THE ELEMENTAL SELF: Finding Center through Writing & Altar Making
A full day retreat with
Lisa Kagan and Dawn Thomspson
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive.”
– Howard Thurman
As humans, it can be easy to forget that we too are part of the natural world, in constant kinship with the trees, streams, stones and birds. At times when we feel distanced from our true nature, we can return to our center by connecting with our elemental self, which dwells at the intersection of the natural environment and the lush living world of our own inner landscape. How does the fiery energy within us wish to express itself? What happens when we practice flowing like water? What are the stories the rocks and mountains of our inner history wish to tell and how can these stories guide us? Through writing and altar making, utilizing painting, drawing, collage, and natural materials from the magnificent Oregon forest, you’ll have the chance to connect with your elemental self this fall. This soulful and inspiring day in the beauty of the natural world also offers you a chance to deeply nourish yourself with a delicious lunch, a beautiful retreat setting and the supportive, uplifting company of other women. This retreat offers space for creative expression for women and those who identify as female of all ages and backgrounds. No writing or art experience is necessary. All art materials will be provided.
Dates & Times: Sunday, October 15, 2023, 10am-5:30pm (This is a full day retreat)
“Surrounded by giant fir and cedar, lush fern and abundant moss covered vine maple, the Alton L. Collins Conference & Retreat Center near Eagle Creek, Oregon provides an environment and facilities conducive to study and reflection, relaxation and recreation…Trails take you through the woods and along the streams that meander around the grounds.”
A professional chef specializes in using fresh, local produce to create meals that are truly culinary works of art. This retreat includes lunch.
Costs:
Retreat Program Fee & Lunch: $210
Art Materials: $20
Total Cost: $230
Registration:
Payment is due at the time of sign up. Registration and payment is made through Alton L. Collins Retreat & Conference Center. Click here to register. Visit our event page for more information or if you have questions about the retreat, please contact Dawn at: dawnrenethompson@gmail.com or 503.568.6145.
* The image show above is Sitka #2, Mixed Media by Lisa Kagan
Check out more programs offerings from
Touchstone Retreats:
WRITING FROM CENTER
A 2nd Monday of the Month Writing Devotion
November 2023-June 2024
with Dawn Thompson
“The magic of writing practice is you start where you are – observing, remembering, listening – and this simple act of being where you are leads, inevitably, to a place you didn’t know you needed to go to, but in following the thread you go a little deeper into understanding.”
– Erin Lee Gafill (“Drinking from a Cold Spring: A Little Book of Hope”)
Click here to learn more about this program.
SAVE THE DATE!
Join us for our annual EMERGENCE RETREAT
(a full weekend retreat)
Alton Collins Retreat Center
March 15th-17th, 2024
More details coming soon…
“I have now been to two Touchstone Retreats and both provided so much healing for my soul. There is nothing like gathering with others to create. Much like meditating with a group of people, the experience is very powerful in a way that cannot be replicated on your own. Dawn and Lisa are both very thoughtful, kind and supportive and just an inspiration to work with. I feel very nurtured with them, even (especially) at my most vulnerable moments sharing my work with the group. I am so grateful for them and can’t wait to retreat with them again!”
- Touchstone Retreats Participant
