9th Vermont Death & Dying Retreat

 The Vermont Death & Dying Retreats change theme each year so that you, the doula or caregiver not only gain valuable tools for caregiving but also experience deep rejuvenation amongst other healers and like-hearted individuals. 

This year we will immerse ourselves in nature (while adding a bit of modern conveniences) as we camp on the Champlain Islands of Vermont. Lakeside, fireside, forestside we will eat, drink and be merry… and authentic as we delve deep into our own precious hearts, inspire each other and return to the world deeply rested and thoroughly loved. Topics covered this year: shadow, heart, energy, mind, body, spirit, play, and as always, death. Recommended reading before the retreat: Death Nesting: The Heart-Centered Practices of a Death Doula

Welcoming Your Shadow Body (Shadow)

Our beautiful bodies take on so much from our untended shadows. Gently, slowly, we will choose one shadow body to work with over the retreat. You draw the boundaries, we all hold the space and feel your body become illuminated with love.

Gateways to the Heart (Heart)

What we choose to drink is powerful. Every beverage that we ingest has the ability to open our heart in a way to bring greater clarity, peace, love, creativity and motivation. The troubling truth is however that these potions are often consumed carelessly or absent-mindedly. Explore the heart-opening magical effects of caffeine, kombucha, wine, cacao and more.

Building Your Energy Field (Energy)

Just as you cannot serve from an empty well, you cannot truly and genuinely serve as a gateway for the dying if your energy is depleted.  We’ll work with several ways of strengthening our energetic body—first for our own benefit—and then to serve another.

Into to Psychopomp Work (Mind)

Every sentient being and each natural earth creation, from animal to plant to mineral and fungus, around us has a vibration that we are able to communicate with.  We will strengthen the skills needed to do this work so we are better able to pick up on the cues and energetic frequencies required for assisting the actively dying out of their bodies.

Hormetic Stress Practice (Body)

Pablo Coddou, psychotherapist, Spartan athlete and elemental kung-fu martial artist will lead us through various hormetic stress practices to awaken and energize our spiritual and physical robustness. Bring your water shoes because early morning lake plunges are on the schedule! (And then jump into a hot shower, grab a hot beverage and sit by the fire.)

Spirit Gallery (Spirit)

Each year we welcome Salicrow, psychic medium, to lead us in a Spirit Gallery. Her gifts are unmatchable and sitting with her in a circle while witnessing the ways in which she communicates with our beloved dead is awe-inspiring and very cathartic.

Funeral Rite Creation & Ceremony (Death)

Sandy Crow is a gifted ceremonialist and when I am unable to conduct a celebrant ceremony Sandy is the first person that I recommend. She will lead us through her work and experience and then guide us as we explore our own funeral rites.

Embodiment & Integration (Play)

One of my retreats without Juli Gramo just wouldn't be the same. Juli works our bodies and hearts with her guided yoga, movement and play tactics! Someting we are always grateful for when doing emotional work.