Melting on soft sands
            swimming and snorkeling in warm aqua waters
                   feeling the touch of the trade winds,
In Hawaii's soft embrace, a community of 10-12 women will share practices for embodying and expressing the sacred in daily life and in our world.

In private homes on a secluded white sands beach, we will learn to love, understand and nourish ourselves at deeper and deeper levels. As we do this, our hearts, minds and bodies bloom open like tropical flowers. We can finally relax into simply being.

We are each like priceless jewels--hidden treasures. Within us is innate value and the inner strength to express our gifts and truth in our world. We suffer emotionally, physically, spiritually and in our work and relationships because our essence is buried under layers of conditioning, fears, protections and concepts.

At this retreat, we will learn specific practices for uncovering and reclaiming the joyful aliveness, unquestionable value and radiant capacities of our essential nature.

       Together in periods of silence
            together in times of revealing our hearts
                 we form an intimate council of women.
Embraced by sea and sky, we will remember together that the path of the enlightened feminine includes beauty, ease and big fun.

Our awakening will be supported by meditation (guided and silent), movement, inquiry, group work, ritual, creative play and afternoons of leisure.

The retreat offers immersion in Hawaii healing energies. Sea turtles and neon fish swim with us in the warm, turquoise bay that glistens at our doorway. We watch light dance on water and humpback whales (and their babies) breech and spout. Rejuvenated by nature and spiritual practice, we rest in interconnection and become the healing our world is calling for.

Debra Chamberlin-Taylor, MFT has worked as a psychotherapist and has led retreats for women that combine spiritual and psychological growth for 25 years. She teaches meditation at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and nationally with Jack Kornfield. She is certified in breath work and movement therapies, and for many years has been influenced by the Diamond Heart teaching, Buddhism and devotional practice.

Logistics

Schedule: Our daily schedule weaves meditation, movement, group work and ritual. Each afternoon we have a few hours of free time to rest or enjoy swimming or snorkeling in Wailea Bay.

Location: The retreat is held on the Kohala Coast of the "Big Island" of Hawaii. The closest airport is Kona. Women either rent a car or take a shuttle, 45 minutes to our remote paradise. Stacey Butcher can assist in arranging for a group shuttle from the airport. We are secluded from tourist activities and you may want to schedule a few days before or after the retreat to see the rest of the island.

Accommodations: Retreatants share lovely beach front homes. One has three bedrooms and two baths, and the other has one bedroom and one bath. Some will share rooms, and a few will sleep in the spacious living room or choose to sleep out on the deck in the magical Hawaiian nights. Those who sleep in the group room pay less. Room assignments are based on when your deposit is received and on how much you pay.

Meals: Are catered; healthy, delicious natural foods (including fish and poultry). There are plenty of healthy snacks. Your confirmation packet will include a food preference sheet, where you can note any dietary needs and preferences.

Fee: $1450-$1775 excluding transportation. Scholarships and payment plans are available.

To register: Send a deposit of $700 (payable to Debra Chamberlin-Taylor) to: Stacey Butcher, P.O. Box 537, Nicasio, CA 94946.

Refund policy: There is a $250 cancellation fee. If you cancel by November 15, you receive a $450 refund. Because we pay non refundable fees for the rental of the retreat home, if you cancel after November 15 you receive a refund of $450 only if your spaced is filled.

Retreat size: Limited to 11 retreatants.

Travel Agent: We recommend Linda County, (415) 485-0247 or try Konaweb.com, 1-866-329-1241, for inexpensive tickets.

More information about The Big Island: Check out Fodor's on-line guide.

Retreat Manager: Questions, please contact the retreat manager, Stacey at holdinglotus@juno.com or call Debra at 415.258.9513.