I have done many post-conference Windermere days and each one is special. This one, led by Ashley and David Whitaker, was unique in combining well-organized group activities with a sense of freedom and childlike sweetness. It offered something for everyone.<\/p>\n
For me the journey began early Tuesday morning at Prana with a van and two cars full of conference attendees taking off for the mountains of Santa Barbara and our beloved Windermere Ranch. We had a number of first-time ranch visitors in the mix along with long-time lovers like myself, and I was particularly excited about sharing with the newbies one of MSIA\u2019s great treasures.<\/p>\n
Arriving at the ranch, we were greeted warmly by dogs, kids, and adults, delicious weather, and a festive atmosphere. Some others besides us had driven up from Los Angeles and many more from Santa Barbara, making it a sizable crowd.<\/p>\n
Ranch Manager David Whitaker called us into the Light, then the group circled around the labyrinth and enjoyed two minutes of peace. For me the peace was palpable and infused with the joy of coming together in celebration in such idyllic surroundings.<\/p>\n
Some then climbed aboard a pick-up truck filled with hay and rode merrily to the next point of interest. Others, like myself, chose to walk the scenic nature trail in a sublime silence, stopping along the way to touch some moss, smell a flower, and commune with the natural beauty of the land.<\/p>\n
We then were given a choice of working in the sustainable community garden, working on the trails, or coming into group SEs. I chose the SEs, or maybe it\u2019s more accurate that the SEs chose me, and while outwardly our work seemed pretty cushy as we rested in the shade together, my experience was that we were being well-utilized to hold the peace and clear psychic debris on many levels.<\/p>\n
Rita, my wife, chose to work on the trails. She returned sweaty, tired, and happy. Saying that she had gotten out all her anger and judgment through the shoveling of dirt and pouring of gravel. I was thrilled! Happy wife, happy life.<\/p>\n
Then the groups came together for community sharing in the style of Quakers. A sweet silence filled the group until someone felt moved to speak. One by one, people shared gratitude, observations, and anything that was present for them, often relating experiences they\u2019d had at Windermere.<\/p>\n
Changing the pace again, David distributed awards for those who had donated significantly their time and effort to make Windermere a better place. Those honored included many of the 13 people now living on the property. Also honored were guests who came often to serve.<\/p>\n
The award-ceremony, like much of the day, tickled my funny bone with its creativity. After each person\u2019s name was called and they were honored, the crowd chanted in unison, \u201cYou rock!\u201d<\/p>\n
The grand prize was an actual rock. It was given to Christi Mider for her invaluable service to Windermere, and she was asked to keep the rock safe until next year for the second annual \u2018You Rock\u2019 Awards.<\/p>\n
Everyone ate lunch then from what they had brought with them supplemented by an amazing sale of homemade baked goods and ice cream. My basic self did a jig as I devoured the delicious cake and ice cream, feeling like a kid at the fair.<\/p>\n
We topped the afternoon off with some walking to Guilin to lie on the healing rocks and others joining a song circle for group singing and guitar-accompaniment. I enjoyed the beautiful and sometimes hilarious blending of voices in harmony as we took turns leading songs.<\/p>\n
There was something for everyone on this magical day of peace. And in the peace that was present, that still is present, I am reminded that there is more than just something for everyone, there is everything for everyone, and\u00a0it\u2019s available right here and now.<\/p>\n