The Elemental Self: Finding Center through Writing & Altar Making

A full day writing & art retreat
with Lisa Kagan and Dawn Thompson

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive.”
– Howard Thurman

As humans, it can be easy to forget that we too are part of the natural world, in constant kinship with the trees, streams, stones and birds. At times when we feel distanced from our true nature, we can return to our center by connecting with our elemental self, which dwells at the intersection of the natural environment and the lush living world of our own inner landscape. How does the fiery energy within us wish to express itself? What happens when we practice flowing like water? What are the stories the rocks and mountains of our inner history wish to tell and how can these stories guide us? Through writing and altar making, utilizing painting, drawing, collage, and natural materials from the magnificent Oregon forest, you’ll have the chance to connect with your elemental self this fall. This soulful and inspiring day in the beauty of the natural world also offers you a chance to deeply nourish yourself with a delicious lunch, a beautiful retreat setting and the supportive, uplifting company of other women.

This retreat offers space for creative expression for women and those who identify as female of all ages and backgrounds. No writing or art experience is necessary. All art materials will be provided.

Dates & Times:
Sunday, October 15, 2023, 10am-5:30pm (This is a full day retreat)

Illumination, Photograph by Lisa Kagan

Location:
Alton L. Collins Conference & Retreat Center
“Surrounded by giant fir and cedar, lush fern and abundant moss covered vine maple, the Alton L. Collins Conference & Retreat Center near Eagle Creek, Oregon provides an environment and facilities conducive to study and reflection, relaxation and recreation…Trails take you through the woods and along the streams that meander around the grounds.”

A professional chef specializes in using fresh, local produce to create meals that are truly culinary works of art. This retreat includes lunch.

Costs:
Retreat Program Fee  & Lunch: $210
Art Materials: $20
Total Cost: $230

Registration:
Payment is due at the time of sign up. Registration and payment is made through Alton L. Collins Retreat & Conference Center. Click here to register. For more information or if you have questions about the retreat, please contact Dawn at: dawnrenethompson@gmail.com or 503.568.6145.

Learn more about Touchstone Retreats…

About the Touchstone Retreats Facilitators:

Grace, Pen & Ink by Lisa Kagan

Lisa Kagan is a writer, artist, educator, and personal historian. Her business, Family Heirloom Arts, is dedicated to helping individuals and families celebrate their life stories and significant life milestones through the creation of illustrated heirloom books and custom art. She offers art and writing retreats throughout the Pacific Northwest. Lisa believes in the transformative nature of the creative process to heal, empower, challenge, inform, and awaken the human spirit. Lisa received her BA from Wesleyan University in Connecticut with a focus on writing and fine art. She has completed intensive studies in the arts at Skidmore College, the University of New Mexico, Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, and the Maine Photographic Workshops. Lisa has published two books of original art and poetry, Coming Home to Myself (2021) and Emergence (2009). Lisa is a co-founder of Touchstone Retreats.

Dawn Thompson believes writing our stories, whether they originate from our life experience or our imagination, is a sacred act that liberates, heals and transforms us. Dawn is passionate about how writing in community offers us the gift of becoming more intimate with ourself and more connected to one another. She currently offers writing workshops for women and individuals healing from cancer through Words for Healing. Dawn oversaw and facilitated through Portland Women Writers from 2008-2023. She has also worked as a staff member for Write Around Portland. Dawn holds an M.A. in Creation Spirituality from Naropa University and a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Oregon. Dawn is a co-founder of Touchstone Retreats.

Touchstone Health & Safety Policy

• As of now wearing face coverings while indoors will be optional during this retreat series. If this requirement changes, participants will be notified ahead of time.
• We ask that all retreat participants do a self-evaluation before coming each week and that they remain at home if they have any symptoms of illness.
• We will continue to monitor guidance from the national Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) regarding best practices for indoor gatherings and we will update our policies accordingly.

Touchstone Retreats Cancellation Policy
Payment is fully refundable with one month’s cancellation notice. Participants will be charged for 25% of the total program fee with less than a month’s notice up to 14 days prior to the start of the program. No refund is possible with less than a 14-day cancellation notice. Family emergency situations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If you have a COVID related situation arise, and you need to cancel please contact Lisa Kagan at Lisa@FamilyHeirloomArts.com or 503.347.1391.