Name: Mindful Living, Soulful Aging
Start: 2025-04-18T15:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-04-20T15:00:00-04:00
Location: 188 Ecovillage Trl SE, Floyd, VA, 24091, Floyd, VA, United States, Virginia 24091

"The gold of age is a rich harvest, one that’s born in darkness and brought to light. Mining the gold of the inner life is a living practice with a guiding seam and a deepening to forge. And what will you spend your gold on? Your time, your life? Every person’s inner gold accrues interest when shared." --Colleen Redman
The inner life regularly calls for our attention, but it takes a real commitment to bring our focus within when so much grabs our attention in the routines of daily living. Whether or not you have been able to do your inner work along the way, we are inviting elders and adults of all ages who are motivated now for prioritizing their inner work to come together in a co-creative community. This retreat will provide opportunities for silent meditation and reflection, along with stimulating presentations and workshops on the processes of living with awareness and aging with grace.
Participants will be supported to explore and express your inner life through poetry, creative writing, guided imagery and music, dance,small group discussions and mandala art. There will be a featured poetry reading on the theme of soulful aging titled: Mining the Gold / Spending the Treasure with Colleen Redman and Katherine Chantal. Their original poems blend memoir, dream work, mythology and contemplative reflection on meeting the challenge of “apprenticing ourselves to our own disappearance,” as coined by poet David Whyte.
Each day will offer a balance of guided offerings and free time for inner exploration inside the Bermed Lodge and out in the forest and trails surrounding the Floyd EcoVillage. You will have time for tuning in, and renewing and deepening your skills in the practices of soulful aging and mindful living. Delicious meals, snacks and beverages provided throughout the retreat.
Retreat is open to adults of all ages. All levels of experience welcome!
**EARLYBIRD registration is open through March 15! Sign up now to secure your preferred accommodation options—choose from queen, double or twin beds in cozy cabins or rooms at the bermed lodge. After registering, email Valerie at [email protected] to coordinate your lodging.