We are in the middle of the retreat portion of our trip, what Melanie has referred to as “the deepest cave.” For those who are seekers, we know this state as the point where we confront our Shadows.
Last night, some of us were returning from a dinner up the hill when another of our friends came to meet us. Pheo had just encountered a wild boar on the path back to our residence and it had chased her for some fifty yards.
Apparently, boars mate with pigs in this area and have litters three times per year. As a result, there are many feral boars who inhabit the woods. On a summer’s night, it is not uncommon for a human to see one because they come out when it’s cooler to look for food. The locals refer to them as “land sharks.”
Another member of our group, Jen, got caught while swimming between the between rocks yesterday afternoon. She momentarily lost her control and one of the other members, Charise (a trained lifeguard), brought her to land.
These physically “dangerous” experiences are a part of our journey here, but more prominent are the emotional risks some of us are experiencing. Most of us do not know why we are here and what we will learn, but it may begin with a wild encounter on the ground or, more likely, inside of us. That’s a good retreat.
I don’t think I’ve mentioned it before, but our leaders (Melanie and Andy) lost their son, Justin (15) to a freak medical emergency only six months ago. Beth and I were not sure if the retreat would happen under these circumstances, but our leaders are evidently very capable of processing their grief and continuing with their lives. These are great people to have around when one enters the dark caves of the subconscious!
Andy is a physical therapist, martial arts instructor and much more. Melanie is a Jungian therapist, Shamanic Reiki teacher and much more, too.
On this trip are six healers, people on the path who have done lots of personal work and now share their ability to channel healing for others. There are are another six people who are here for other reasons. Most of us, though, are here to receive, to fill our spent tanks with new fuel for what comes when we return home.
Today, I am taking a personal session with Melanie, my commitment to going deeper. I’ll let you know how it goes!
I should also say that this trip is important because it’s fun! We are laughing more than crying, eating great, fresh food and giving thanks for sun-filled days.
I hope you are well, too!
The poem below was offered to us today by Jen. It was written by her mother who died one year ago today. This woman, according to Jen, lived a hard life full of restrictions and pain on the outside. It’s amazing to me, therefore, how rich her inner world was.
This line touched me: “Sometimes – Isolation is my refuge but more often it is my prison.”
