About this Retreat
Carol Kortsch was born in Africa, educated in Canada, and then worked internationally building community in different forms. After 25 years in psychotherapy and group practice at Stonehaven Commons in Radnor, PA., she now offers nature-based retreats from Boulder, Colorado as a Courage & Renewal group facilitator. She is blending the Earth-based practices of Animas Valley Institute in a visionary program called ElderSoul. As a life adventurer and Earth listener, she recognizes our essential and critical human need to stop, slow down, and listen to our lives and all our relations speak.
What we offer in these circles is a dream of unique personal and communal ‘belonging’ to this physical land and human-time on Earth. Learning to live whole-heartedly as individuals within a culture that mostly hides behind its own shadow. We aspire to support each other in fully emerging as soulful beings-in-process, at every age and life-stage. To learn from and through ‘the Elder within’ - that fiery birthright capacity to be elders-in-training to serve as channels of life energy on behalf of the greater village we live in.
Jade Sherer is a wild elder in the making, a “grief astronomer” (a la Andrea Gibson), and one who apprentices to death and joy. She has devoted her life to showing up to support others as they navigate the transitions of their lives, guiding others in nature-based transformational processes and ceremonies, a mentor to hundreds as they bring their integrity and authentic genius alive and accessible for the world. Jade was trained and then guided with Animas Valley Institute for 15 years and now works independently. (www.ItsOurNature.net)
As an animist through and through, Jade’s particular passion is focused on listening to Earth and the animal and plant beings as guides in our own transforming and finding our way to living healthy, vital and meaningful lives in communion with the natural world. She sees the feminine and a deep tending of one’s own precious body and nervous system as key to being “islands of sanity” in this tempestuous turbulent world and as instinctual way-showers as she journeys with cancer.
Details of this retreat
SoulFire Murmuration
This retreat is intentionally intergenerational for all women who identify with the Earth community and are open to exploring your true essence through your connection with Mother Nature. We are calling you personally back to the circle. We welcome all those who have attended our SoulFire gatherings or other nature-based retreats and who long for more opportunity to listen deeply.
We intend to create a murmuration in our unity, growing our individual and collective strength. Thus, discovering an emergent wisdom so needed in the world. Studies of murmuration have shown that a single starling responds to seven of its closest neighbors. So, consider coming in two’s and three’s, with those whom you share a common vision for change in your local communities, especially youngers and olders learning together.
Have you ever marveled at the murmuration of a starling flock at dusk?
Wheeling in creative circles.
Massing in tight bundles of energy and not colliding.
Dropping down suddenly to land.
Murmuring in raucous cries.
Who is leading these death-defying acrobatic choices?
Where does the communal inspiration to change direction come from?
Mesmerizing wonder. Spectacular freedom.
Nature’s call to creative gathering after an exhausting day’s foraging is beautiful beyond words.
We as women are longing to experience it – together!
Please come to fly together in mountain splendor. To wail in grief for the suffering we know, and to find inspiration in the creative depths of our unique soul-fired essence. Bring your learnings, your longings, your grief, and your stories to a woman’s circle for all ages. We will fan that sacred fire that Mother Earth continues to birth from within us.
Venue at Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Center
See website HERE | Photo gallery HERE | Address map HERE
"The intensity of the intimacy between women with diverse ages was so meaningful. The blend/ balance between solo/dyad/triad and whole group work helps sort out the sol process on multiple levels. The expert, strong, fierce yet ‘light’ hand of the facilitators in sparking our process and then letting our process be... truly expert leaders." M.S.
Retreat Information
Daily Schedule
Our time will be together in large groups, small groups, and much solitary wandering (24 hours will be set aside for a solo time on the land.) Camping, shared indoor housing and a few private rooms available. Healthy vegetarian meals provided. Together we will co-create a trustworthy circle in which we can listen beyond human conversation to the dream of Earth, learn from our Ancestors who still speak, and stir up beauty and movement on behalf of our local communities.
Lodging Options - view lodging options here
You may camp in a beautiful campsite, or stay in the lodge. There are a limited number of single lodging options, such as single rooms, mini singles and glamping. All the other rooms are shared accommodations. Contact Kathy at registrar@rmerc.org for any rooming questions.
Lodging Prices are inclusive of all retreat costs
$395 Camping
$465 Mini Single
$465 Glamping
$395|$790 RV Camping (single/double)
$465 Semi-Private Nook (single) see details on registration page
$660 Single Room
$535 Shared Room (2 single beds; cost per person).
