Note:  Some time ago the HSI Board identified ageing as an important issue that we wanted to address through appropriate program offerings.  We are happy to announce that Hope Springs has developed a relationship with the Center for Conscious Eldering, a leader in field of ageing with grace and purpose.  This program is being offered in concert with that organization.

It is in the natural world that we can most easily remember that which is authentic and natural in ourselves, and thus gain an eagle’s eye view of our place and potential in the larger web of life. That is why, since time immemorial, at critical turning points in life, people have retreated to wilderness places to focus and intensify their inner questing and then return to their communities renewed and with new insight about how best to contribute in the next stages of their lives. That is why many individuals feeling called to prepare for and claim the role of elder have chosen to experience the Choosing Conscious Elderhood retreats over the past twenty-four years.

There is a big difference between simply becoming old and aging consciously--aging with intent. This retreat, for people in or approaching their senior years (55+), provides a dynamic experiential introduction to conscious aging and the types of inner work that are important on the path toward becoming a conscious elder. Such an elderhood is a role that is consciously chosen and grown into through preparation at all levels—physical, psychological and spiritual. We invite you to join us for an inspiring, growth promoting week at beautiful Hope Springs as the season of new life is emerging in this verdant land of forest and meadow.

This retreat will help you address questions such as:

• How can I transform fear of aging into anticipation of the rich possibilities of elderhood?

• What does it mean to become an elder at this time of profound cultural transition?

• How can the elder third of my life be the pinnacle of my emotional and spiritual development?

• How am I called to be of service to the human and earth community as I age?

• What inner work do I need to do to age consciously, to strengthen my resilience, and to prepare to

fully claim and embody my elderhood?

THE FORMAT

Using reflective time in nature, life review and legacy work, ceremony, sharing

councils, and a day-long solo, we focus on the major themes of conscious eldering: belief; review and

release of the past; living with purpose and meaning; community; and spiritual deepening. Empowered

by strong supportive community, skilled guidance, and the heart opening power of the natural world, you

will have an opportunity to let go of old beliefs, attachments, and attitudes that no longer serve you, and

to get in touch with expanded vision for, and commitment to, your potential as a conscious elder.

RETREAT GUIDES

Dennis Stamper is a Clinical Social Worker, a Commissioned Presbyterian Lay Pastor and a Certified

Sage-ing Leader with Sage-ing International. He has directed multidisciplinary chronic pain treatment

programs and has worked as a hospital chaplain for nearly 20 years. Dennis frequently travels to southern

Mexico where he works closely with the indigenous Tzeltal people of Chiapas. To hear his excellent

TedTalk on conscious aging, go to https://youtu.be/8RA1ZGQledM

Jan Flynn is a retired business executive, a retired college professor, and a practicing organizational

transition consultant. Center for Conscious Eldering programs have played a pivotal role in her life as a

participant and presenter since 2017, and she has completed the Certified Sage-ing Leader program

through Sage-ing International and continues to do work with that organization.

RETREAT COST: $2,095 covering tuition, meals and single lodging. Hope Springs provides

comfortable lodging, with single rooms for all participants, although sharing with another person is an

option and reduces the tuition by $100. Some rooms have their own bath facilities, others share.

TO REGISTER: Fill out the Choosing Conscious Elderhood registration form found on our website and send it, along with a $300 non-refundable (unless the retreat is cancelled) deposit to the U.S. Mail or email address at the bottom of the registration form. Make checks out to the Center for Conscious Eldering. To pay using Paypal, please call Ron Pevny. The registration deadline is March 1st, with full payment due at that time also.

QUESTIONS about this retreat: Contact retreat co-leader Jan Flynn at 706-473-1990 or

jan.flynn@bellsouth.net

CENTER FOR CONSCIOUS ELDERING WEBSITE: www.centerforconsciouseldering.com