NATIVE is a stirring and spirited retreat for men and women who want to move and be moved by the beauty of nature and their own beauty within. Come and join us along the shores of the Pacific Ocean in Cannon Beach, Oregon, September 8-11, 2011. Together, we'll relish and revel in being wild, discovering what's essential, and feeling free.
You are wild.
Whether or not you acknowledge it, there is a part of you that is as wild and unpredictable as the waves of the ocean. There is a part of you that longs to express this inner nature without worrying about judgment or consequence. More than likely, that part of you is very good at hiding from others and the world. Not here. Not during this retreat. Whatever it is that wants to be explored and expressed in you is not only welcomed, it's required. You must be ready to show up unabashedly real and ready to untether the tamed one within. Your wide and deep ache needs you to loosen up and let go so that which is most true for you will reveal itself.
What is wild within you is essential.
Knowing what you want for yourself and your life begins with being clear about what's most important. One of the ways we'll dig into and distinguish what's an absolute must from what's just taking up space in our heads is by moving our bodies...A LOT. Movement is essential for a healthy and happy body, mind, and spirit. As you dance and play with elements of nature, you'll explore your own. Light, water, earth, air, temperature, space and time are what's needed for growth. Be assured you will grow and find within what you're looking for by spending some time outdoors. What's most important is usually what's most obvious.
What is essential is remembering you are free.
Released. Liberated. Limitless. Infinite. At choice. Always. You are. You are all of this. It's not a matter of me proving it to you or you having to "get" something you don't understand. You already know this. Free is a matter of heart and spirit. Free is a matter of experience. Free is a matter of your very existence. Free to be you and me. That's what you'll feel and remember during this retreat and you can take it home with you.
Like the sound of Native so far? Keep reading for the details. The retreat is taking place in various spots around the lovely town of Cannon Beach, Oregon.
Who is this retreat for?
Dancers and Shakers.
Dreamers and Risk-Takers.
Beach Lovers and Storytellers.
Adventure-Seekers and Music-Makers.
Nature Enthusiasts and Self-Proclaimed Artists.
Passionate and Expressive Optimists.
Mothers. Fathers. Daughters. Sons.
Leaders, Healers and Spiritual Ones.
No dance experience is necessary. No special attire is needed. Just you and your willingness to move your body, spend time outdoors, experience new things, and have a lot of fun.
What's included in the retreat?
- An early evening soiree at Cannon Beach Yoga Arts on Thursday night will begin our weekend adventures together. Yummy treats and spirited sips will be served. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided as well. Meet and mingle with your fellow participants as spine-tingling tunes invite you to move.
- Saturday Night Dinner at Castaways Restaurant and Tiki Bar. Our group will have the entire place to ourselves to relax and reflect on our day's experiences. The owners, Josh and Megan, will have a special menu to tantalize our tastebuds. Meal includes appetizers, a salad, main entree, dessert and one drink. Be prepared for some delicious dining and discussion.
- Coconut water and satisfying snacks will quench your thirst and keep you energized after every movement session.
- A goodie bag filled with inspirational items to remind you of Cannon Beach's beauty and your own.
- As much joy, delight and fun as you can possibly stand in a 67 hour period.
Lodging and all meals (other than Thursday and Saturday night) are not included. There are a variety of accommodations to please all preferences and budgets. From charming home rentals to cozy cabins in the woods, from quaint hotel rooms to luxurious ocean-front suites, participants are encouraged to find what suits their needs best. I've secured a 10% discount at the Ecola Creek Lodges which is the closest hotel to the main retreat space on the beach. Ask for Charles Steynor and mention "Beach Dance" or "Native Retreat" and you're in! If you'd like other suggestions for lodging, you can call Lisa or check out these two sites for additional information: Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce and Cannon-Beach.net.
What do you need to bring?
Comfortable clothing to move about in each day. Dressing in layers is highly recommended so pack your sweatshirt and light jacket. Flip-flops or sandals are fine footwear for the beach, but bring along a pair of tennis shoes for a lovely jaunt through the forest. Casual-dressy attire for our meet and greet on Thursday night and dinner on Saturday night, if you'd like.
A water bottle. You might prefer something other than the coconut goodness I'll have on hand.
A journal. You might like something to write on during a session or two.
Your own comfy headphones. These aren't necessary as I provide the technological equipment, but you may want to bring your pair along if you especially like them.
Where is Cannon Beach exactly?
Cannon Beach is approximately 90 miles west of Portland. Plan on one and a half hours to two hours to get here from the city. It's a four hour drive from Seattle. Directions to specific locations where and when you'll need to be during the retreat will be given upon registration and payment.
This is our main dance floor and where most of the retreat will take place. Not bad, eh?
The retreat begins at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 8 and ends at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, September 11. There is a maximum of 25 participants. The retreat fee is $350. If you register before July 31, a $50 discount will be applied.
What else do you need to know?
If you have questions about what you've read either here or on the Beach Dance website, please call me at 503.860.7711 or send an email to lisa@theplayfulspirit.com.
I have to keep some things about the retreat a surprise, but I will promise you this...you will be moved in profound ways by being a part of this experience. I don't know exactly how that will look and/or feel like for you, but if you're not satisfied with the retreat, I'll refund your money pronto.
After you register, if you need to cancel your spot in the retreat I'll hang onto $25 of it. I understand unexpected stuff in life can happen, but if you cancel at the last minute (after September 1) I reserve the right to keep the full amount of your retreat fee. We would miss you if this happened, but you are more than welcome to gift your spot to someone else.
Due to the physicality and nature of this event being held primarily outdoors, you will be required to sign a waiver of release before participating. If you have any injuries or other health issues, please make me aware of what they are before you register. It may sound silly, but beach safety guidelines will be given at the beginning of our retreat. We can still be wild, while being kept out of harm's way.
Here's how you can register...
Call Lisa at 503.860.7711 or send an email to lisa@theplayfulspirit.com to let her know you want to attend. Send your payment by check or money order to:
Lisa Evans P.O. Box 1453 Cannon Beach, OR 97110
The last thing I want you to know...
If this retreat resonates with you in some way, I hope you'll contact me and then come to Cannon Beach in September. Let's be wild, essential, and free together, shall we? I'd love that. I really would.