$1070 Double Room (1 double bed; cost per couple).
"I was desperately in need of returning my scattered self to my soul. You as leaders, the women – all your beautiful selves, the food, the lodge, the weather - the ‘elements’ had their way with me and gathered me in. Abundant support!" K.W.
Scholarships
It is our intention that cost not be an impediment to practice. If you cannot afford to attend without a fee reduction, you can ask for a scholarship on the registration web site, and then pay the remaining amount.
Anyone with financial hardship is welcome to apply and will be assessed based on needs and fund availability. We ask that you request the lowest amount required to attend the retreat, so that we can offer support to as many people as possible. But do not let cost be an impediment to your attending.
Payment, Deposits
A non-refundable deposit of $120 is due at the time of registration. Full payment is due 60 days before the retreat start date; you will receive an email reminder before your credit card is automatically charged at that time.
Cancellation, and Refund Policies
If you cancel your retreat at any time, the $120 registration fee is not refunded.
Cancellations received 60-30 days prior will get a refund of half of the final payment.
Cancellations 30-7 days prior will get a refund of a quarter of the final payment.
For cancellations inside of 7 days there will be no refunds.
"EVERYTHING was so meaningful and useful. The fact we have all that time in wild nature that’s so accessible. I love the poems and songs which slot on at perfect moments/ The triads and dyads are so precious." H.T.
Teacher Donations (Dana)
The cost of the retreat is set as low as possible and only covers expenses: renting the center, food, cooks, insurance, and staff travel. None of this cost share goes to the teacher, who is solely supported by the dana (generosity) of the participants. In the tradition of the Buddha, teachings are offered without a set fee, keeping costs as low as possible, so no one is excluded due to finances. In turn, we ask that your donation be as generous as possible within your means. Please bring a check or cash. We are grateful for your support.
Infectious Disease Policy
See the complete infectious disease policy here.
RMERC prioritizes creating a safe and comfortable retreat environment. While we don't require vaccinations, testing, or masks, individual retreats might have stricter policies. We recommend wearing N95 masks during travel and self-monitoring your health before arrival. If you experience symptoms, contact the retreat leader and consider adjusting your plans. HEPA air purifiers are available in shared rooms, and mask-wearing is always welcome.
Time and Transportation
The retreat begins at 4:00pm on the first day, and ends after lunch on the last day. If you are flying into Denver, the airport is about 90 minutes from the center, so you should plan on your flight arriving no later than 1:00pm to reach the retreat center on time. Return flights departing from the Denver airport should leave no earlier than 4:30pm, so you can get to the airport on time. Please do not plan on leaving the retreat early or arriving late. If camping, you might want to allow some extra time to set up your tent before the retreat starts.
Please note that the center is at 8500 feet, similar to most Colorado ski towns. If you are concerned about acclimating from sea level, you might consider arriving a day or two in the Denver/Boulder area before the retreat.
Contact
You will be out of contact with no internet access or cellphone service during the retreat. Please complete all personal business before you arrive. The staff will have the ability to make and receive emergency calls or emails on your behalf, but phone and internet are not available for personal use.
Food and Meals
Three simple vegetarian meals a day will be provided from dinner the first day through lunch on the last day. If you want a snack between meals, or supplemental protein such as jerky or packaged fish, you can bring a small quantity of packaged unrefrigerated food. Tea, coffee and such are available all day long, along with some simple snacks such as mixed nuts and fruit. Please do not bring anything that needs refrigeration (medicine excepted). Excessive snacks are unnecessary: if you need a boost, a little gorp or an energy bar is sufficient for most people.
Special Needs
Figuring menus and quantities, shopping, organizing, and cooking are complex and crucial tasks for a retreat. All meals are ovo-lacto vegetarian with vegan and gluten free options available. We can accommodate common food allergies such as gluten or dairy, but not food preferences. Make sure to include on the registration form full details of any special allergy or health needs you have beyond basic vegetarian, and we will contact you if they require discussion.
Helper (Yogi) Jobs
Some of the work necessary to support the group will be handled by participants during the retreat. You will be able to choose your yogi job, and will keep it throughout the retreat. Most participants find serving others in this way quite enjoyable, and a great opportunity for practice in action.
What to Bring