“If we surrendered to earth’s intelligence we could rise up rooted, like trees.” ~ Rainer Maria Rilke
“We have our own guiding stories, and they are deeply rooted in the heart of our own native landscapes. We draw them out of the wells and the waters; beachcombing, we lift them out of the sand. We dive for them to the bottom of deep lakes, we disinter them from the bogs, we follow their tracks through the shadowy glades of the enchanted forest. Those stories not only ground us: they show us what we might once have been, we women, and what we might become again if we choose.” ~ Sharon Blackie
Through time in the wild mountain forest of Rolling Ridge as well as gathered times of ceremony, and soulful conversation, we will immerse ourselves in the realm of story and deep imagination, cultivating women’s wisdom to recreate personal and cultural consciousness in this time of turmoil and transformation. This annual retreat includes openings for wandering in solitude, sharing dreams and stories, the rhythm of drums, and sacred circle dance. Come with us to rediscover your journey of belonging to the living Earth and all her inhabitants.
The retreat is at Rolling Ridge, 1400 acres of protected wilderness between the Appalachian Trail and the Shenandoah River. Lodging in our comfortable Retreat House and at the Still Point mountain cabin. The retreat begins at 5 pm on Friday and ends after lunch on Sunday. $325 includes lodging, meals, and program. Register with a friend and share a room for $275; or camp, $245 (bring your own tent). Scholarships available.
Leaders Julie Gabrielli practices and teaches sustainable architecture and has long been an advocate of reconsidering the stories we live by. Her writing, storytelling and retreats all explore the effects of immersion in sensory and imaginative kinship with the wild, animate earth. Writer, dancer, and storyteller, Lindsay McLaughlin lives at Rolling Ridge, where for more than a decade she has led retreats that reconnect to nature and soul. Katy Gaughan is a gifted drummer and drum circle facilitator. Together we bring a fascination with the power of story to heal and reweave our world.
“Rising Rooted” will be held at Rolling Ridge Study Retreat, but is hosted by our sister community, Friends of Silence. For more information and to register please visit the Friends of Silence website: