About Dwelve 2005: Dwelve 2005: The Incubation Retreat

I’ve reached a fork in the road and the way forward is unclear...

At these crossroads, we need to retreat into the small still center of our being and allow ourselves to be gently guided by it.

The projects I have stacked around me have lost their luster. They’re not resolutely calling me.I’m ready for a breakthrough but aren’t quite sure how to proceed...

To arouse our highest Self and astound the world requires sinking into creativity as a heroic act.

Join me for an “incubating” retreat – or what I call an “advance” (because we burst forward) - to be held in the verdant hills of Los Altos abutting miles of open space trails. Contemplative walking meditations into the woods are steps from the parking lot, your cabin or dorm room door.

Advances have helped me so much I want to share the process with friends and their friends. This intimate gathering is limited to 20 per day and the invitation spreads via word-of-mouth.

But I don't have time for vacation...

Rarely have I come away from my vacations – even lounging on the beach for 10 days - with any applicable insights. But within a few days of leaving each "advance" I feel absolutely clear about what to do next - and I'm out of handy waffling excuses. I've conducted previous personal advances in the Grand Canyon and Canyonlands National Park - and this convenient location was one of the most productive - I couldn't believe it was only miles from the heart of Silicon Valley.

Bonus! No temptations. No distractions. Cellphones don't work and there’s no Internet access!

Includes: Breakfast, lunch, and structured facilitator-led retreat materials (plus how-to do your own "advance")

Dates/Options: One day (8 am to 6 pm, no overnight), two day and three day (plus full program) options available between Friday evening, April 8th through noon Tuesday, April 12th. (Friday night thrown in for Saturday attendees, and Tuesday morning thrown in for Monday attendees.)

Cost: $50 one day/ $90 two-day/ $120 entire four-night, three day program. Deduct $15 for each friend that signs up with you at same time – with separate or combined checks in ONE envelope.

Where: Hidden Villa Farm & Wilderness Preserve, 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills. Founded by Frank and Josephine Duveneck, Hidden Villa is a working organic farm with miles of wilderness trails, creeks and hillsides.

I’M GOING, HOW DO I SIGN UP?

Select Length:

Full Program (Friday 5 p.m. through Tuesday noon)
Three-Day (Sat-Sun-Mon)
Two-Day (Sun-Mon - preferred option – it’s very serene) OR Sat-Sun
One-Day Sampler (Sat OR Sun) – a single day is only enough to taste an “advance." You may walk away with clarity and solace, but the intent is to learn the experiential techniques & practices to conduct your own

Book accomodations: Wake up in nature! Inexpensive accommodations at Hidden Villa, 650-949-8648, email hostel AT hiddenvilla.org. Website at http://www.hiddenvilla.org

Mail Payment: Send check to Evelyn Rodriguez, PO Box 490, Mountain View, CA 94042.

Email Info: Contact Evelyn Rodriguez at crossroadsdispatches AT gmail DOT com with dates, names to be included on guest list and receive your welcome and preparation instructions via email.

What to Bring: Complete list via email. Comfortable hiking shoes, journals, sketchpads and/or notebooks, your own dinner (for overnighters, full kitchen available), rain gear and layered clothing - just in case - and a curious disposition.

Questions? Email crossroadsdispatches AT gmail DOT com or call Evelyn at 408-513-7324.