May 27-30, 2005
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; the weekend was so much fun, they wish it could have lasted longer.
This retreat will give you the tools to deepen and awaken your love. Each one of us carries some degree of negative programming from our past. We will show you loving and effective ways to transform this programming into positive, vibrant, joyous celebration of connection. You can do relationship from the head alone, using reason and intellect, but your love will shrivel unless your hearts are involved. In order to access your heart, you need to learn how to access your feelings, your vulnerability, and you must take risks. Do you want a safe, comfortable relationship or do you want real love? Do you want to confine your ocean-worthy sailing ship to a small protected harbor, or let it explore the open seas?
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 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, we’re reaching to the heavens, our humanity is integrated with our divinity.
This workshop will provide a time for healing as well as strengthening, 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 brings 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 Memorial Day holiday, ends Monday after lunch, and costs an additional $80.
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. Their visits here have been real love feasts and we always welcome their presence.