September 30-October 2, 2005
Learning to love another person is one accomplishment where proficiency actually does bring happiness. Intimacy, however, confronts us with deeply conditioned habits of mind that breed our most powerful conflicts. For most of us, hurt, anger, and other painful feelings are an inevitable accompaniment to intimacy. We can learn from disharmony and resolve it into a greater harmony. With the proper skills, our hurt, fear, and resentment, neither suppressed nor indulged, can be used as compost to enrich the soil of relationship, transmuting conflict into greater understanding and compassion.
Healthy intimacy requires finding a way to be more real, and at the same time more forgiving. Quite a razor’s edge. Of course we want to feel comfortable being ourselves, including our human imperfections and unpleasant feelings. Suppression and denial destroy integrity and depth of intimacy. On the other hand intimacy requires emotional safety, which is hard to come by in the presence of blame. We have found it is possible to make room for every one of our imperfections, while preserving a safe and loving atmosphere. We can fine-tune our love while at the same time increasing our connection with the Source.
We will work with emotionally resonant issues that are genuine through sharing, discussion, and exercises with one’s partner. Each couple will have plenty of “hands-on” experience with their issues. Private help is offered throughout the weekend for those who desire it. We’ll create a non-judgmental, emotionally safe environment where all are respected for where they are. Sharing is voluntary and privacy is honored. You will learn how to create such safety at home, as well as receiving tools for enhancing the art of intimacy. What we offer is truly practical; it really works. Martha and Don’s workshops have been valuable for couples in profound difficulty, as well as for those seeking to enhance their grace and joy.
Don Rosenthal had retired from a career as a successful classical musician and was leading a monkish life in a remote Alaskan cabin when, 34 years ago, he came together with Martha, who had been a school teacher. Much of their first five years together were spent deepening their simple life of inner exploration. When they emerged, Don became a counselor and writer and Martha became a counselor in a practice she calls “spiritual midwifery.” She also leads meditation retreats for women. They home schooled their son Aram, now 23. In the last 15 years, while living in rural Veermont, they’ve shared their tangible vision of mature, loving relationship with couples in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.