Those of us who care for Nature carry at our core an ache for the current state of the world. We also carry a deep longing for the simpler, beautiful world offered by Nature. The bittersweet energy of heartache and longing can be freed up to transform our means of self-expression and take action to do our part in healing the world.

This retreat, "Ache to Action", uses storytelling, personal inquiry and narrative, dialogue, and ceremony for strengthening our connection to Nature and discovering our contribution to an improving world. Instructors Susan Chernak McElroy, Brooke Williams, and Timothy O'Donoghue will be facilitating a series of processes that will build upon each other over the course of the three-day retreat. These processes will create a space for us to access our feelings of heartache and longing for the natural world. Calling upon the wisdom of the land and our own longing to make a difference, we will move from ache into constructive action---the right action dictated by our own, unique inner spirit.

Come join us for this important opportunity at the foot of the awe-inspiring, incomparably beautiful Teton mountain range, inside Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole, and just minutes from Yellowstone National Park.

Our retreat also includes time for informal gatherings with each other, exploring the astounding natural beauty of the area, day dreaming and cloud watching, crafting, and evenings with informal fireside chats, storytelling, drumming, and music.




GATHERING INSTRUCTORS:

SUSAN CHERNAK MCELROY is the author of the New York Times Bestseller, "Animals as Teachers and Healers" and many other books including her most recent release, "Why Buffalo Dance." She is a storyteller, ceremonialist, and Sun Dancer. Susan's teachings of the sacredness of Earth and Nature, and in particular, her work on the healing potential of animals and wild nature, have led her to numerous media interviews and appearances, the most recent of which is an interview with Oprah Winfrey.

BROOKE WILLIAMS is the Executive Director of the Murie Center and author of the book, "Escalante: The Best Kind of Nothing." He is a speaker, columnist, and consultant on sustainable living and business practices. For the past thirty years, Brooke has actively pursued adventure in wild landscapes and believes in using lessons learned from naturešs ability to adapt to constantly changing conditions in personal and organizational transformation. He is a graduate of the Bainbridge Graduate Institute and lives in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with his wife and writer, Terry Tempest Williams.

TIMOTHY O'DONOGHUE is the Founder & Director of the RiverWind Foundation as well as the Executive Director of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce. He is a teacher and practitioner of a variety of subjects and arts related to our soulful and spiritual relationships in Nature, drawing from his personal transformative experiences as well as his Celtic and Native American roots and traditions. Timothy's workshops and courses include but are not limited to Ecological Empathy, The Rose Road: Living Native American and Christian Spirituality, 12 Steps to Living Simply & Sustainably, and Finding and Manifesting Personal Vision.

DAVID BEARCLAW ABRAMS is a Cherokee elder, Ceremonialist, Pipe Carrier, and Sun Dancer. As a Ceremonialist, Grandfather Bearclaw serves the people through pipe ceremonies, spirit naming, purification lodge, Vision Quests, Medicine Wheel ceremonies, traditional Native American weddings, and spirit journeys.

TERESA JACKSON is a Reiki Master, Healing Touch Practitioner, and holder and teacher of sacred space. She works with humans, animals, and plants, conveying the energies of the Earth. Teresa follows Native American teachings and is a Sun Dancer and Pipe Carrier.

ALAN WILLES is a song keeper and drum maker who travels around the world collecting songs that help build community. Mitakuye Oyasin is the unifying theme that infuses his joyful and powerful gifts of songs, drumming, and dancing. Alan's passion, vision and calling in life is to help people to start drumming, singing and dancing on the earth again. He attends and helps to sponsor many dances.

JAY HENDERSON is a modern-day John Muir who communes with Nature through his many mountain spiritual experiences and explorations. He is passionate in his expressions of love and reverence for all things wild through his artwork and storytelling.



REGISTRATION FEE:

$495 if paid in full and postmarked by July 24, 2007. $555 if paid afterwards. This fee includes three-nights lodging, meals, and the retreat program registration. Lodging will be provided at the Murie Ranch with old-style western cabins at the threshold of woods within walking distance to the Snake River and outstanding views of the Teton mountain range. Couples, please sign up early! Please indicate your roommate preferences on the registration form. Vegetarian meals and meals with meat will be served. The Murie Ranch can accommodate only 28 participants and this retreat promises to fill quickly. If you are interested, please reserve a space soon! You may pay in full or send in a deposit of $150. All requests for refunds must be made in writing. A refund check, minus a $50 processing fee, will be issued for all cancellation requests postmarked by July 24, 2007. No refunds will be made for requests postmarked after July 24, 2007.

Partial scholarships are available. Please Timothy O'Donoghue at (307) 734-0838 0r at riverwind@wyoming.com.

