Soltura was founded with the help of mothers and fathers who participated in the Knight in Rusty Armor trilogy as part of the parent program offered by a therapeutic program their sons were attending. Finding the experience personally enlightening, these parents wanted to help bring that experience to others. Now, six years later, Soltura has come full circle and is once again offering workshops specifically for parents of struggling teens and young adults.

In June, Soltura teamed up with Gray Wolf Ranch, a substance abuse recovery program for young men located in Port Townsend, WA. They were interested in expanding the services offered to the parents of residents in their program. As a result, eight mothers participated in the workshop and based upon their outstanding feedback, Gray Wolf Ranch is partnering with Soltura to offer additional workshops to the mothers AND fathers of their residents. [See schedule in sidebar for the dates of these upcoming workshops.]

Ginnie (Bellevue, WA), one of the mothers in the recent workshop, explained her experience this way: "The workshop was the most amazing experience in my life and I'm confident my new "sisters" agree wholeheartedly. Naively, I expected a personal growth experience that would help me learn about living with my son's addiction and, in the process, learn more about myself...and, since I've climbed a few mountains in my day, I figured "getting out of my comfort zone" would be not all that uncomfortable. Wrong. Suffice it to say, the Soltura experience was truly life changing...The women [in my workshop] came together as strangers with one thing in common--mothers of addict sons, most having a connection to Gray Wolf Ranch. By Sunday morning, we had become "Soltura Sisters" who could barely stand to part with each other...When I spoke of experiencing unconditional love, I really meant it. More importantly, I really felt it."

TEDxTacoma, an event focusing on "Passion Based Leadership" was held in April 2010 at the University of Puget Sound. The program defined a "passion based leader" as anyone courageous enough to live as their unique best self, and who supports others on their journey. The event's agenda was filled with such leaders.

Among presentations by national and regional figures and students, was one by Carole Rosenberg, Soltura's Executive Director, entitled "Would you really say that to a child?" Taking the stage as the final speaker of the day, Carole started with a brief slide show depicting the innocence and wonder of childhood and what happens as our life journey unfolds. Speaking with passion and emotion, Carole demonstrated that everyone has the choice to find, and live with, passion. It took only minutes before many of those in the audience sat with wet eyes, sobbing softly as Carole touched a cord within them. Though it doesn't capture the emotional impact of the presentation on the audience, a video of Carole's talk can be seen on YouTube by clicking here.

 

In the true sense of "sharing it forward", Roger and Corky have been doing just that since the earliest days of Soltura. They were among the first group of men and women to experience the workshop trilogy. They were also among those parents who supported the initial formation of Soltura. Since that time, both Roger and Corky have routinely volunteered to help facilitate all three parts of the workshop trilogy. By unselfishly sharing themselves and their story, they have supported many others on their journey to self-discovery.

Without our loyal volunteers Soltura would not be able to continue offering our life-changing workshops. Self-exploration is difficult and the support of facilitators is crucial to the process. So while we send a special Thank You to Roger and Corky, it is important to note that they are part of a team of facilitators willing to work hard, open their hearts, and help guide others along the path to personal freedom.

Workshop participants from the Puget Sound area gathered at Lakebay on April 18, 2010 for the first Regional Soltura support group meeting. It was an opportunity for those who attended to meet participants from other workshops and to share their "aha" moments and challenges since their workshops. It was wonderful seeing everyone and hearing about their experiences as they continue their journey.

Forming support groups in regions where a cluster of workshop participants live is one of the Soltura goals for 2010. The Puget Sound group is the third such meeting since the beginning of the year, with previous meetings occurring in Lubbock, Texas and Concord, California. At each group, attendees have decided to continue meeting on their own either monthly or quarterly. In addition, each support group has established their own Facebook page so they can communicate more easily and provide support for each other. Anyone living in these regions who was unable to attend the first meeting but is interested in joining their local support group can visit the Facebook page to contact the group. The links for these pages are: Lubbock Area Soltura Support Group, Soltura Support Group--Northern California, Soltura Support on the Puget Sound.

The rain took a break and the sun came out to welcome 22 members of the Soltura community to Lakebay for a relaxing, fun and musical day. Thanks, Shea, for driving from California and bringing your wonderful wife Lorie.

It was wonderful just to kayak, catch some rays, meet new friends and have the opportunity to share individual joys as well as struggles with people who listened, understood and welcomed each other. A big thanks to all the cooks and musicians for sharing your passions, feeding our tummies as well as our souls. We can't wait to do this again.

Click on the photo above to view the event photo album.

Welcome Toto, Rusty and Gracie! This spring Shea donated three "fainting" goats to our Lakebay home. They are adorable--and now very spoiled. The name "fainting" goats comes from a peculiar genetic condition that, when startled, causes them to fall down and freeze with stiff legs extended, giving the appearance they have fainted. Yes, paralyzed in fear -- sound familiar? A workshop exercise in the making!

Randy and Steve examine the garden

The garden is another exciting addition to the upper property this year. Who knew there were so many different varieties of each vegetable! It is so much fun watching things grow "overnight" and we celebrate every time something is ready to be picked. We have already started to serve our tasty produce at workshops. Make sure you visit the garden next time you are here. A simple joy!

Thanks Randy and Tyler for all their hard work in making the garden a reality.

Soltura Foundation offers personal growth experiences for men and women, young people and adults. If you have not yet participated in  a Soltura workshop, be sure to visit our website at www.Soltura.net  to learn more about the men or women's trilogy, check the schedule or register for a workshop.