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I glanced at my calendar this morning and could not believe that this great group of people — Amanda, Laura, Love, River, Ashley, Kelly and Becky, with Macy and Grace down front and Rock Man Tyler “Can You Jet Ski” Kanczuzewski out of the frame— were in the proverbial house, and specifically the retreat house, a mere eight days ago. So much has come to pass since then I thought it was weeks back. In the words of my Teacher Shinzen Young, “At first, every retreat changes you. Then every sit (or formal meditation) changes you. Until eventually when every moment changes you.”
As to beliefs, change and dwelling in space and time for a few more minutes, hours, days, or even years, it’s all moving at an interesting clip. And at times feels utterly exhausting. But what else is a physical body for (?), if not to cause some serious trouble in the material world, otherwise known as soulful transformation. This group supported one another hugely in that quest, exuding the conviction many indigenous cultures hold that one’s family is not only made up of immediate blood relatives, but extends to those within their extended tribal clan. The abundance of this family, our true spiritual family, is the measure of one’s wealth, creating the very foundation for sound, healthy living. If your heart longs for a spark, while your mind craves a do-over, or you simply need support and more genuine connection, we’ll be doing the Ritual again mid-May, as we do it every month, along with the very special Morel Mushroom Mystery Tour lead by the marvelous Anthony Michael Bowers one week later, on Saturday May 22nd, with registration information up this week.
Until then, here’s Macy’s take on how we came together to collectively turn things around: “I attended The Way of the Contrary Workshop at Higher Haven and it was an amazing and spiritual experience! From the moment we arrived we felt welcomed, the property was gorgeous, and the Lodging was so cozy. The Inipi Sweat Lodge Ceremony was something I will never forget, so beautiful and spiritual. I also learned so much from the meditation class. I left feeling refreshed, at peace, and so serene. What a great hidden gem Higher Haven is, I will definitely be back!” -M.D.