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April 22-24, 2005
How do we make a stand for hope, healing, and transformation in the midst of ecological collapse? Join us for a retreat focused on deepening our connection with ourselves, each other, and our planetary home. Opening to the divine truth within reveals our inherent connection to all life on this complex, beautiful and fragile world. As we take this space and time together, we can uncover our own barriers to clarity and growth, noticing the ways we’ve guarded ourselves from this sometimes painful process.
Why are we not more present in our daily lives with the major issues facing humanity and the planet? Why is it so difficult to make changes in our way of life? Through guided meditation, intentional time in nature, simple yoga techniques, and group discussion, we’ll explore honest communication that begins with an awakening to our own blinders. To honor ourselves and others with whom we share this world, as well as those still to come, we need to balance nurturing ourselves with a clear vision of the more knowledgeable, loving, engaged people we can be. Let us strive to live into these visions ever more fully.
In creating a safe place for authentic communication, we open our potential for active compassion. We will hold each other tenderly yet firmly, being humble and loving in our support while challenging each other to do the deeper work necessary for growth. This can be joyful and magical.
Together we will create a unique space not often encountered in the world. We will take the time to be present with the suffering and despair that exists, to be open and honest about our own fears and weaknesses, to question our habits and assumptions, tp marvel at the beauty and fragility of the world, and to listen to the lessons we’ve ignored for too long. Out of this humility and openness, honesty and love, a great sense of renewed hope, determination, and empowerment will emerge. Please join us for this unusual event that begins on Earth Day.
Julia Butterfly Hill brought international attention to the clear-cutting of ancient redwood forests when she climbed 180 feet up a 1000-year-old tree and refused to come down. After 738 days an agreement was reached to permanently protect Luna, the tree, and a 3-acre buffer-zone. Julia is an activist, a writer, a poet, and author of The Legacy of Luna and co-author of One Makes The Difference. The audio Spiritual Activation captures Julia’s vital message as it’s given at standing-room-only appearances across the country. The recipient of numerous prestigious awards and honors, she has inspired millions with her courage, conviction, and profound clarity. The Legacy of Luna will soon be made into a major motion picture using a new“green set” standard for the film industry. Julia founded the Circle of Life to promote the sustainability, restoration, and preservation of life.
Kavitha Rao founded Common Fire, which stokes the flame of compassion in people and is dedicated to transforming the way people live and address issues of social justice and sustainability through retreats, coaching, traininga and through a network of model institutes and housine co-ops.. She’s on the Executive Council of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, the largest and oldest interfaith nonviolence organization in the world. A yoga teacher, she loves sharing the practice that has sustained and grounded her activism. For two years she traveled to over 30 countries, writing for the Odyssey World Trek’s educational website and is humbled by the immense commitment and vision she’s witnessed from people unwilling to accept violence, injustice, and poverty.