“Whatever phase of life you are in, make time to pause and reflect where you are heading to. It is a good time to insert a comma now and realign yourself to your inner self before your life ends in a full stop.” ― Dr. Roopleen
Egonomics is a process of developing holistic awareness of the “awareness”. At the core is the idea that within each individual exists two selves: the past or future self and the present self, constantly at odds, leading to cognitive dissonance between the two. Both selves exist within us and are equally valid, but aren’t always active at the same time. It’s a natural and ongoing conflict between immediate desire and long-term desires, we call longing. Egonomics is the pursuit of awareness of that longing.
The Egonomics Retreat, originally, is a residential retreat where we aim to co-create a safe space where we can welcome, listen to and share of ourselves in all our diversity, challenge ourselves to grow in new ways, and learn from each other. However, in its present form on East Coast Trail, it will be a day-long spiritual hike for beginners. The advanced version will include overnight to up to four-nights of camping.
The retreat is an opportunity to surrender the rigidity of your life to allow space for new to sprout. It is allowing an opening to discover your own unique identity, your puzzle piece of the soul, the gift that only you can offer the community you are a part of allowing immense possibilities. During the retreat, familiarity and comfort are left behind. Your old way of defining yourself is abandoned. The more-than-human world and the deep imagination become your guides.
The participants will explore themselves by temporarily displacing everyday consciousness through three primary means: (1) solitude for up to four days and nights while meditating with (2) fasting (i.e., drinking water only with an optional single meal for multiday hikes), and (3) being fully exposed to and enfolded within the forms and forces of nature. Participants will observe noble silence for most of the retreat.
The retreat will be led by Facilipators (Facilitators who are also fully Participating). We do not claim to be experts out to teach our knowledge, but rather co-explorers on this journey. The recommended group size is up to 12 participants.
For overnight/multi-day hikes: For participation, no previous meditation or backpacking experience is required. In fact, many of those who have been on such hikes have never before been camping or backpacking. However, you must be able to carry a loaded pack with your gear 5 to 8 miles. Participants are responsible for their own camping gear and 1-5 personal lunches and snacks. Details will be included in the preparation materials sent out after registering.
Who can attend?
Anyone interested in self-exploration and change at the personal, interpersonal, social and ecological levels. It is strongly advised the participant attend for the whole duration for best benefits and maximize the potential for the individual and the group. Preferred age group is 18-50, but age is not a restriction. Pets are not allowed.
Why Egonomics?
Sometimes, with the busyness of our daily lives, we seldom get a chance to discover and deal with the burning issues of our lives and of our times. Egonomics is an opportunity to take a step back from our routine, and to engage with each other for a time of deep listening, sharing from our hearts, reconnecting to Nature, and finding renewed vision and purpose. It is an invitation to step out of our comfort zone, find togetherness in diversity, and open up to new possibilities for ourselves and for the communities of which we are a part. It is a call to take a fresh look at the patterns we are in, and realign with how we really want to be.
Language
The primary language of instructions and discussions for the retreat is English. However, do not let language be a barrier. If someone would like partial translations, we will do our best to accommodate if requested in advance.
Where?
The retreat will be held on East Coast Trail. We will be glad to help put people in touch with each other for carpooling.
Costs?
In life, nothing comes for free, someone always has to pay for it. So, is this retreat. However, the currency to make payments for the retreat is not dollars. We function on the alternative economy or gift culture. Participants can pay by sharing their love and respect for fellow hikers and the historic trail and also, by any other mean they feel like.
Partners
TBA
Registration
TBA