Nature, Intention and Ceremony!

Spokane Hypnosis Services - Intentional Hypnosis

I recently participated in one of the highlights of my year. I had the priveledge of doing a retreat for  five days to celebrate the Solstice. I was honored to be with three other teachers from my tradition Ann Coughlin, Eve Costello and Michael Hoffman. I titled this blog with three of the ingredients that came together to create a beautiful experience for all the participants.

Starting with nature was easy, as we were camped in a pine forest in the mountains of eastern Oregon along a clear snowmelt fed creek. Just being there is exhilarating with cold nights around hot fires and warm days working as a group to prepare for ceremony. Nature has an ability to relax our bodies and calm our minds, and being in a cell free zone is a bonus. Without outside distractions we soon entered into a timeless flow. In case you were wondering preparing for Ceremony is Ceremony!   

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Intention and how we bring it determines the value of the retreat. My teacher Bart Anderson said, " The only true intention is to go see what's there." This is more than simple discovery, it's a willingness to let go of preconceived ideas or outcomes. It's formless and springs from a place of "I am nothing, I know nothing". This openness ripe with an energy of possibility, is an invitation that awakens within us a force, that I refer to as "Primal Nature". It is this pure space that interacts with Life itself, in a collaborative dance of creation. 

Ceremony is the offering of our intention to the moment. In our tradition it takes the form of talking circles, medicine wheels and fire and water ceremonies. This process of ceremony begins with a shared intention to serve each other and the group. Service in our culture is more likely thought of in terms of being served rather than serving. Any true intention must take us beyond ourselves towards serving the greater good. Family, friends, community all benefit when we create an intention with this quality. 

I am thankful for all the heartfelt beauty I witness over the five days of Ceremony. The beauty of an open heart is an unusual feeling that can feel a little unbalanced even awkward. Letting your heart rule your head is unfamiliar to most and takes practice over time to become your new way of being. It's also the best choice I have ever made. If this sounds like something that appeals to you come join us next time we do Ceremony. 

       

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