important for that.
We had the opportunities to talk and work on our stuff, not only in
formal sessions, but also throughout the day while we all lived
together. Free time was available to relax, play, or contemplate.
We were able to receive feedback from our home groups about boundary
issues we were having in our lives back home. The smaller groups
created a deeper level of safety and sharing.
Appreciations flowed freely for all of the insights and assistance
received.
We all stepped up to ensure the greatest amount of safety for everyone
concerned. When challenges arose, everyone was consulted.
All possibilities were considered. Agreements were reached on the
best course of action. The result, safe passage through the
challenges with great healing for all.
We balanced our chakras and gazed into the mirrors of our souls through
the windows of our eyes. The depth of love that was present helped
us to heal and balance what had been out of alignment.
Our rafting excursion was a life affirming adventure. A group
willingness to support each other on the trip made it a safe, fun,
exciting, life affirming journey. Mother Nature showed her power
and beauty. A storm blew us into shore. We creatively
constructed an air mattress hut for shelter. Huddled together, we
warmed each other with our body heat, singing, and laughter. The
storm passed and we gently floated back down the river in the warmth of
the sunshine. The beauty of Nature was observed not only in the
lush greenery of the shoreline, but also in the presence of the bald
eagle that glided over us and the huge beaver that swam near us.
Weathering the storm together gave us a greater love for each other and
a greater appreciation for being alive.
Bridges were built between cultures. Loyalties weren't to one
culture or belief system. Loyalties were to love. We found
that dedicating to what love would ask of us makes us loyal and loving
to ourselves and increases our love for others.
Talent night was a joyous experience where many explored their
creativity to unprecedented levels because of the safety of the
environment. Laughter, song, enactments, and dance provided
balance in contrast to all of the work we had been doing.
I take one last walk through
the forest, down to the river's edge. I am forever changed for the
better. I feel full of love. I have a greater appreciation
for my life, everyone and everything, in it. My mind is at rest.
I feel the joy in my heart and the peace in my soul.
Deep connections of loving friendships were made because of the journey
we all took together. Memories of the experiences and what we
learned are reinforced as we stay connected through phone calls, e-mail,
event announcements from StarTree, Kelly's web-site, our journaling's
from the retreat, and our meeting up with those who were there.