Women's Goddess Retreat

September 10 - 12, 2010

Our Haven Nature Sanctuary, French Lick, Indiana

A not-for-profit fundraiser benefiting Our Haven Nature Sanctuary, LLC.

Why a Women's Retreat?

Because women tend to nurture relationships more than they nurture themselves, it is often a challenge for women to carve out the space and time they need for private renewal and reflection. We believe that women feel and hear the gentle call to retreat and reflect as the voice of the Goddess. At the Women's Goddess Retreat we come together as sisters, mothers, daughters, lovers, friends, and women to celebrate this call, to honor her place within us and our place within the world.

"All women go through periods in their lives when numerous demands are placed on them —family, work, spouse, ex-spouse, children, stepchildren, parents. It is important, indeed necessary, to step back and re-evaluate one's priorities, to reflect on one's mission in life. For it is only in nurturing one's soul that one can nurture, take care of another. Sometimes, one must say, "Stop! Listen to me. I have a story to tell."

~ Mary Michalia, Chicken Soup For The Woman's Soul

Who Is This Retreat For?

This retreat is open to anyone over the age of 12 who lives their daily life as a woman. Both women-born-women, and transgendered women are welcome at this retreat. The Women's Goddess Retreat was created for all women who want to pause and honor the Goddess in their lives and in themselves. Participants must be willing to be present at all retreat events from Friday, September 10, 2010 at Noon, EST to Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 6pm, EST, not including campsite set-up and tear-down. Learn more about Goddess spirituality and the Goddess movement at this Wikipedia article.

What should I bring on this retreat?

Food
We ask that all of our guests bring their own food, and enough personal supplies to be self sufficient. All participants in workshops are welcome to bring snacks and drinks along.

Shelter
Please bring a tent or shelter and comfortable bedding. Our Haven is a primitive campsite, although it does have a hot water shower house and running drinking water. Some campsites have access to electricity. These sites will be available on a first-come first-served basis. A suggested packing list is available from Our Haven here.

Supplies
Bring along things that will help to nurture you during your retreat! Favorite foods, music, instruments, art supplies, and clothes that make you feel beautiful, comfortable, and special are encouraged.

Vending
Vending is completely free with a paid admission to the retreat. We encourage you to bring your wares to share for sell or barter. The retreat intends to support women's businesses and dreams. We can do this by sharing our gifts and prosperity with each other!

A Note to Breastfeeding Mothers
Our retreat welcomes you and your child with open arms. This retreat is only listed as 12 years and older because sometimes we discuss mature topics, such as women's sexuality, childbirth, menopause, death and other subjects. Please let us know if you would like to participate in a special Mother's Blessing with your infant.

Pets
The retreat is pet-friendly. We love your doggies, kitties, bunnies, snakes, etc. as much as you do, but please bring a lead to keep your pet safe. Remember, we are in the woods! Also, please only bring along your animal companion if it is nurturing to your growth and your intent. We want you to feel safe and loved, obligated to care for yourself first.

The Goddess Quilt
New for this year we will be constructing a Goddess Quilt. The quilt will be assembled on site, but if you would like to participate in building it just bring along your own finished 12 inch by 12 inch quilt block to the retreat. Designs and materials can be as varied and creative as your imaginations. We hope that adding to this quilt will become an annual community tradition.

Journals
All pre-registering participants will be provided with a journal at the start of the retreat. Journals will be given to gate registrants on a first-come first-served basis.

Amenities
Our Haven uses non-flushing port-o-let toilet facilities. You may desire to bring your own toilet tissue.

If you forget your lotion or shampoo or personal items we do have some available for use.

Finally, please bring an open mind, a sisterly heart, and a playful spirit!

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