Women's Goddess Retreat

September 7 - 9, 2012

Our Haven Nature Sanctuary, French Lick, Indiana

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

Now entering our fourth year!

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?

The Women's Goddess Retreat was created for all women who want to pause and honor the Goddess in their lives and in themselves. This retreat is open to anyone who lives their daily life as a woman. Both women-born-women, and transgendered women are welcome at this retreat.

This retreat is open to our daughters at the discretion of their mothers. We recommend young women be at the age of menarche and are deemed by their mother to be mature enough to handle themes of women's sexuality, trauma, healing, and aging. Special rates are available to young women age 18 and under.

In honor of our beloved crones a special discounted admission rate is available to all women age 60 and older.

You can 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. If you are not breast feeding we recommend that women leave their younger kids at home because sometimes we discuss mature topics, such as women's sexuality, childbirth, menopause, death and other subjects. If you are a new mother 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.

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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