This day retreat will take place in the Cherokee National Forest/Ocoee Region at Gee Creek Campground on the banks of the Hiwassee River (about an hour drive from Chattanooga). This retreat is a river-writing, poetry, ecology, and history experience - a journey through the Cherokee Overhill area and an ancient river landscape into present place and time. We will use poetry, art, play, creative exploration and somatic movement to deepen our experience.
During our time together we will:
- consider the story of landscape.
- explore reciprocal healing
- dive into the history of the Hiwassee River corridor and Overhill area.
- consider stories told in the river, and identify elements of storytelling in the landscape itself which resonant with your personal story of becoming
- craft your own unique creative work in the field through a deep witnessing of place and sensory immersion.
Optional camping is available Saturday evening onsite; you must choose this option when registering as space is limited to 6 campers. You can also reserve your own site if there’s availability in the campground; a retreat experience like this can be deepened with additional solo time so consider extending your stay. https://reserve.tnstateparks.com/hiwassee-ocoee/campsites
NOTE: we are in sites A5, A7 and A9
COST: $59 early bird until 6/01/24 then $79 (includes bonfire wood, lunch, snacks, nature journal supplies) - coffee/tea is provided all day. NOTE: Onsite meals will be vegetarian with vegan options.
WHAT TO BRING: refillable water bottle, camping chair, bug spray, sunscreen, plate/bowl/mug/utensils. If you plan on wading or swimming, bring a change of clothes and towel.
SAMPLE OUTLINE *subject to adjustment as needed
arrive between 930-10aEST
930a: light breakfast
100a: opening circle
1030: history of loss and return
1145a: lunch
1230p: leave for solo medicine walk/sitting or walking meditation or river swimming/wading or nature scavenger hunt
230p: return to campsite; write/create/debrief
330p: your story of river medicine and becoming
430p: reciprocity and closing
5p: conclusion