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Come join us at the wonderful Far Horizons retreat center nestled in the wilderness of Giant Sequoia National Monument for a program inspired by retreats led by Steven Harrison, though without his direction or that of anyone else this time around....just an amazing group of participants, including you!
For more information about Far Horizons and to register for the retreat, please see www.farhorizons.org.
Looking At Everything: An Experience of Live Presence
Non-Facilitated Sessions
July 8 - 12, 2009
Program fee $90
This non-facilitated retreat is an active exploration of life as it is, without the guiding authority of any particular person, group or ideology. The collective focus will be on what presents itself, as it is, rather than our interpretations or stories. This is a free-form exploration, with morning and evening gatherings for inquiry, presence, dialogue and silence.
This group of overzealous seekers who have (mostly) given up their attempt to become enlightened in this lifetime and are settling now for human contact, radical honesty, and passionate intensity are putting themselves out on a limb and hoping you will join them there. They are utterly unqualified to provide anything remotely useful for your journey on the spiritual path, but you may just find that path a bit overrated if you decide to join them in this quixotic pursuit.
"All of us from many walks of life, many perspectives all melded together at some point last summer." - Ryan
"When the `mind' exhausts/expends itself, what remains is pretty amazing." - Stephanie
"What a concept: a group meeting, ending the drama of 'the guru has something to offer us and we have come to get it.' What will happen if we are not blinded by the guru that has something to give us?" - Donna
For more information about Far Horizons and to register for the retreat, please see www.farhorizons.org.
Looking At Everything: An Experience of Live Presence
Non-Facilitated Sessions
July 8 - 12, 2009
Program fee $90
This non-facilitated retreat is an active exploration of life as it is, without the guiding authority of any particular person, group or ideology. The collective focus will be on what presents itself, as it is, rather than our interpretations or stories. This is a free-form exploration, with morning and evening gatherings for inquiry, presence, dialogue and silence.
This group of overzealous seekers who have (mostly) given up their attempt to become enlightened in this lifetime and are settling now for human contact, radical honesty, and passionate intensity are putting themselves out on a limb and hoping you will join them there. They are utterly unqualified to provide anything remotely useful for your journey on the spiritual path, but you may just find that path a bit overrated if you decide to join them in this quixotic pursuit.
"All of us from many walks of life, many perspectives all melded together at some point last summer." - Ryan
"When the `mind' exhausts/expends itself, what remains is pretty amazing." - Stephanie
"What a concept: a group meeting, ending the drama of 'the guru has something to offer us and we have come to get it.' What will happen if we are not blinded by the guru that has something to give us?" - Donna
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Re: New Retreat at Far Horizons (July 8 - 12, 2009)
Sat, July 18, 2009 - 2:59 PManyone who went to this want to share anything? -
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Re: New Retreat at Far Horizons (July 8 - 12, 2009)
Mon, July 20, 2009 - 10:28 PMOkay, first of all, it worked! Some of us weren't sure we could pull off a retreat without a leader or designated facilitator or without Steven Harrison, but we did! And it was wonderful!
It worked because we were all equals as participants in the exploration. As one person observed, "all of our voices became louder", with no authority to guide us. Sure, at times we had to find our way in the dark and the path wasn't always clear. But in my estimation, ultimately the process of dialogue and inquiry provided a mind quieting, heart opening, and soul nurturing experience.
And there was plenty of time for fun! Sun, moon, and stars....the hills, streams, and those wonderful trees! The mountains, clouds, and wild animals. Lots of delicious, healthy food prepared with love.
Words spoken, silences shared, energy and meaning flowing between us in heartfelt presence. Connection, friendship, and fellowship....great beauty within and without. People being real and really being. Grace, laughter, and lots of love.
And if you couldn't make it this time, not to worry, we're already looking forward to next year at Far Horizons!
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Re: New Retreat at Far Horizons (July 8 - 12, 2009)
Tue, July 21, 2009 - 9:26 AMor....how about just living that way, everyday, out in the crazy, dirty, un-catered, paved-over world?
and how about being real even when people DON'T share your intention, and act like jerks?
i'm not suggesting _i_ do it that way, mind you, cuz i struggle with my own (projected) demons ongoingly. just sayin', an intention is relatively easy to commit to on retreat.
i think it's fairly awesome steven dropped the "i'm not the teacher, but i'll be the default focus of the room" schtick. it was a lovely excuse to come together, of course...and it's nice you guys did it on your own. in fact, i was surprised to realize it happens all the time, whenever people come together to create, or hang out and enjoy each other, or share a meal. i think waiting to have "the right ingredients" might mean you miss the gourmet feast, but there's no reason not to savor a potluck stew.
it's a tricky thing, too, to discern that all people *aren't* equal in terms of their goodwill and magnanimity and grace, yet to grok that we are indeed all equals in terms of participation.... -
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Re: New Retreat at Far Horizons (July 8 - 12, 2009)
Tue, July 21, 2009 - 10:49 AMYou make some very good points, especially, "how about just living that way, everyday, out in the crazy, dirty, un-catered, paved-over world?" Couldn't agree with you more on that one. Of course, a retreat is a special place...a safe, quiet, friendly place. And I'm sure you'd agree that it's necessary, from time to time, to be in such a place. Away from much of the craziness of one's daily life, there's an opportunity for not only rejuvenation, but for the kind of self-reflection and self-comprehension that may have been elusive otherwise. I'm not saying it's impossible for this to occur where-ever one is (and I think it's a good idea to allow for that possibility), just that a retreat seems to offer a greater likelihood of entering that space, and in a unique and intensive way.
Regarding, "it's a tricky thing, too, to discern that all people *aren't* equal in terms of their goodwill and magnanimity and grace, yet to grok that we are indeed all equals in terms of participation....", I find this statement to be very insightful.
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Re: New Retreat at Far Horizons (July 8 - 12, 2009)
Tue, July 21, 2009 - 9:32 AM>As one person observed, "all of our voices became louder", with no authority to guide us.<
i dig this.
www.youtube.com/watch
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