Desert Solitude 2024
An all-camping program in Carrizo Plain
Thursday, March 21 - Sunday, March 24, 2024
Life is busy, and seemingly busier all the time. We are more connected externally, but less and less connected internally. We are surrounded by people, but feel isolated and lonely. We have more maps than ever, but often feel lost within the landscape of our own life.
One must wonder… how much is lost when we don’t stop and take the time to truly listen to that still, small voice within? What is the cost - to ourselves, to our relationships, to our planet - when we drive on in the name of productivity and “achievement”? What essential things do we forget when we’re too busy to stop and really listen to life?
Perhaps you, too, have been feeling a deep longing to slow down, clear the slate, and get back to what’s really true and real.
Maybe you have been feeling the silent calling of your soul, as it quietly (yet persistently) nudges you toward what truly matters.
If so, Desert Solitude could be for you…
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For four days and three nights in March, we will gather in the silent and stark landscape of Carrizo Plain National Monument to slow down, lean in, and truly listen to what’s arising from the depths of both ourselves (our soul) and the soul of the land.
Through practices* such as wild wanders and conversations, soulcentric dreamwork, deep imagery, self-designed ceremony, muse art, council practice, and more, you will have the chance to descend into the caverns of your own soul and discover the potent mysteries lie in wait for you.
What might be ready to reveal itself if you gave yourself the time to deeply listen? What might your soul be longing to express now? What might be ready to come through you, if only you might slow down long enough to listen and allow it? How might the Earth itself be calling for your unique participation?
Details:
Location: Carrizo Plain National Monument, about 3 hours north of LA, and 2 hours south and east of San Luis Obispo.
Dates: Thursday, March 21 - Sunday, March 24, 2024
PLEASE NOTE: This retreat takes place at a primitive backcountry camp, meaning that there are no man-made toilets or facilities. You will need to bring all of your own camping gear (a full list of what’s needed will be provided).
Meals: While there will be a group dinner provided each night, you provide all of your own breakfasts, lunches and snacks.
Cost: In order to make this retreat accessible to the most people, I am offering it on a sliding scale of $875 - $1275.
If interested, please send me an email (gagebock@gmail.com) and let me know: 1) What has you interested in Desert Solitude now? 2) What are the biggest questions that you're grappling with in your life currently? 3) Your comfort level with camping in a remote, primitive backcountry site with little to no cell service for the duration of the program.
Many of the practices offered during Desert Solitude I have learned from the soulful guides of Animas Valley Institute. I share them now with deep respect and gratitude for my teachers and guides, and for the greatest teacher of all - the Earth itself.