Jews and Native Americans to hold Spiritual Retreat Together July 13-18

[Ian David]

From: "The Walkingstick Newsletter" <[e-mail]>

Walking Stick Foundation Announces the Return of
the ever-popular “Lighting the Story Fires Within” Retreat

July 13-18, 2005
A rare gathering of Native American and Jewish spiritual teachers
and elders.

An enriching five days of deep belly laughter, personal
empowerment, wild meditation, spirited chant, aboriginal
ceremony, and breathtaking scenery.

A wonder-filled opportunity to enrich your personal and communal
life in an environment that will nurture you and inspire you.

The aim of this retreat is twofold: to expose participants to
the magic of the universal wisdom shared by peoples who have for
thousands of years been separated by oceans and continents, yet
have interpreted their environment in a common way; and to
inspire each of us in our own personal myth as we engage the
ever-elusive mystery of being.

Held at the Walking Stick Retreat Center near Cuba, New Mexico,
these retreats have drawn people of varied ages and backgrounds,
from across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Israel, and South
America. What's the draw? Vortexes? Power Centers? Nothing of the
kind, nothing more than breath-taking and pristine wilderness
surroundings combined with teachers genuine to the aboriginal
wisdom of their peoples' traditions. The land where this retreat
is held is a beautiful and sacred site where the rocks quiet you,
the trees challenge you, the animals call you, and the songs
stir you. Join us in feeling the heartbeat of the planet as the
drums are sounded, the music of the spirit as the chants are
sung, the dreams of the ancestors as the prayers are voiced,
and the wisdom of the elders as the stories are told.

With:
Gershon Winkler (Hebrew), Rabbi and Teacher of Jewish Mystery
Wisdom–Author of Magic of the Ordinary and Kabbalah 365

David Carson (Choctaw), Medicine Teacher and Pipe Carrier –
Co-Author of Medicine Cards: The Discovery of Power Through the
Ways of Animals

Lakme Batya Elior (Hebrew), Author and Teacher of Jewish Feminine
Wisdom, Co-Author of The Place Where You Are Standing is Holy

Kam Night Chase Lau (Lakota), Sun Dance Chief and Pipe Carrier

Miriam Maron, R.N., M.A. (Hebrew), Healer and Sacred Singer –
CD’s: Wings of Light, Light out of Darkness, Mystic Convergence,
Chants of the Sacred Four, and Surrender

Blue Spruce Standing Deer (Tewa), Medicine Singer

Mary Night Chase Lau (Lakota), Sun Dancer and Teacher of Lakota
Feminine Wisdom

Cost: $850 per person. Includes tuition, all meals, and lodging.
Accommodations are very rustic: 1-4 person tents, tipis, a cabin
with no amenities, and two double-occupancy bedrooms in the
dining hall with full amenities ($20 extra per day; must be
reserved). Motel lodging is located nine miles away in the
village of Cuba. We are at 7,000 feet, so consult your physician
if you have any health problems that might become aggravated by
high-desert conditions. All camping equipment and bedding are
furnished by Walking Stick.

To register, send your name, address, e-mail address, phone
number and deposit of $100 payable to Walking Stick Foundation,
and mail to Walking Stick Foundation, POB 1865, Cuba, NM 87013. Please
indicate any special dietary restrictions or needs.

Some comments from participants of past retreats:

"An extraordinary learning experience. The generosity of the
Native American elders left me deeply grateful."

"The retreat was actually many times more interesting than what
was described--"

"I never really thought much about the spiritual side of my
Jewish heritage, but I got more than I bargained for."

"It was my second time, and I had a great time again!"

"Wonderful workshop. Exceeded my expectations. teachings
were congruent with my personal process at this moment and
touched me greatly."

"Wonderful teachers, wonderful diversity. ceremonies and
stories were all excellent."

"I figured there was no way this group could make up for five
decades of disappointment and underwhelming Jewish education.
But Story Fires did just that ? healed in five days. Gracias!"

"I loved all I learned."

"I came to learn and reclaim the shamanistic/kabbalistic
teachings so that I could rescue the 'baby' from the 'bathwater'
(those cardboard one-dimensional Jewish teachings/rituals from
the 1940's and 1980's). My expectations were met."


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