The Gathering 2000

From: Dave Treharne

July, 2000:

This year's event showed me a spiritual high so joyous I almost could have floated home without the need for an airplane!  Such an adventure is good for the mind, body, and soul.  The energy of the place was outstanding.  If you did not feel good just being out among the trees, water, and grass, someone would give you a hug to remind you of your connection to all.  The discussions with Neale and the rest of the staff allowed us to celebrate our accomplishments in living the message during the last year,  and where we have not found success or healing in our lives.  It was great to share each other's story, and let out a few tears as necessary.  We all joined in with song, led again by the angelic voice of Cathy Bolton.  She reveled in the ability to make us laugh, sing, or be quiet by her choice of songs.  Such is the power of music.

The weather in southern Oregon this July was outstanding for our purposes.  It began to get a bit warm in the afternoon during the retreat, so we ended the discussion sessions around 2:30pm to enjoy life at Camp Latgawa.  We could hike in the woods or along the roads, head out to the waterfall, walk a new stone labyrinth, read a book under the leafy canopy, or swim in the pool.  As I was feeling wonderfully active, I chose all the above except the book reading.  The swimming pool afforded us opportunities to stretch our comfort zones and create new experiences.  We had a couple of days of bathing suit optional swimming, which felt perfectly OK once I tried it, just like it mentions in CWG.  All those present also had the option of receiving a short demonstration in a water experience called Watsu.  You float in the water in the arms of Jim, our practitioner, until you are experiencing the calm and peace like being returned to the womb.  Most of us had to regain our bearings for a few minutes after even the short demonstration was over. 

In the evenings, after our group discussion ended, we had various activities going on.  One night, we had a evening of songs by the campfire, with several guitars playing tunes for all to sing by.  Looking up from the campfire into the heavens, the stars shining back at us appeared endless.  We also had a night for the Sweat Lodge, a Native American ritual of many things all at once.  I participated in my first lodge this year, and felt reborn after I went from the hot lodge into the cold creek water, gasping at the shock of my "rebirth."  Peter and the rest were there for me, reminding me to breathe until I could move air again.  I also volunteered to help set up the lodge, and now several people know of my capability of building a roaring fire when asked to.  Saturday night, we danced until we were soaking wet.  I have never danced so carefree, so much like "dance(ing) as if no one is watching." 

Not to be outdone by the afternoon and evening activities, Young Hee taught us a 10,000 year old Korean holistic health program called Dahn-Hak.  This was a series of exercises to stretch and strengthen the body, mind, and spirit.  Each morning was a bit different, but we were guaranteed to leave energized, and certainly hungry for breakfast!! 

Thank you to all the wonderful people I met for the first time during the retreat, as well as all of those friends I "met again" from prior experiences. Your presence, stories, experiences, laughter, talents, and energy made this a fantastic time that I shall never forget.  In fact, I would like to live this way always.  Thank you for showing me the potential of joy in my life!

Blessed Be!