The Gathering Inn

Women Helping Women 

April 28, 2011 

SPECIAL SPRING WORKSHOPS

Dear Friends,

We have some enriching and inspiring events happening in the next couple of months here at the Inn and we hope you'll be able to take part in some or all of them. 

Beth Goldstein will be giving a free workshop on May 4th called "Embody Your Intentions", sharing with us her transformative, freeing, unique body-centered approach to manifesting your intentions and goals which includes Polarity, Yoga, guided meditation and chakra energy balancing and healing.

Friday, May 6th, at 7pm, we'll get together to watch the movie, "Nell," starring Jodie Foster and Liam Neeson. A powerful story of a woman literally finding her own voice when all around her are trying to speak for her.  

After her profoundly moving introductory workshop here at the Inn, Asha Ramakrishna will be returning on May 21st for a one day retreat, "Bringing Yourself into Sacred Balance".  This teaching will encourage us to awaken the Divine Feminine within so that we will know the truth of our divinity, release ourselves from suffering, and feel empowered to live our Authentic Self.

And for a life-affirming, restorative experience, Peggy Patenaude will be running a weekend retreat, "My One Wild and Precious Life," beginning June 10th. She will teach us through her playful spirit, love of storytelling and repertoire of creative exercises that life must be embraced, cherished and lived to the fullest! This will be an insightful and refreshing journey toward inner freedom.

(Follow the links for more information or give us a call at the Inn if you have any questions: 978-820-1139.)

As ever, we are looking for ways to help you to reconnect to your spiritual center, whether through workshops, informal gatherings, movement classes or retreats. Scroll down to learn more about our retreats and regularly scheduled events and come take advantage of all we have to offer.

Sincerely,

Merry Cole

EVEN MORE TO SHARE WITH YOU THIS MONTH!

RETREATS: Even though we have all these wonderful events happening, our primary mission and purpose is to make our facility and staff available for your personal or small group retreat. Here are a few things recent guests have said about their time here:

Individual: "As I sat in the sunlight on the daybed, reading to my heart's content, I felt like I was at my favorite Grandmother's house, with all the time in the world and being pampered."

Group: "We came in and took over the whole house. The Gathering Inn staff made us feel right at home, were sensitive to all our needs, fed us wonderful food, and we can't wait to come back."

Isn't it time for YOU to schedule your retreat and experience the wonderful energy of this sacred space?

DRUMMING CIRCLE: At our April Potluck, we used drumming as our meditation practice after dinner. (Thanks to Audrey Kracke-Lambert who jumped in to beautifully facilitate at the last minute.) It was a deeply moving evening for everyone as you can see from these words sent the next day by a participant: "Please pass on my heartfelt thanks to everyone for the gift of last night. My day had been very disappointing, but just being in the warmth of the inn renewed my spirit. I drummed last night with true gratitude and left the inn feeling loved and cared about. I am thankful everyday for the gift of all who I've met at the inn. See you soon!"

SUMMER READING: Have you gotten your copy of The Heroine's Journey yet? We will use this book for our Book Discussion on June 26, July 24, and August 28th. Don't forget to sign up to be part of this group.

LABYRINTH: Several of you have offered to adopt our labyrinth this summer and we are really grateful. It is time to schedule a short on-site meeting to plan our work. Please e-mail the Inn and give us some dates you are available and we'll try to pick a time that's most convenient for everyone.

DONATIONS: A last reminder: May 1st is the deadline to donate to the Memorial Meditation Garden in memory or honor of a woman in your life. Thank you to those who have given so generously. We will be in touch soon about plans for the beautification of the garden and the date and time of the dedication ceremony.

STUDIO AT THE INN: Don't forget to go to our website and check our current calendar of classes.

A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR

Many of you know that I have been a huge fan and supporter of Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, and his work building schools and working toward educating the children (especially girls) in Afghanistan and Pakistan.  Recently he and his non-profit agency, Central Asia Institute, have come under media fire, including a piece on "60 Minutes", for everything from lying in his books to some shady financial practices.  As someone who has sent financial support to Greg's organization in the past, and because The Gathering Inn has collected funds for his Pennies for Peace initiative, I was pretty dismayed when I heard the media reports. 

Today I received a letter from Greg and the Central Asia Institute encouraging us to go to their website, www.ikat.org, and read their responses to the various charges.  While I respect everyone's right to form their own opinion, I did want to share their website address so that you can have the information being presented by both "sides" of this issue. 

If you wish to talk any further, please feel free to email or call me at the Inn.  

Thank you,

Merry Cole