The San Diego MSIA community spent the weekend at MSIA’s Lake Arrowhead retreat property in September. It was a great opportunity for us all to spend some time with nature and with each other. There were some formal processes and some leisure time to relax, meditate, walk in the woods, play volleyball, games, and just have fun.
Richard Castellanos created a fun treasure hunt reminiscent of a Survivor Challenge. We had a great time wondering around the property looking for clues. Two teams, red and green, set off in opposite directions following clues that led to puzzle pieces. Eventually we all gathered in the sanctuary to solve the puzzle and learn a key spiritual principle.
Joe Keoughan had us all out on the volleyball court for a team building exercise that was challenging, fun, and insightful. Without giving it away, we had to accomplish a task as a team and do so blindfolded while working together. It was great fun.
Ron created a few processes with the intent to realize greater joy in our lives. We spent time in the Sanctuary working in teams to explore how we create or block joy in our lives. We then went on a moving meditation around the property spending some silent time with ourselves, reflecting on what’s going on in our lives.
We did group spiritual exercises each morning at 7:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary followed by a group breakfast. Everyone pitched in to make the weekend a huge success. All agreed we want to make this an annual event.
Saturday evening was movie night in the Sanctuary. We watched a funny movie on a big screen with a projector Ron brought. I think we all agreed the weekend went way too fast. Maybe next year we go over the Labor Day weekend to give us an extra day. I know I could use it!
Hats off to the volunteers that worked in the kitchen. And a huge thank you to Pam Inman who, unfortunately could not attend, but created the menu and did the shopping and some cooking for all of us. Everyone pitched in to clean up the property. We held the intention to leave it in better shape than we found it and I would say we accomplished our goal.
Same time next year!