The Murie Ranch is located 10 minutes north of the Jackson Hole Airport in Jackson, Wyoming. Please contact the RiverWind Foundation for more information on getting to the Murie Ranch. For more information on the Murie Ranch, please visit: www.muriecenter.org

Please make your check payable to RiverWind and send, along with the registration form below, to: RiverWind, PO Box 13190, Jackson Hole, WY 83002

TO REGISTER or for FURTHER INFORMATION:
please contact Timothy O'Donoghue at riverwind@wyoming.com.

KINDRED SPIRITS RETREAT REGISTRATION FORM
Name ______________________________________

Address _____________________________________________

City ___________________ State _______ Zip ___________________

Email Address _______________________________________

Telephone (       ) _________________

Dietary Restrictions_______________________________________

Roommate Preferences_______________________________________

HERE ARE SOME REFLECTIONS FROM SOME OF OUR PAST KINDRED SPIRITS PARTICIPANTS:

From a simple ad, we were drawn to drive for five days to come to this wonderous place. We were not disappointed. The mountains and the creek running through the valley are magnetic. The scenery would have been enough, but the chance to experience some Native American traditions with people of such loving spirit was very special. -- Bonnie & Dave, Ontario

This has been such a wonderful week for me. With spectacular beauty all around, my heart has been filled with joy. The love and warmth of this community is never ending and I thank you all. -- Karen, New York

It has been such a joy and a truly wonderful journey. I have gained so much from everyone. -- Alina, New Hampshire

Thank you all for such a wonderful week. The beauty of this place is equaled by the beauty of all of you. I will think of you often and remember. -- Marilyn, Alberta

This is my second Kindred Spirits Retreat and once again, these days were an experience like no other - a real blessing for mind, body, and spirit. I leave with such an open heart . Thank you! -- Mary Ann, California

And so the journey continues . . . the most amazing traveling companions a soul could wish for. -- Lynne, New Jersey

This beautiful, joyous place - Awesome! We are so thankful. -- Nancy, Virginia

If you are considering taking part in the Kindred Spirits Retreat....know it is a life changing....life revealing....opportunity calling you. I have had the remarkable blessing of attending two retreats. The presenters, the magnificent beauty of the environment, and the loving, powerful & healing friendships I made have opened my heart & soul to the journey I am meant to be on! Give yourself this gift! -- Paula, Maine

Few experiences in our lives lead us to soul growth. But the Kindred Spirits Retreat is a safe haven to explore our heart's desire. The soul connections with hearts, Gaia, and Spirit are gifts given for the asking. My life has been transformed by these experiences and for that, I am eternally grateful -- Sandy, Washington

I am so thankful I was guided to the Kindred Spirits Retreat. I will never ever forget the love and guidance that was given by all of the people. -- Caroline, Mexico

Since climbing onto a twisting and turning, rising and falling, spiritual path many years ago, I have attended many formal and informal gatherings of fellow travelers along their own spiritual paths. What was completely unique and extraordinary about the Kindred Spirits Retreat was the openness of the hearts around our kindred spirits circle. Whether evidenced by laughter, tears, hugs, or simply a compassionate presence, the outpouring of love at this retreat was utterly compelling. -- Janet, Wyoming

Have you ever "come home" to a place you've never been before? I urge everyone of heart that I meet to "come home" to the Kindred Spirits Retreat. -- Mary, Missouri

I came with one primary purpose and room for a small secondary one. I left having fulfilled my primary purpose and with so much more - a true sense of oneness - with family, with Nature, and with a path to Creator. -- Lenny, Utah

The experience at the Kindred Spirits Retreat was so profound in a multitude of ways that it is still resonating with me. The location of the lodge and the lodge itself are beautiful and peaceful. Each instructor was knowledgeable, loving and open and the workshops were inspiring and cleansing. The retreat in its entirety opened my eyes and heart to things previously unknown to me. An added gift was meeting a group of unique people with whom I will forever share a strong bond. I believe one cannot go to the retreat and leave unchanged in some manner. -- Julie, Florida

Just prior to attending my first Kindred Spirit Retreat, I had a feeling that my spiritual life had become stagnant. During the retreat I became aware that my heart had found its way home. -- Brenda, Utah

I was very impressed not only with the variety of subjects being offered but also with the people teaching them, the accommodations and that the whole experience was just wonderful. I most definitely intend to go to the next Retreat. I would recommend it for anyone who is looking for insightful experiences with other wonderful people. -- Denise, Virginia

Thank you for helping me open to a new world - a world full of feelings. It was the sacred space we created together combined with the ancient traditions that made this possible for me. -- Georgia, Colorado
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