Ocean Play
The Ocean is our most obvious water element that embalms our cells with the vast salty call into the mystery. We spend time together and alone on the shores of the secluded beach flanked by rocks and birds. The Water reflects our Yin, feminine force, to remind us of our most primary needs and emotions which yearn for expression. The horizon and vast expanse naturally open us to a inner freedom that we explore with dancing, contemplative movement practice, singing, solitary wandering time, and spontaneous praises to the water as life. Below are some of the practices we offer on retreat.
Red Square Practice
Ocean provides the backdrop for our beach practice of Red Square. Red Square mingles meditation and dance allowing you to explore the qualities of Space, Body, Form, Witness, and Play. Created at Naropa University by Barbara Dilley for the Dance Movement Therapy Program this practice opens you up to the heart teaching of Prajnaparamita, the mother of all Buddhas. This Practice offers an embodied, gentle, and clear path to witnessing our own inner state changes and emotions. Red Square can clarify our consciousness and offer a playful connection with ourselves and others. We begin by learning a simple Shamatha meditation and slowly raising the eyes to open up to taking in more space. Once we have a gentle stability in that meditative practice we invite the playful occupying of the Red Square Space. Taking a shape we see how both form arises and dissolves effortlessly. This is the essence teaching of the Prajnaparamita and the basis of the feminine principle of space birthing form.
Baby Body Practice
We also utilize the massive sandbox and learn the practice of Baby Body. Adapted from the work of Body Mind Centering by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, we learn the developmental movement series. This series of movements happen for every human from age 0-1 year old where we go from womb to world to crawling to standing. These offer a biological entrance into the limbic system which connects to memory, emotion and stress response. Further, these movements activate the reptilian hindbrain which coordinates functions that are fundamental to our survival including respiratory rhythm, motor activity, sleep, and wakefulness. Baby Body offers an easy and effective pathway to down regulate and balance the Central Nervous System by shifting our attention from the frontal executive brain “the manager” to the older and more regulatory limbic system and hindbrain. You are invited to rest into your innocence, curiosity, and play.
Burden Release Ritual
Connecting to our body and mind allows us to identify where there are physical, mental, or spiritual blocks or wounds which call for our attention. In the Burden Release Ritual we are guided to a three-part process of: naming or confession, offering & forgiveness, and ending with letting go & burial. This is a private and internal process which allows us to connect to our inner landscape through a physical ritual. We will collectively look to the Astrology of the moment and the seasonal pulse as a lense to direct our letting go process or mindfulness. This simple practice can allow voice to parts and needs that may not have had a place to BE seen and held.
Cold Plunge and Breathwork
The pacific ocean is a perfect cold plunge ranging between 39 and 57 degrees fahrenheit depending on the time of the year. During the summer months on the Oregon coast the water is between 52-57 degrees, which is a perfect cold plunge temperature. Cold plunges are an easy bio-hack and help have huge physical and mental health benefits. Cold plunges can increase levels of dopamine and endorphins, releive muscle soreness, reduce inflammation, boost immunity, improve mental clarity and reduce depression and anxiety. We pair our cold plunges with Wim Hof method of breathing which centers the mind and helps release oxygen to help you manage the radical temperature change. Cold plunges are always optional and offer an amazing reset and courageous practice.
