I appreciate being able to attend the retreat that Healing Journeys sponsored with Jonathan Ellerby, PhD this past weekend. When asked why I was there, I said, “I came for the food.” It’s incredibly nourishing to be fed three delicious organic meals a day without having to do any planning or preparation. But of course I was also referring to the spiritual nourishment I received.

We talked about how to stay in that centered place where fear isn’t in control, where one has access to intuition, and where one can feel peace, no matter what the circumstances. Like any other skill, it takes practice. Jonathan recommended we practice at least 5 minutes every day, in addition to one hour of a soul-feeding activity once a week. At least once a year we can benefit by getting away from our daily tasks to participate in a retreat or workshop that nourishes us.

As we plan Healing Journeys events for 2016, I want to create more opportunities for people living with cancer to deeply connect with each other and with themselves in a supportive, nurturing environment. The Healing Journeys mission is to support healing, activate hope, and promote thriving. In both the Radical Remission workshop we offered in July, and in the retreat last weekend, I experienced and observed that happening. I am feeling renewed, inspired, hopeful, and grateful for the depth of connection, ideas, and love that we shared.

We learn and receive so much from each other. I am delighted to share with you a healing story, written by one of my heroes, Annan Paterson. Many of you know her because you’ve seen her one woman show, Deep Canyon, performed at several Healing Journeys conferences. Unfortunately, it won’t be performed again, but it is captured on a DVD that you can order here. (for a short time; this link will change because we are launching a new website soon). I hope you enjoy her story. You can read it here.

As always, I welcome your comments; to reply please click here.

In the Spirit of Healing,

Jan Adrian, MSW
Founder and Executive Director