Living Ubuntu Spring Retreat (April 2011)

Hi everyone,

The next Living Ubuntu Spring Retreat will be from Friday, April 29 – Sunday, May 1. Below is a retreat description and at the very bottom is information on how to register.

The theme for this retreat is Forgiveness.

At various points in life, we find ourselves wrestling with when and how to forgive.  Yet, I have noticed it seems to be a point of confusion for a lot of people.  I have seen forgiveness challenge people regardless of whether it pertains to an extreme situation such as genocide, or dealing with a small everyday slight.  At one extreme are those who defiantly hold on to a grudge.  At the other extreme are those who rapidly sweep things under the rug and insist they have forgiven and moved on.  In a culture that often encourages and supports seeking revenge, yet also supports denial, a deep and clear understanding of forgiveness seems hard to come by, yet desperately needed.

Here are some examples of what we will delve into at the retreat:

• What is the role of the body in the pursuit of healing and forgiveness?
• What does it really mean to forgive?  How much control do we have over it?
• When is it appropriate to forgive? Is it ever not appropriate?
• Can I completely heal an emotional wound without needing to forgive?
• What do we do when we want to forgive and can’t?  What about the guilt feelings?
• Is it ever too soon to forgive?
• Does forgiveness have to involve the other person or can I do it within myself?
• If I forgive, does that mean I am saying what happened really isn’t that bad?
• If I forgive, does that mean I must continue or resume the relationship?
• How is forgiveness different when it involves perpetrators I don’t know personally?
• Why does our society at times support grudge-holding, revenge, or savor punishment at the expense of healing and reconciliation?

The small group experience of the retreat will combine psycho-educational aspects with body work, hiking and organic vegetarian meal preparation.  It is intended to provide a time for letting down, exploring ourselves, and connecting with each other more deeply than our typical daily lives allow for.

Below are all the details.  Space is limited.  Please let us know soon if you would like to join us.

Warmly,

Barbara English
Executive Director, Living Ubuntu
http://livingubuntu.org

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Living Ubuntu Spring Retreat

When: Friday, April 29 — Sunday, May 1st

Where: Idyllwild, CA.  Here are the cabin details.

Cost: $150 per person.  This includes meals (lunch and dinner) and room.  If there is any financial hardship, please let us know and we can work with you on the cost.

Like at our past retreats, we will

• Arrive at the cabin by mid-day on Friday and leave for home on Sunday afternoon.  We will arrange a carpool to drive up together (leaving Friday morning) as well.
• Lunch and dinner will be provided, as well as partial supplies for breakfast (on your own).  Everything will be organic and vegetarian.
• The daily schedule will include multiple sessions of body work (e.g. grounding exercises, stretching, and TRE).
• Most bedrooms will be shared (i.e. with roommate).
• To create a safe, secure space, we are limiting attendance to no more than 9 people.

To register, please contact us at info@livingubuntu.org or call (949) 891-2005.  Space is limited and payment is due by Friday, April 8th.

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