You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves…
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting –
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
You are invited to join Phoenix and Christina in the very first Women’s Eco-Healing Nature Retreat to be held at IWC’s new Mountain Riverside SoulSong Sanctuary in the magnificent forests of the Upper Yarra Valley, Victoria.
We come together as a community of Women guided by Deep Ecology, Healing Ecology & Sacred Ecology Practices to immerse in nature and nurture a deep connection with ourselves, each other, the elements & the community of all living Beings.
Immerse yourself in the sublime Mountain forests of the Upper Yarra Valley as we open and strengthen our connections with all beings and the spirit of the country. We explore that human identity exists at the intersection of the cycles of air, water and soil. In spite of the pervasive illusion of separation, in reality no separation is possible between nature and ourselves.
We explore fun and profound engagement with the natural world using our mind, body, heart and Spirit and embody a sense of belonging through interconnectedness & interbeing. Our program has been consciously curated from a Yin perspective of gentle unfolding, flowing with the rhythms of the day and allowing time for rest, rejuvenation and integration.
Together we will explore and experience:
- Sacred Circle Work
- The 4 elements and 4 directions
- Practices that nourish mind, body, emotions and soul
- Connection with Country in deeply meaningful and profound ways
- The wild nature in us all
- Deep listening and inner awareness
- Sacred embodiment and movement practices
- Ritual in opening to community
- Sharing and circle time
- Medicine Songs for the Earth
- Rewilding practices
- Storytelling
- Restorative Yoga practices
- Reflection & Rejuvenation time
Dates: 14 – 18 October 2024
Price: Full $620 / Concession $510
Early bird special until 30th September only $450!
Includes nutritious meals, shared accommodation or own tent, experiences, processes, materials and facilitation
BONUS RETREAT: Why not make the most of your journey and let the retreat’s insights and experiences integrate in peace and nature on our 2 day Silent Meditation Retreat to integrate and consolidate straight after the Eco-healing, held 18 – 20 October 2024. SPECIAL: Only $160 for Eco-Healing participants (Usual price: $210 for 2 day retreat only). INCLUDES: shared accommodation or own camping, all meals, materials, facilitation, experiences and processes.
Please contact us if you are experiencing financial hardship or would like to financially support a scholarship.
To book see https://www.trybooking.com/CPZTV
or
Questions or to discuss your participation https://innatewisdomconnection.com.au/contact/
Meet Your Facilitators:
Phoenix Arrien is passionate about nature and opening ourselves to our innate whole nature identity and connectedness to all. She has supported people’s journeys towards healing and transformation for 30 years, providing nature-based and sacred transformation and healing spaces for people to transform, heal and feel better.
Her training and experience includes Deep Ecology, Outdoor Education, Jungian Psycgology, Somatic Psychology, Aus indigenous healing, Native American & Sth American healing, Maori and Cherokee bodywork, dance/movement, Adventure-based Counselling, Process Work, Core Shamanic Healing, Voice Dialogue, Healing Ecology, writing and meditation.
Phoenix was the founder of the Victorian and NNSW Triple Ecology festivals, have written many published articles on nature, and lives, loves and learns in the glorious mountains of the Upper Yarra Valley forests. She believes that safe space, sacred process, loving community and non-judgemental presence allows healing and transformation to emerge and deep profound change to occur.
Christina Reeves resides walking distance of the Sherbrooke Forest in the Dandenong Ranges where she lives on her permaculture-inspired property, homesteading, community weaving and immersing herself in nature.
Christina birthed and developed the Permaculture Village at Confest over 10 years ago and is now moving to the Wilding Village where she shares her Rewilding skills and practices. She was also involved in starting up the Triple Ecology Festival with Phoenix and has been part of many Deep Ecology Workshops.
Many know her as the Deathweaver – working in End of Life education and consulting, however she is also a midwife of all life transitions working as a Rites of Passage facilitator and Sacred Ritual practitioner, working deeply with the cycles of nature through her Women’s Circles and community ceremonies based around the seasonal vortices.
TESTIMONIALS
“The depth of care and space holding given to the rituals, the participants and the honouring of the land, elements and spirits is pure at heart. Every voice is encouraged to be heard. All hearts are held. The knowledge, reverence and respect is celebrated through the shared experiences we have together, as one.”- Helen Zee
“Nothing could have prepared me for the beautiful surprise and gift of friendship, kinship and spirit friends as we all gathered in honour of connecting back to Mother Earth, Gaia, Spirit, Source. In love.” – JoaAnne Hewatt
“It’s been a month and I still feel ongoing positive change in myself…a definite shift in my ability to love and be kind and accepting to myself which is such a blessed relief and all thanks to you guys. (And so amazing after EVERYTHING I’ve tried) I think of you all often with love n gratitude” – Dale Shaddick
“Another amazing retreat and such a beautiful group. We have shared so much. Thank you Phoenix for your healing and holding the space for me to release. This felt really profound and big stuff for me this time.
The connection with Mother Earth on these retreats and the safe space of the group really allows for the cleansing and letting go… the forest filled my heart with love and wisdom and reassurance that I was on the right path…much love and gratitude to my fellow travellers..may the journey continue and our paths cross again as we heal ourselves, then our world!” – Cindy Mathers
“Loved…connecting with surrounds. Also having some time away from screens was fantastic. Loved the creative/hands on activities too…photography, poetry or journal writing, music etc. So more of that too. Preparing and building the camp fire etc…
The circle activities were an eye opener too. Creating a ‘norm’ for checking in with one’s own and other’s emotions…seeing others doing it regularly was great. Enjoyed having ‘time out’…with (other teens) – JD (teenager)
“What really stands out for me is the gift of having some time with her…away from all the usual distractions.” – Mum with her teen
“I have had the pleasure of sitting in circles facilitated by Christina on several occasions. I have loved experiencing and witnessing her deep reverence for ceremony and ritual. The space she holds has allowed me to go deeper within and feel safe to share of myself without expectation or judgment.” – Daniyela Rob
Cancellation policy for this workshop: Refundable – less 15% admin/bank fees if cancelled more than 60 days before the workshop or 50% refundable less admin/banking fees less than 60 but more than 30 days before the workshop begins. No refund 30 days before the workshop begins, during or after the workshop. HEALTH & SAFETY DISCLAIMER: Working and being outdoors carries risks. Whilst all care is taken to manage your safety it is important to know that you are responsible for your well-being. We will be offering low-risk activities but outdoors there is always a possibility of the unpredictable. You may wish to consider your own personal accident insurance. Your ticket purchase confirms your acknowledgement of participation at your own risk.