Dear friends,
As promised—info about the first Grateful Cellist retreat!
If you need some quiet “down time” to refocus your life, then join us. I am hosting a small weekend gathering called “Three Radical Acts of Love”, with YOU in mind—and room for 20 participants. Come, breathe and be in an oak forest, be nourished with healthy food, spend quiet time, hear some cellosong and learn some easy tools to support you in your daily life.
Where and When
The Osage Forest of Peace --January 8-10th, 2016 (Friday 5 pm to Sunday 1 pm)
Located about 30 minutes from the Tulsa airport, with simple cabin-style lodgings, delicious food, and evocative meeting spaces, the Osage Forest of Peace met all my specifications. This interfaith retreat center, nestled in the 40 acres of Oklahoma oak forest, offers room for solitude, and has a labyrinth, zen garden, and hiking trails. (They have a van for airport runs as well.) This place used to be a Monastery modeled after an ashram. It is small, spare and rather remote. It is waiting for you.
A Cello Runs Through It
The weekend format will be relaxed, to include teaching sessions, followed by periods of “soft time”, when participants may choose to enjoy quietude, rest, walk, journal, read, nap, or find a place to talk quietly and share with others. Interludes of solo cello will be used as a contemplative balm. Other sessions will be opportunities to share in our group.
Sunday everyone will be invited to share something with the group, such as a song, (performed live or on a cd), a poem, a reading, an observation—to include something original if one chooses. As is the tradition of the Center, meals will be eaten together, unless a participant wishes otherwise. Participants will be encouraged to bring notebooks for journaling and taking any notes they wish, and some handouts will be provided.
About the Three Radical Acts of Love Teachings
Three radical acts of love are simple, practical choices that you can make to change the way you experience your life, day to day. These are teachings I have developed from the crucible of my personal and professional life--20 years as a licensed mental health therapist and freelance improv cellist. The teachings work along side your own faith and spiritual traditions.
The majority of us live in the rich fabric of family, work and community. Sometimes what began as mindful commitments have expanded into mind-boggling schedules. We can feel discouraged, trapped or overwhelmed, watching days and weeks fly by, with seemingly no end to the pace in sight. We wish we could just hit “pause” once in a while to catch our breath, rest and regroup...to hear our own thoughts, wisdom, our own heart.
The good news is—we CAN. Does this call to you? If so, join us.
Plan to bring a warm coat, wear casual comfortable clothing, and have some good walking shoes, as it may be snowy. If you wish to do yoga, please bring appropriate yoga wear too.
For the retreat program, two nights of lodging, and Friday evening through Sunday noon meals, the cost is $320 for a single occupancy cabin or $280 per person for double occupancy.
To register, email osageforest@gmail.com or call 918.245.2734.Plan to bring a warm coat, wear casual comfortable layers of clothing, and have some good walking shoes, as it may be snowy. If you wish to do yoga, please bring appropriate yoga wear too.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email me at info@thegratefulcellist.com
Thank you for your own wisdom on your path, your beautiful heart and your courage.
Peace,
Dirje Childs
info@thegratefulcellist.com
dirje.com
P.S.: Here is video of the property in various seasons.....you can also visit them on FACEBOOK....Osage Forest of Peace
Retreat location suggestions? Please let me know...
