|
MIDLIFE TRANSITION:
WOMEN'S RETREAT IN BASTELICA, CORSICA
(see Gallery for Photos of 2009 Retreat)
SEPTEMBER 7-17, 2010
The midlife transition is an initiation and necessary part of the journey toward continued growth and self-realization.
Would you like to get away to a quiet place where and spend time with reflecting on what is meaningful so that you may move toward a more soulful life? Do you want to live in an ancient country stone house in a beautiful and peaceful mountain village?
To move forward into your wisdom years inspired and with anticipation, you must journey from where you are now to another place. I invite you to go literally, to travel to a peaceful place of simple beauty where you let go of what no longer serves you and discover your new heart's desire. I ask you to journey figuratively and explore new perspectives that allow for new beginnings.
The retreat includes a 7 day workshop with Charlene Geiss on "Midlife Transition," three excursions to experience the magnificent island of Napoleon's birth, transportation, your room, and all Le Manoir meals.
MIDLIFE TRANSITION topics and questions will include writing and discussion on:
- Who am I apart from my history?
- Unveiling the Authentic Self
- Present Perspectives/Future Goals
- Let's Recontextualize Aging
- Aging Body & Mind
- What is time?
- New Stories
EXCURSIONS:
Filitosa (half day) Settlements in Corsica date back to the 7th millennium before Christ. Visit the magical Filitosa and enjoy the beauty of this excavated site where you will walk amidst menhirs, peek into prehistoric stone houses, and roam the fertile plain surrounded by oak and olive trees.
Ajaccio (full day) Optional activities include, the beach, shopping, Musee Fesch, Musee National de la Maison Bonaparte, and places of your choice.
Bonifacio (two days, one night) The incredible town sits on two levels. The citadel, with its ancient buildings and narrow twisting streets sits up at cloud level. Its walls and buildings are constructed so they appear to be a continuation of the sheer chalky cliffs on which they're perched. Down below, an inlet, or fjord plunges in behind the great cliffs to form the town's natural harbor, home to a buzzing port.
Due to the 5-hour drive to this breathtaking town, the group will spend the night at the lovely seaside Santa Teresa Hotel to maximize the visit of this historical place.
Bastelica (our home) During free time in the afternoons feel free to explore the town with its hilly ancient streets, stone homes, and the many waterfalls. A photographer's delight.
SINGLE DELUXE OCCUPANCY $3,750
SINGLE OCCUPANCY $3,550
DOUBLE SHARED OCCUPANCY $3,350
(Retreat is limited to 8 participants)
The Retreat includes:
- 9 nights at Le Manoir with meals
- 1 night in Bonifacio (dbl occupancy)
- Transfers from and to Ajaccio Airport on the scheduled van
- Excursions to Filitosa, Ajaccio, and Bonifacio
- 7 day workshop with Charlene
The trip cost does not include:
- International and domestic airfares to and from Corsica
- Passport or excess baggage fees
- Required insurance for trip cancellation, baggage loss, medical, and emergency
- Meals other than those at Le Manoir
- Optional excursions or deviations from scheduled itinerary
Please note:
No refunds will be made for any part of the program in which you choose not to participate.
There is a steep spiral staircase to climb to bedroom floors.
A full packet of information, forms, reading list, and preliminary schedules are available after your online application or (Printable version) has been processed. At that time a $500 is payable to Charlene Geiss. The mailing address is PO Box 31699, Santa Fe, NM 87594
The deposit is non-refundable after April 15. The final payment and required papers are due by May 15.
For further information regarding the workshop contact Charlene at 505-660-8893 or charlene@geiss.cc,
CHARLENE GEISS with a M.A. in Education, is a psychologist and experienced teacher who creates a safe and supportive environment for the group and individuals to explore and share experiences. Using specific journaling techniques you learn to give voice to the unconscious in new and creative ways. Charlene is the co-author and artist of Inner Outings and is one of the featured diarists in Signatures: The Art Journal Collection and the 2004 Art Journal Calendar. In the 2008 she released her DVD, Creative Journaling with Charlene.
NYMPHE KEFAL, has an unbridled enthusiasm of history, languages, and Mediterranean culture and food. She is our spinner of romantic tales about Corsica as we explore it together and reflect upon our day's activities into the evening. As the group's French teacher, speaker, and translator, Nymphe shares her knowledge of Corsican history and culture reflected in village life and beyond.
BABETTE LANDAU, the owner of the house for decades, grew up in Bastelica just blocks away from Le Manoir. During the retreat she will be available for any special needs and will assist her sister and chef, Silviane, in the kitchen.
CORSICA, part of France, lies 190 miles southeast of Marseille, but only 50 miles from the Tuscan coast. At 3,360 sq. miles (about Puerto Rico's size) it is the 4th largest island in the Mediterranean with mountains as high as 8,800 feet, some of the best beaches and renowned hiking trails in Europe.
LE MANOIR is a 600 year old granite house in the mountain village Bastelica, a serene setting for our retreat. Babette has maintained the integrity of her home by preserving many architectural features including the spiral staircase that gets guests to its 4 floors. In the house with its antique furnishings, one enjoys an experience that takes you back to a time we have not yet had the privilege of experiencing. Contemporary baths and kitchen allow us conveniences and comforts along with the soulful surroundings.
FROM THE 2009 PARTICIPANTS:
"Charlene Geiss is a masterful instructor. Her thought-provoking sessions investigating the recesses of a middle-aged consciousness brought surprising insights. To discover oneself while dining on the finest country cuisine in a light filled stone house was almost too good to be true. I can't recommend it highly enough." - Beth Ackerman, Norwalk, CT
"Nymphe was well prepared for informative sessions. She was helpful getting each of us settled in at Le Manoir and was attentive to all our needs." - Vivian Heyward, Albuquerque, NM
"My experience was life changing. I definitely feel that I came home ready to live a new story." - Gina Hanley, Denver, CO
MORE TO COME: The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Charlene is planning a Travel Journaling Workshop to take place around the beautiful
Amalfi Coast of Italy with a home base in her favorite 4-star Hotel in Sorrento. The trip will be in the beginning of September 2010. If you have an interest in more information Contact Charlene and get on her mailing list for more information.
|
