The Vissells are not teachers high up on some pedestal, they are real people who've overcome real obstacles and are still learning important lessons in their own partnership journey. They share their most intimate bungles in a way that has everyone roaring with laughter, which is refreshing and allows guests easier access to potentially difficult material. Participants of Joyce and Barry's retreats consistently tell us the same things: Of all the couple's programs they've attended, this one took them to the true depths of their love and commitment. Being with facilitators who are so much in love, after 35 years of being together, has been just as helpful as their teachings, which are powerful and effective in themselves. This retreat helped them join spiritually, as well as mentally, emotionally, and physically. This spiritual union was a creative process that emerged from within each of them, rather than being imposed externally. They were able to heal and release past hurts, allowing them to trust their partners more. Almost all of them leave this retreat more committed, not only to their partners, but also to their own spiritual quest. They are amazed at Joyce and Barry's skill at getting to the heart of any issue and drawing out the best in each couple. The weekend was so much fun, they wish it could have lasted longer. At the heart of Barry and Joyce's work is a universal spirituality. Couples vary widely in religious beliefs, yet all feel comfortable in their presence. Their trust in a higher power is well beyond the restrictive barriers of dogma, allowing them to be at ease with and to honor all religions. Relationship is a spiritual path, a work of art in progress, and a journey of awakening, rather than a goal to achieve. Relationship is the background, with the journey to wholeness as the foreground. Our feet are rooted in the earth and we're reaching to the heavens, our humanity is integrated with our divinity. This workshop will provide a time for healing as well as deepening each couple's commitment. With the support of other, like hearted couples, many experience a new level of connection. The original music of Scott Kalechstein takes the experience more deeply into the heart through the gentle alchemy of his lovely guitar, soothing singing, and often hilarious lyrics. The workshop is designed for the entire Memorial Day holiday, ending Monday after lunch, and costs an additional $75. “David and I would like to express how much this weekend meant to us. We've experienced an incredible feeling of peace we've never felt before. We've spent much time talking and are closer than we've ever been. You've given us the tools to deal with our times of difficulty and your workshop was truly a life changing experience.” Georgie and David Weaver "For me the essence of our long weekend at Rowe was the experience of being part of a group which held relationship central in their lives as the norm rather than the exception. The couples were stronger than individual frailty would seem to permit." Mike
Joyce Vissell is a nurse, and Barry Vissell is a medical doctor and psychiatrist; their main medicine is unconditional love. Since 1972, they have been counseling, healing, and teaching internationally. They are authors of five best selling books on relationship, family, and healing: The Shared Heart, Models of Love, Risk to be Healed, The Heart's Wisdom, and Meant To Be. They founded and direct the non profit Shared Heart Foundation, dedicated to personal and planetary peace through loving relationships. They received the Aquarian Award, a national honor given to those who have made an "outstanding contribution to the transformation of human consciousness." Their visits here have been real love feasts, and we welcome their triumphal return.