I recently returned from my week-long “Septober” retreat at the Horseshoe Lodge in the Mountain Park Environmental Center in Beulah, Colorado. The “Seasons of Change” and “Wise Woman Retreat“ was for Coaches, Therapists, Counselors and Other Professionals who Support Clients in Transition. Before we arrived, we were asked to “create our intention.” What did we hope to get from our experience? I sat outside with my journal in hand, and began to craft my answer.
For me, this retreat would be an opportunity to grow my skills as a newly Certified Retreat Coach, as well as to look more intently at the “Seasons of Change” training material. I had previously been drawn to it, read about it and wanted to get a sense of clarity about this possibly being the “niche” I was looking for in my own retreat facilitation. There is a rich, visual and metaphorical language with the changing of seasons. It could prove to be a useful model to help Deaf, hard of hearing and deafened people I work with through life transitions and change.
Our extended nature retreat was graced with a week of whole-souled-loveliness and one my mother and I will never forget. It was an experience of becoming deeply grounded… being moved by, and flowing with, nature’s visual music… waking up every day with skymindedness. It was a journey of re-connection to our own center — to our Source — and to the rich, changing, mountain environment, while sharing time and space with other kindred spirits.
I highly encourage all people to go on an extended nature retreat and pay special attention to the environment and the season. You will find “your story” there. Extended nature retreats are unforgettable experiences and they will touch your life in many ways. The best thing is that you bring those peek experiences back with you and they become a part of who you are, how you think and sense and feel, and what you do in your life-journey ahead.
“Today, I have grown taller from walking with the trees. “
~Karle Wilson Baker
Retreat Coach LaRonda Zupp | The Ear of My Heart
Note: This is a partial post from LaRonda’s blog. Click here to read the full post.
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I so related to this LaRonda. The value of being in nature is that you can find yourself–your story–your new beginning, your change, your shift… Your description of the power of being immersed in and one with nature is fabulous.
Last August, I lead 13 women on a Colorado River Retreat–the experience was amazing. Nature did her thing with each of us and came out of the River forever changed. It was such a blessing, I will be leading another Wise & Wild Women’s Retreat down the San Juan River next June.
Great insights. So happy you could spend time, hike and enjoy your Mom!
Lee Miller´s last post ..Taking Thirty
I loved being on retreat with you LaRonda and we both were gifted so much by taking time to explore our businesses and how we can bring more wisdom ways into all we offer. I love women who invest in their growth and development and you are someone who is so attractive by way of your authenticity. Thank you for coming to Colorado!