Mountain Retreat Celebration and Mourning

I just returned from a retreat in the San Bernadino National Forest in Southern California with about 120 other growth-oriented people. This was the first time in several years that I had attended this retreat. It was interesting for me to observe how differently I was behaving and "showing up" to people compared to my previous experiences. I felt much more alive, spontaneous, and real as I was behaving in ways more consistent with what was going on inside me. I had a lot more fun and experiencing deeper connections than I had in the past with people I had not met before. I really enjoyed the community of participants as everyone seemed open to look at themselves, talk about it, and in some cases take bold steps toward health -- this really met my needs for authenticity, honesty and safety. I enjoyed drumming with others, singing karaoke, dancing at three different times, practicing T'ai Chi Chih, went on a hike, went to various workshops and gatherings, and got a massage. I learned that Empathy is the "Yin" and Honesty is the "Yang" side of Chinese philosophy.

I also presented a couple of workshops titled "Compassionate Connecting" and "Empathy & Honesty". The feedback I received was generally positive; I'm looking forward to reading my feedback forms. I am feeling a great joy at having contributed a new way of communicating to people, and at hearing them express their gratitude. I am celebrating that my needs to contribute, of meaning, community, to be seen, to be heard, and of connection were met.

I am also mourning the connections that I was not able to make, though I look forward to the opportunity to give it another go next time.

I am grateful for the simple gifts that I received, for the authenticity of the people and of the beauty of the natural surroundings which contained us. It felt wonderful to be away from the busyness of the city. Thanks for reading! Would you be willing to "comment" on this post if this stimulated anything in you? This would meet my needs for support and for contributing to building community.