Pre-planning was a long, challenging, time-consuming, constantly changing process. The final count was about 23 people, cautiously courageous enough to brave the Yucatan coast where COVID is rampant. Our careful planning, strict precautions and mindful avoidance of the larger population during the retreat kept us safe.
Because we were a small group, we were able to dance on the patio at the Alaska House. We revisioned the retreat into a collaborative experience, which became a gentle spacious retreat where we organically flowed through attunements and Walks, Dances (including the Happy Banjo Zikr), song circles, qi gong, art projects, speaking circles, a cacao and sound healing ceremony, outdoor dinners and beach walks with great ease. Retreatants were effusive in their praise of this approach which offered so much creative and spiritual variety and gave us time to integrate our experience, deepen our connection with each other, and explore our inner landscapes in some depth.
Dances were led by Sky, Jen and Dave Walker, with other Dance leaders and with offerings of afternoon sessions and ceremonies. Our agreement was to avoid indoor restaurants, public transportation, and to wear masks in stores and around others who weren’t part of our retreat. We took morning temperature readings, and everyone felt safe in the container we created.
