Women's Retreat on the Beach
“We're not on our journey to save the world but to save ourselves.
But in doing that you save the world.”
~ Joseph Campbell
Hi Everyone,
When I first read those words from Joseph Campbell, I felt relief and some concern. And then again, relief.
The part of me that thinks "The world is falling apart and I have to figure out how to rush in and save it!" was immensely relieved to have that taken off her young, incapable shoulders. But she was also concerned because who was going to save it? And how can me selfishly saving me also save anybody else?
Over and over again, those questions have been answered for me not through words but from an experience. An inner experience that I can't make happen but that I can open to -- a practice that lands me in a deep place of peace, clarity, compassion and trust.
The great teachers throughout human history have talked about this awakened state as already existing inside us as us. And when I read their words, it matches up with my experience. To have that experience doesn't make the desire to serve the world go away -- as if, "Oh, now that I've got my peace, I'll just sit back and enjoy it." Actually, the desire to share it only gets stronger.
And then, maybe the world doesn't need saving after all . . . maybe it just needs us to uncover the transcendent beauty and wisdom inside us so that we can see and reflect it outside of us. Maybe we can only have the world we want by being its citizens every day of our small, sometimes stumbling, and deeply interconnected lives.
With love,
Elizabeth
What others say about the retreat experience:
“Even after one week, there is still a soul-stirring feeling that gives rise to joyful tears. Several times a day, I see a face, a place, a moment ... and remember that "I saw and was seen," touched and was touched, knew and was known deeply. Thanks, Elizabeth, for saying ‘yes’ to care of the soul.”
~ Jill C.
“Thank you for providing the space for such an incredible experience. I am so enriched to have been there. I'll be processing for a while.”
~ Patricia Cooper
“My intention for the retreat was to experience self-love, connection and joy. I fulfilled each and every one of these and more—it was easy when surrounded with such loving, supportive women in such a beautiful healing environment. . . . I am inspired, touched, and truly blessed when I look back on this experience. I will carry it in my heart forever. To come together in sisterhood to heal, connect, and immerse in this beautiful shared energy is beyond words.”
~ Julie
“As a retreat leader myself, I can truly say that you do an amazing job creating a retreat experience that was full-immersion in the love of Spirit.”
~ Paula Langguth Ryan