Together, Growing, Deepening

As I stop to think about it, in this moment, I realize that I feel 'complete'. The warm Spring sun, the bird songs and my blooming garden soothe my soul, as I reflect on our retreat that recently ended.

Ten participants journeyed by ferry from Port Alberni to Bamfield, BC, this past weekend. We were graced by sunny skies, and visited by six killer whales with surging, misty steam emanating from their blowholes, as they surfaced to show off their slick, black and white bodies. A collective “Ohhh, awww,” erupted from our group with each breach. (Some of us wondered in amusement whether whales might think that is the extent of human language). What a powerful natural encounter it was, celebrating the launch of our time together.

Although there was some mystery regarding the agenda for the retreat, smiles and camaraderie were flowing among all the participants. Collette and I were excited to bring them on a journey designed to offering a 'deepening' for each individual - both within themselves, and with Nature.

Some of our group were raffle winners who didn't quite know what they had signed up for. Yet, their openness and willingness were unmistakable — from chair yoga to walks in the rain through the forest, each session we offered throughout the retreat was fully and joyously attended.

Our group spanned every generation - from our ’40s to our ’80s, but this diversity never impeded; in fact only enhanced, the richness of the atmosphere we co-created. The wisdom of the elders, blended with the energy of our younger participants, made for a wealth of knowledge, love, understanding and appreciation that we all felt richer for.

The true power of this blend of perspectives became especially evident during our fireside chats. For instance, at one point, one of our older members reflected on the challenges of their youth - then went on to share how they now recognize the value of those moments, and how their struggles had positively affected the journey of their life, all things considered. “Oh sure", they thoughtfully noted, "I left home quite young and headed out on my own, but I learned resilience, and I had the freedom to travel and to create the life I desired". A younger member of the group responded with heartfelt curiosity, embracing this wisdom as it connected to, and informed, their own challenges. What followed was a beautiful group exchange, where decades of unique life lessons found common ground.

I knew everything was unfolding beautifully as I sat back and watched how, through tears and laughter, different human stories complemented each other. Age barriers dissolved completely as we sat on driftwood logs at Brady’s Beach, our shoes kicked off, sharing intimate tales from our life adventures. The final evening culminated with us dancing together on the lawn. Our silent disco headsets provided the soundtrack to an abundant bliss, as we danced on - communing with one another and the waves that danced to their own rhythms as they crashed on the rocky shore.

As our bodies moved freely to the music that final evening, so too did our minds and hearts open in the days prior. The time we spent discussing our perceived blocks and barriers, and the resolve we arrived at to return home empowered with vision and purpose, gave me renewed hope for humanity's future. All people have fears and beliefs that get in the way of their dreams, but it doesn’t have to be that way. When we learn that we are not alone in our personal struggles, that our Earth is full of wisdom and bounty, with its own diversity a mystery of connection and support, we find the courage to stand in the great mix of Life Itself and be authentic to our deeper natures.

My heart sang as I heard the shared laughter and saw the deep connections being made by participants who may have begun the weekend only knowing one other in passing, if at all. Now, I know, the seeds of lasting friendships have been sown, in a new mélange of young and old. I am certain the ripple effects of this experience will be felt by you and so many others, as those who were together this weekend bring the shared Good they kindled back into their daily lives. As one participant shared, “Only one degree of change is needed for expansive effect in the continuum of time.” This past weekend there was much more than just one degree achieved. As a result, I know, the world we once knew is already a new and exponentially more wonderful place to be alive in.

I also know that empowered people make better decisions for themselves and for the world, and our retreat weekend confirmed that. This Truth is the power behind our Centre's vision and mission.

Are you now wishing you had been there with us? Never, fear! You haven't missed out! There is always more Good being discovered and expanded through our Centre's offerings. Simply keep an eye on our website's calendar for upcoming opportunities to gather - both online and in person. Or, empower yourself by bringing together six or more friends/colleagues, and enrolling yourselves in our "Work•Life•Connect" program. We will bring our transformative work to you if you invite us to. You too can take charge of welcoming your own moments where you discover how to have everything you truly desire.