Back to Basics Retreat
Connection to Self Connection to Other Connection to Nature
Connection is at the center of all Heartwood programming. While disconnection is the source of much human suffering, it is through connection that we can begin to engage in a meaningful life.
What?
Heartwood’s Back to Basics Retreat is an opportunity for adults (18 and up) to step away from our fast-paced world and reclaim perspective on the most essential aspects of their lives, and the most fundamental truths of human nature. Our two night retreat combines basic wilderness skills, with the practice and exploration of authentic connection, to deliver our take on the philosophy of survival and empowered living. Through mindfulness practices, restorative movement, therapeutic processing, communication modalities, and skill building, we aim to promote attunement, trust, and compassion: what we consider the foundation for deep connection. Back to Basics offers a nonjudgmental and open space, and is led by certified mindfulness teachers and licensed clinicians. Our goal is for all participants to walk away with a deeper understanding of themselves, a greater connection to the world around them, and new meaningful relationships in their community.
Where?
Set in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains along the West Branch Mill River, Heartwood Expeditions headquarters is basecamp for all retreat activities. At 1,200 feet, our site is home to abundant wildlife, wetlands, hemlock forests, and rolling terrain, making it a prime location to learn about and connect more deeply with nature.
Why?
Whether life feels like a balancing act or a fight for survival, it is consistent that change is both imminent and constant. As our environment changes from one moment to the next so do we; our thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and perspective are in constant flux. Sometimes the demands of change, or the belief that our suffering will never change, become so great that we cope in ways that disconnect us from our bodies, our minds, and even our human nature. Drugs, alcohol, TV, food, exercise, even sleep can be used to excess in order to cope with demands or disillusions of change. By slowing down and tuning in we create the conditions for deeper connection to our internal and external world, and provide ourselves the space to see reality for what it is. By spending time with nature we remember that change is a constant in life that we must adapt to in order to experience meaning and connection. Back to Basics is an opportunity for participants to slow down, feel, connect, dance, play, learn, grow, and accept change for what it is.
Who & When?
October 13-15, 2023
Goshen, MA
Arrive anytime after 2pm Friday for an official start at 5pm. Finish 1pm Sunday with an optional community swimming hole trip nearby till ~3pm.
Group: adults only, no more than 10 people. Location + Details sent after booking
Sara Kunz
Certified Meditation and Yoga Teacher & Primitive Survivalist
Mathew Apeseche, LICSW
Heartwood Expeditions Founder & Director
REGISTRATION & COST
The cost for this session is $450 all inclusive, with work-trade scholarships available. We hope to provide access to our programming to all interested participants regardless of an individual's ability to pay. If you are interested in applying for a full or partial scholarship, or have any questions about the program, please submit those requests when prompted on the application form. This retreat is camping only. We have a limited amount of extra gear for participants to borrow on a first ask first serve basis. If you require camping gear please submit those requests on the form as well. Once we have received a registration form and waiver we will be in touch within a few days with trip details, gear list, and a payment link.