Question 1

Q: What topics might be explored during this retreat?

Answer

A: Facilitators will lead creative expression such as weaving, song, storytelling, mask making, and more. We will also guide you to apply your wellness to these practices and provide how they support you. You may decide to explore any experiences you want. Topics could include addiction, mental health illness, PTSD, difficult relationship, trauma, grief, and more. How deep you travel is up to you and Sierra will be your main contact throughout the retreat to support you safely through the recovery process.

Question 2

Q: How will these activities be taught?

Answer

A: There will be a combination of whole group lecture and song, hands-on breakout workshops with Atz + Sierra separately, as well as materials to support your individual practice during and after you leave the retreat.

Question 3

Q: What outcomes are possible for me?

Answer

A: You will walk away having created a song or story, a mask, a bracelet, and a wellness plan. You may also experience breakthroughs by changing emotional attachments, releasing stress stored in your body, peace through healthy community engagement, and more. You will deepen your knowing of who you are and sharpen or play with your creative expression.

Question 4

Q: What if I want to stay in Estes Park longer than the retreat?

Answer

A: You may pay for extra nights to extend your stay at the YMCA Estes Park separately.

Question 5

Q: What should I bring with me?

Answer

A: -A reusable water bottle -Layers of clothing for 2 days (we will be inside and outside for short periods and weather is unpredictable!) -Hiking boots or winter boots -Hygiene Kit -Snacks (if you want in between meals) -Your imagination and open heart -A Journal (optional)

Question 6

Q: Why does this work matter to me?

Answer

A: If you're like many of us, you might get home at the end of the day and feel like there's something missing. You may think about that relationship that you wish were better, the haunting past you want to heal from, or experience some depression or anxiety you want to work through. It may just be that you find yourself at the kitchen table having a drink to numb the feeling that life is incomplete and not know why. This matters because there's more to life than the status quo. You can be fulfilled in your work, fed by your relationships, and have time to rest. Humans are biologically wired to create and to connect with each other and the Earth. It's time we returned to our inner nature and live the stories we choose instead of the ones that choose us. You are taking a radical stand to prioritze this work. You are growing up vs. growing old. You are calling forth more of the gift of whom you already are. You are choosing to access the wisdom that came before you to be able to give it to those who come after. You know that if you don't do it, there is no guarantee anyone else will, and our culture is hungry to return to the dreams we had before, we have now, and we will continue to dream. You are choosing to author your own story vs. allowing your circumstances to write your future.

Question 7

Q: What is special about Atz and Sierra together?

Answer

A: We join together the wisdom of young and eldered, man and woman, and have experienced similar childhood trauma and addiction. Our journeys both started in Homer, Alaska at different times and we bring a strong sense of creativity and relationship with the wilderness at the root of our hearts and souls. Sierra met Atz as a child when he was her K-6 music teacher and they are now reuniting to make magic through teaching together. There is something really special when elders and their future generations collaborate to share what they've learned. We are not just growing old, we are growing up.

Question 8

Q: What is the agenda for this retreat?

Answer

A: When you register you will be included in our email list to get all the info you need to be prepared for the retreat, including times and details. Feel free to email questions in the meantime to info@invitationwellness.com

Question 9

What is Breathwork?

Answer

Transformational Breathwork TM is a unique modality much different from some of the more well known breath practices. This experience utilizes a powerful and specific type of circular breathing to allow for controlled and safe "hyper-ventilation". The increased level of oxygen allows for participants to access altered states while lying down. It is here that you are able to facilitate your own internal "house-cleaning". You might discover places within yourself that still have trapped emotions, limiting stories/beliefs, shame, doubt, fear, etc, basically anything that keeps you from flowing and evolving through life with ease. Once these pieces are seen, the breathwork container allows for you to cathartically express and release them. Throughout this time you will be wearing a blindfold so that your focus remains internal and so that you feel free to express yourself uniquely. As you breathe deep, you are taken on a musical journey. The sounds you hear are designed to awaken your senses, curiosity and imagination. Along with the power of the breath, the beautiful music, you are assisted through this process by Michelle, Certified Transformational Breathwork Facilitator for any added guidance and support.