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 that will evoke in you and your fellow attendees the stories and myths of your, and our, collective true nature.
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 nature-based practices and rites of passage. 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 is limited to 25 participants. Participants will be prioritized in the following order. If there is a waitlist status additional priority will be given to those that HAVE NOT attended a VR Mirroring Workshop.
Priority 1: VR Facilitators & Guides and those in training.
Priority 2: Initiates and prospective Initiates of Rite of Return Ceremonies with priority to those that HAVE NOT attended a mirroring workshop.
Priority 3: Veteran Rites Circles of Return and Veterans Council Community with priority to those that HAVE NOT attended a mirroring workshop.
A small portion of seats will be set aside for VR Community partners and VSOs in combined arms with the mission of 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.
1/20/23 MIRRORING FOR EMPOWERMENT IS AT CAPACITY AND ON WAITLIST STATUS. FEEL FREE TO APPLY AND WE WILL NOTIFY YOU IF A SPACE OPENS UP!
