Words from Gigi,
Challenging unexpected times call for a gathering on what seems short notice…
I am coming to the NW and there is no group i would rather sit with during this time of great grief around yet another war.
As well, we continue to water the beauty, the light and the dark in this changing season.
Halloween for some, Samhain, All Souls Day, All Saints Day, Day of the Dead and more ..a time of year given notice to in so many ways. in so many lineages and cultures.
This is an opportunity to deepen into the heart, the truth as best we know it, the practice, spirit and nature of council.
We will explore yet again the power of deep inquiry, asking questions as part of community wisdom and an essential map of wholeness.
Come join me, Ryan, Veteran Rites, and others for an immersion, a remembering, a learning and a listening …
What continues to need attention, to heal, to love ?
We will meet 1pm to 1pm Nov 1st to 2nd with breaks for all able to call in “well" and take the afternoon “off"
For those who need to leave on November 1st we will have a simple closing around 6 pm.
For those that can stay for the night we will have a pot luck supper and then meet again in the evening and for a dream council and closing in the morning.
With gratitude for the possibility,
GIGI
Why - A Return to True Belonging in Society
The practice of council has been integral in Veteran Rites rites of passage in the wilderness and in weekly circles that prevent veteran suicide by welcoming home the whole veteran, and their story, to a caring and non-judgmental community in the fewest steps as possible. Drop-in and ongoing council has proven to be an effective form for the military family to get to the heart of their shared experience in a return to true belonging in society. It is the intent of Veteran Rites to hold spaces where ALL of our people can be seen, heard, and honored for all of who they are and all that they have carried. Our intention is to embed the varying forms of council within the bones of VR and share the gift of this form with community leaders that welcome home our military family in suicide prevention, peer support, and community building efforts. May we walk together in a return to right relationship with our whole selves, each other, and the lands and waters that give us everything.
What
In this one-day experiential training and intentional time in nature, we will have an opportunity to learn different forms of council practice, and touch on some of the ways of working with issues, conflicts, decision- making, and exercises that support truth and connection with Gigi Coyle.
Who (20 participants)
Priority 1: Veteran Rites leadership, board, guides, community members, and circle facilitators committed to deepening their understanding and practice of council in ceremony and in community.
Priority 2: Cross-sector leadership from the Veteran Rites network of partners and peer support facilitators representing and serving the diversity of the military family and humanity.
Where and When
The Frog Creek Ranch Retreat Center (15003 64th St NW, Lakebay, WA 98349). Participants will be expected to arrive and be fully present for the duration of the time, Wednesday, Nov. 1st at 12:30pm to Thursday, November 1st at 1pm. For participants that cannot stay overnight we ask you be fully present on November 1st from 1pm to 6pm. This will include an Online Widening of the Circle Council with the Veteran Rites Community for an hour on November 1st from 5pm to 6pm.
Meals will be provided through community generosity and effort. Participants will be expected to spend time both inside and outside in circle, on walks, in exercises, and in individual exploration. Lodging will be available by pitching a tent on site or in a select number of rooms with priority for elders and those with accessibility requirements. All individuals or couples will have their own room. Once confirmed for attendance more information regarding what to bring, transportation, accessibility, and dietary preferences/restrictions will be communicated. Be prepared to explore and enjoy all kinds of weather.
How
Submit your statement of intent for consideration to attend this training below by Friday, October 27th. Due to limits on capacity individuals will be selected based on their intention for attending this ceremony and commitment towards building a community of practice that serves the wild diversity of our military family.
Costs
Training and Space are provided by Veteran Rites. Individuals are responsible for their own transportation and contribution to community meals. If transportation or anything else is a barrier please indicate that in your intent statement.
Gigi Coyle - is best known as a community activist, carrier of council, rite of passage guide, mentor and guardian for individuals, communities and organizations; co-steward of land water places, visionary for an alliance, Beyond Boundaries, devoted to the emergence of local and global sanctuaries - “watering holes”; she is focused on healing ways through ceremony, inter-generational, cross-cultural projects of prayer, action and service. Co-founder of Walking Water (Walking-Water.org), Co- author of The Way of Council and The Box, Remembering the Gift and the audio book Kaliedescope: Finding My Way Home; along with numerous articles and pamphlets on fundraising as community building, lineage, land water back, stewardship, caregiving ie. A Practice of Council, http://waysofcouncil.net.
LETTER OF INTENTION. Please submit your statement of intent below by Friday, October 27th. You can also submit your letter of intent by email at council@veteranrites.org.
Veteran Rites is offering this training to individuals that are deeply committed to the practice of council with a clear intent to step into a leadership role in service to the military family. Please take some time of reflection (preferably in nature) and answer the following from the heart:
Who am I and what is my intention in attending this time?
When answering please consider the following:
What are my connections to the military family?
What is my experience and training with council practice or other heart-centered ways of community building?
Who do I serve and intend to serve?
What are my gifts and what am I eager to share, learn (and unlearn)?
Am I willing to take a leadership role, mentor, or collaborate others in building a diverse and inclusive community of practice?
