WINTER RETREAT AND WORKSHOP: MIRRORING FOR INTENT AND EMPOWERMENT

It may not be overdramatic to state that our species survival depends, to a great extent, on our learning to tell and listen to stories. Much of the strife among individuals, families, communities and nations derives from our inability to tell our story clearly and to listen carefully to another’s story. If we cannot tell with expression, our life is mute. If we cannot listen like a mirror, we cannot reflect back the wholeness of the story -- the body, soul, mind and spirit of the teller. The best stories are about human nature -- that is, the human of us which is nature in her basic manifestations as physical, psychical, rational, and spiritual. One of the best ways to create a story is to put people in contact with nature.

Overview: During this 3 day workshop, we will meet together at the Rainbow Lodge Retreat Center (46820 SE Mt Si Rd, North Bend, WA 98045), at the edge of the Cascade Mountains. The Rainbow Lodge provides a spacious lodge/kitchen, and 40 acres of expansive woods for our times on the land. Our first day will be spent acquainting and reacquainting ourselves with each other, going over the teachings of the 4 shields of human nature, and working with the art of ‘mirroring for intent’. The following 2 days will be spent in a mixture of teachings, exercises and stories. You will learn to elicit personal “mythos” through the expression of story, to utilize the “elder’s council” as an incorporation tool for self and group empowerment, and to listen and respond to the four personas of human nature, that is, to mirror. There will be times alone in nature without food or shelter that will evoke in you and your fellow attendees the stories and myths of your, and our, collective true nature.

This is a special opportunity to be in space with Veteran Rites Co-Founder and Senior Guide Larry Hobbs to go deeper into this foundational practice for Rite of Return ceremonies and Circles of Return. Mirroring for Intent and Empowerment is also a powerful tool for veteran peer supporters, therapists, counselors, or anyone seeking to sharpen their skills for deep listening and building meaningful relationships.

Who Should Attend: The primary intent for this training is deepen the practice of mirroring for intent and empowerment for Veteran Rites earth-based ceremonies and circles of return. The workshop is also a wonderful introduction to our work and applicable to anyone in the military family seeking healing through nature and for providers, peer supporters, and counselors in trusted relationship with veterans. Space will be limited due to restrictions of COVID-19 and priority will be given to initiates of Rite of Return Ceremonies and regular participants in Circles of Return in community. This workshop is being funded through the King County Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy.

Welcome Back Home: As there are a large number of returning initiates of the Rite of Return ceremony coming to renew this year, we will also set aside a small portion of support the growth of our shared vision for Veteran Rites.

What to Bring: We will be spending a large part of our time outdoors, so bring layers and waterproof clothing (e.g. rain-pants, rain-jackets).  The weather is always unpredictable, so prepare for cold, wet, or warm.  You may want to take notes or reflect on your experience, so we encourage the use of a notebook or journal.  On Saturday evening, we will have some free time together, so feel free to bring musical instruments or other fun "toys" that the group might enjoy.  

 As always, these journeys together can be a wonderful gift to ourselves full of surprising awareness-es and reflections.  Begin now to prepare your body, psyche, mind, and soul for our time together.

Meals and Lodging: All meals and individual rooms will be provided by the Rainbow Lodge. Special accommodations and dietary considerations are available upon request.

COVID-19: All participants will be required to adhere to Veteran Rites COVID-19 protocols before, during, and after the gathering to protect the safety and security of all participants, our loved ones, and community. These protocols include safeguards for wellness checks, social distancing, wearing masks, dining, sanitation, lodging, and transportation. All participants will be required to be vaccinated OR show proof of a negative covid-19 test 48hrs prior to the event.

UPDATE 1/15/2022 - The Mirroring for Empowerment Workshop is on Waitlist Status. There will be a second workshop in late May of 2022. Feel free to express your interest and we will fill in as space becomes available.