The Anam Cara Program

  September 4-6, 2010

Ray Reitze is a man of extraordinary gentleness and sensitivity. A master guide and superb naturalist, Ray learned the ways of living in deep harmony with the Earth as a child from a Micmac elder.  Rather than leave behind that way of life as so many have, Ray has remained in simple spiritual harmony with all of creation. He has taught wilderness skills, plant lore, canoe building and caretaking of the Earth for 40 years. Our great Alaskan wilderness calls to Ray and he has agreed to begin a teaching relationship with the Anam Cara Program to share his knowledge with us. This intensive held in Homer will be for the opening of the heart, the doorway into the great Oneness in wilderness settings for deeply experiential learning.

Teachings with Old Turtle is a spiritual class with concrete results. Our intention is to sharpen your ability to see the world and to hear your heart so that these skills may guide you through life. To quiet the mind and awaken this awareness we begin and end each day with a guided meditation.

Through the the sacred teachings of the Medicine Wheel of Life we will investigate the roots of our emotions, how we can act from love instead of fear, and what stops us from living our dreams.  We will work through the 7 stations of the wheel, the 7 concentric rings of the heart, and the 7 vibrations of creation. Learn your own vibrational energy while you discover & apply the lessons revealed through the Medicine Wheel. Through discussion and Ray's humorous stories we come to understand the source of our troubles and why people act as they do. This understanding and awareness helps us to strip away judgment and fear so we may follow our hearts with confidence and peace.

Throughout the class we draw upon the wisdom and stillness of nature.There was a time when all who walked the earth were able to communicate; a time when all living creatures were fluent in the sacred language of the plants & Mother Earth. Be with us as we rediscover and relearn our most ancient, native language and  begin to communicate with all creation.  Learn to ask questions of trees & rocks and understand the answers you receive.  Begin to see the depth in plants & trees, and learn about the medicinal offerings they have to share with us.  

 Time is spent outside in quiet contemplation as well as in active pursuits. The class gives everyone a chance to experience a simple life where stillness and peace may be found gathereing wild food for dinner or lighting the fire to cook a meal. We balance the deep inner work with handwork projects like making a rawhide rattle, a leather pouch, or a wooden spoon. You will leave this experience with a newfound stillness of mind, appreciation for the earth, and clarity of purpose.

Classes are open to all over age eight.  They consist of group discussions and group participation covering an earth-based philosophy of being in total oneness with nature.  Ray teaches how to live comfortably off the land and find all needs from what is around you.

Our retreat headquarters is a comfortable home on 33 acres with tent and camper parking space for those coming from out of town. A  yurt and bunkroom are also available to share on a first come, first serve basis with a full bathroom to serve them. If you prefer, we can refer you to fine nearby Bed and Breakfasts that can be quite affordable when sharing.  Bring food for cooperatively prepared meals, any foods particular to your personal needs. A supply list and directions will be provided upon registration.