When I signed up for this retreat, I knew I wanted to participate in rituals that would welcome me into my elder years, but what I didn’t expect was the amazing transformation that happened through the wise and spirit-filled guidance of Ron and Anne. I discovered in such a profound way that I could lead my life with wholeness first and the many fears of my earlier life receded as I found a new integration of wisdom and spirit that has continued well after the retreat. Many of us participate in many workshops through the years but this was the most transformative retreat I had ever attended.
— Cheryl Goodman--MSW , Chair-Elect, Sage-ing Guild
Choosing Conscious Elderhood
Our signature program is primarily offered in a 6-8 day format at retreat centers set amid stunning natural beauty, and is occasionally presented as an 8-10 day vision quest in wilderness settings with camping required. Choosing Conscious Elderhood is structured to reflect the three-stage process common to all rites of passage and renewal.
The Severance stage is an acknowledgment that an identity that no longer brings aliveness must die so that a new, more expansive self may be born. Old baggage must be shed so that the new life as an elder that calls may be embraced.
This stage is followed by a period of solitude with optional fasting (one day on a retreat, three days on a vision quest) often called the Threshold. After careful preparation, you will leave the group for an “in-between time” when you are alone with earth and sky, open to vision, insight, guidance and spiritual connection.
The retreat culminates in the stage of Reincorporation, which focuses on the integration of new vision and insight into your journey to and through elderhood.
Within this framework, Choosing Conscious Elderhood weaves together a powerful set of practices—including the Council process, dream work, Four-Directions teachings, reflective practices alone and with the group, drumming to shift consciousness, life review work, courting of synchronicity, a sunrise-to-sunset period of solitude in nature, and ceremony. All of these practices help you identify and clear out old beliefs, attitudes, behaviors and identifications that do not serve you as you transition into a new life chapter, and open you to new clarity about your unique potential, calling and path in the elder third of your life.
When you come to us seeking support in consciously preparing for elderhood, these retreats provide inspiration, mutual support, guidance, renewal and valuable practices and processes to support you on your path. Additionally, if you are at the point of feeling ready to affirm and confirm your status as an elder, Choosing Conscious Elderhood can serve as your rite of passage, empowered by the witnessing and support of a group of people who share your commitment to conscious eldering.
The Choosing Conscious Elderhood retreat is designed to serve people of varying physical abilities. It does not require a great deal of physical fitness, although the ability to walk on uneven ground for short distances is necessary due to the fact that much of our activity happens outdoors. During periods of solitude, you can have a sense of being alone even if you are not able to go far from the retreat center. Our participants have ranged in age from 45 to 87.
We offer several open-enrollment Choosing Conscious Elderhood retreats each year, as well as presenting this program for members of sponsoring organizations.
