Forest Camp: Opening to Life

Yachats, Oregon — Temenos Forest Sanctuary

A Joyful Weekend of Forest Exploration, Beach Wanders, and Resting in Beauty.

As adults, life can often feel so serious or overwhelming. The idea of playfulness or childlike wonder can seem inaccessible or “not for me”. The big and small challenges of life come and we meet them, perhaps with grace but often with discomfort, an unwise response or wishing it would all just go away. We can strive to make things a certain way, including ourselves, with varying degrees of success. 

This weekend is an opportunity to pause and be playful amidst it all. We are not trying to run away from or push away any of the discomfort of life but to explore how we can hold it all while remaining connected to restorative states. To explore happiness is to explore what it means to be human, even in times of personal and collective distress. It takes courage to remember our joy and the support of practices to help expand it. 

During our time together you will be guided to nurture your sense of awe, wonder, and curiosity to support access to joy and delight. The forest offers the perfect space to invite this all in and let your body, heart, and mind simply “be,” soaking in the goodness that is available. There will be a variety of facilitated nature connection practices along with guided walks in the forest that invite you into your senses, visits to ancient trees, tea in the forest, mossy nooks to rest in, walks to watch the sunset, fires to gaze into, solo time on the land, and conversation to tap into our collective wisdom. This will be complemented by an assortment of optional opportunities to sing, make art, rest, or explore the land through movement or stillness. 

Allow yourself to be nourished by joy and delight through deep time in the forest, delicious food, sunsets, ceremony, and connection with the land, community, and wisdom of the trees. You will have free time to explore the property, roam the trails, and bask in the stillness and abundance of this sacred space. The forest, creeks, and nearby ocean provide space to reconnect to the beauty, joy, and abundance that is always available.

We believe in the need for restorative time (amidst racial injustice, climate crisis, and the acute suffering of living in a pandemic) to show up with strength and stability for individual and collective well being.

This retreat will take place on 5 magical acres of forest in Yachats, Oregon with dozens of forested acres surrounding and vast expanses of national forest just steps away. You are invited to camp in the forest (or stay nearby), let the sound of the ocean lull you to sleep, and connect deeply with the trees and beings of this land. The ocean is a 15 minute walk, mostly through the forest, and there are various creeks to enjoy on and around the property. This space offers itself for deep nourishment and alignment with your highest self. You will likely go home having the land and its inhabitants wedged deeply into your heart.

No experience necessary; just an open heart and willingness to connect with the sacred relationships of our deepest selves, Mother Earth, and beloved community.

This intimate gathering is open to 8 participants and we will be the only group on site.

***All those that identify with their feminine are welcome.

Facilitator:
Irene Bailey

START
July 14: Arrive & settle, 1-3PM
END
July 16: Depart, 2 PM

INCLUDED
•All meals (dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 3)
•Forest location to camp (car camping by request)
•A variety of facilitated nature connection activities
•Individual support (as needed)
•Sacred land to explore and wander
•Opportunities for deep connection to self, community, & the natural world

ACCOMMODATION DETAILS
We will be camping in a variety of idyllic settings throughout the forest. It is truly a spectacular place to camp and call home for a few days. We will be using an outhouse during our time on the property. Access to shower available.
*** Option to stay nearby in hotel/ Airbnb at additional cost. This must be arranged individually but reach out for suggestions.

FOOD
Delicious, nourishing, from-scratch, mostly vegetarian fare, using as much local produce as possible, and as many organic, humane, ethically-produced ingredients as practical. We can accommodate a certain level of special dietary needs, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan.

YOU PROVIDE
• Transportation to and from the site
• Tent, sleeping bag & sleeping pad
• Yoga mat or pad for laying in forest
• Water bottle
• Sunglasses & hat
• Journal & pen
• Headlight or flashlight
• Warm & comfortable layers for being outdoors
• Sturdy shoes for walking on uneven terrain
• Rain gear

A detailed clothing and equipment list will be
provided closer to the retreat start date.

~Payment Plans Available~

PAYMENT INFORMATION
REFUND & CANCELLATION POLICY
SCHOLARSHIPS

Inclusivity:

We ask that our participants be committed to the ongoing learning and awareness of how white supremacy negatively impacts all life, especially black and brown people. In an effort to support an inclusive space, we know this work, this dismantling of systemic oppression, is essential to sharing healing spaces and to supporting the collective liberation for all beings. 

COVID Precautions:

We will be the only group on site. We will follow strict hygiene protocols. In preparations for the retreat and during our time together, we will do everything we can to protect you, the facilitators, and the community.
Prior to the retreat, we will be sharing our COVID Protocols that all participants must agree to follow. Reach out to learn more about our COVID Protocols prior to registration.

Contact us with any questions.