Holding the Thread of Life A Mentoring Retreat for Younger and Older Men Michael Meade ~ Luis Rodriguez ~ Jack Kornfield ~ Orland Bishop Mendocino, California ~ August 19-24, 2008
Mendocino Woodlands Camp, Mendocino, CA
Registration is now closed as the retreat is full. To be placed on the waiting list, please call the Mosaic office at 206-935-3665.
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Join storyteller and mythologist Michael Meade, social activist and poet Luis Rodriguez, meditation teacher Jack Kornfield, activist and community builder Orland Bishop and other teachers in an intensive retreat based in the living practices of many tribal, traditional, and contemporary perspectives.
______________________________________________________________ The essential relationship between youth, mentors, and elders can be seen as a "living institution;" one that becomes increasingly important as spiritual chaos and cultural confusions grow. Mentoring arises from mythic traditions; it traces roots back to nature's ways and draws upon animal intelligence. In a time when nature is threatened and culture seems about to unravel, "creative mentoring" provides both "natural" practices and knowing ways to survive and to contribute to a troubled world.
The "genius of mentoring" depends upon finding the thread of one's own story, on shedding old skins of the self and awakening to a deeper sense of meaning. Each person is mythic by nature, each a meaningful story trying to be lived in a world that often seems meaningless. A sense of story is needed to extract meaning from experience and reveal purposes hidden in the soul.
We grow, change, and weave a way through obstacles and conflicts, all the while being pulled by an invisible thread of the soul. Artful practices offer ways to find and hold the thread of our own story. Over time, practice involves a re-making of oneself; a crafting and growing of the soul. This soul-making also serves the re-imagination of the world. Without self knowledge and meaningful practices "real work" cannot be sustained.
The ways of practice invite the intensity of youth, the arts of mentoring, and the rituals of the elders. Art and practice, healing and ritual are needed to restore the body, refresh the soul, and renew the spirit.
Through stories and study; through poems and the compelling speech of the soul; through chanting and the occasional dance; through the suddenness of ideas and the surprise of ritual; we will approach the borders of our knowing and seek to touch the edge of what our souls came here to learn.
______________________________________________________________ RETREAT DETAILS
DATES: Tuesday, August 19 to Sunday, August 24, 2008
LOCATION: The Mendocino Woodlands Camp is nestled within a beautiful, rare redwood forest. It is approximately four hours north of the Bay Area. After registering, you will receive a confirmation letter including directions and other pertinent information.
COST: $685 includes simple cabins, healthy food and all events. A deposit of $225 will hold your space. Final payment is due August 1, 2008. Proceeds from this event support work with at-risk youth.
DONATIONS: Your donation beyond the conference fee will support the Mosaic Scholarship Fund, Voices of Youth and other cross-cultural and inter-generational projects.
