· All healing (Shamanic) Retreats are experiential and grounded in the practice of mindfulness.
· A sacred fire is tended by a fire-keeper for 24 hours a day, from Friday afternoon until 4:00 PM on Sunday. Fire at the retreat is Teacher, Friend and Companion. It encourages and supports us throughout the retreat.
· Retreats are predominantly held in natural settings. Although Shamanic experience can take place wherever you are, in the beginning of practice being in nature is very supportive and helpful. A natural setting inspires us to see the truth of life and ourselves.
Sample Schedule
Friday:
The three-day retreat starts at 7:00 PM on Friday with mindfulness and purification practices, setting the foundation and intention for the rest of the retreat.
Saturday:
6:00 AM – Day begins with movement and sitting meditation practice.
8:00 AM – Hearty breakfast with some work practice and rest.
Morning to 12:30 – Teachings and instructions with a venture out into the woods to connect with nature
12:30 to 2:30 PM – Lunch and rest
2:30 to 6:00 PM – Teachings on Shamanism and the Shamanic Spirit-Journey culminating in guided Shamanic Journeys.
Journaling, drawing, and writing, will be used to express your experience. One may also meet with Theodore privately to ask questions or to obtain further guidance.
6:00 – 8:00 PM -Hearty dinner (one may sit by the fire or take rest)
8:00 PM – Teachings and instructions on Medicine Buddha, trance and the ecstatic state to create the foundation for Sunday’s La-Gug (soul retrieval**). see below
9:30 PM – . Expression of gratitude for our experience of and our coming home to spirit, nature and spirit guides.
Sunday
6:00 AM – Day begins with movement and sitting meditation practice.
8:00 AM – Hearty breakfast with some work practice and rest.
Morning to 1:00 PM – Continued teaching and instructions culminating in the practice of Medicine Buddha and soul retrieval.
1:00 to 3:30 PM – Talking begins. Sharing with others and celebratory feast.
3:30 to 4:00 PM – Take down camp and pack up
**La-Gug (Soul Retrieval)
In life we can experience multiple losses and trauma resulting in the loss of vitality or life essence. Some may exhibit confusion, illness, lack of motivation or direction, and feel generally blocked or unable to move forward. Many times and for a host of reasons it is sometimes difficult to experience restoration and healing without conscious intervention. Soul retrieval helps to reunite our lost essence. One does not need to know the root cause of the problem or impasse for this restoration and healing to take place.
What you should know.
Accomodations
Depending on Retreat location and facilities, one can choose to tent. Sugar Ridge Retreat Centre will provide shared cabins for all participants.
Transportation and arrival time
Retreat location is less then 2 hours driving time from Toronto. Carpools will be provided for those who need rides. Please arrive by 5:00 PM to help set up and have a light dinner. Retreat starts at 7:00 PM sharp.
Meals
All meals and snacks are vegetarian .
Dana/Donation
Please note that the fee charged for the three days is for retreat expenses. The teachings are offered without cost. One may give an anonymous donation at the end of retreat for the teachings received.
Further information will be provided upon registration.
Medicine Buddha Toronto 