Did you know that going on a spiritual retreat can change your brain? Yes, change your brain for good.

Andrew Newberg, a neuroscientist and pioneer in the field of Neurotheology underscores just such benefits. The elements he outlines that create these brain changes include intensity, a sense of oneness or unity, a sense of clarity (seeing the world in ways they never have before), a sense of surrender, and transformation as a result of the experience. All of these elements lead to a sense of increased well-being and a decrease in anxiety and fatigue (take a look at this article to see what regions of the brain change). According to Newberg, “The data from our studies suggest that…retreats can be beneficial for people by changing the brain and improving various psychological and spiritual measures.”

Some of my most profound transformational experiences have occurred in just these kinds of settings. Something shifted during these experiences that created lasting change within me. Now that I look back on it, they took me out of my familiar surroundings and created just enough anxiety to get me active, placing me in an intentional container that allowed me to experience myself and my surroundings in a different way. They altered something deep within me that is difficult to explain.

It is a risk to come to a retreat, especially if you’ve never met the community or leaders in person before. If you are anything like me, I’d be hesitant to say yes, even with the benefits listed above. So what might make me take the risk?

• Knowing that I have to be slightly uncomfortable for change to happen. That’s what the research says. A little anxiety is actually a good thing.
• Knowing that I’d be welcome and included by the group. A direct invitation might help me to get over my reluctance.
• Knowing we would be engaging in practices that have a purpose and that they would open me to non-ordinary experiences that I can’t easily get on my own.
• Knowing that being together in the retreat space has a purpose and power for creating my personal change.
• Knowing that I can take time on my own and that I don’t have to always be with the group.
• Knowing that we are in nature and that I can rest, recuperate, and retreat when needed.
• Knowing that I’d have connection and support after the retreat.

We are focusing on engaging mystical experiences and our intention is to create an alive group field (container) that works with us to help us connect more directly to our expanded awareness (2nd senses) so that we can live beyond our limited perceptions. We will use a variety of methods including sound, breath, sight, perception practices, and ritual to carry us beyond our ordinary, everyday state. You will have a committed community of like-minded participants (between 20-30 people) and direct support from Annie and me, to hold you during our weekend together.

We have a few spaces left and we make a direct invitation to you to join us for a life-changing, brain-changing weekend in the sacred (white quartz-filled we are told) vibrationally alive mountains of Faber, Virginia.

Come change your brain. Come change your life.

With anticipation,

Annmarie

P.S. This is our last scheduled state-side retreat for a while. We are dreaming up some new ideas for gathering together (and we are waiting to find the right spot to host these), but at this point, our next scheduled retreat isn’t until May in the Cathar Region of France. If you’ve been thinking about joining us, but haven’t yet said yes, this retreat is a really good first step for getting to know us and having the full support of the Common Awakening Community. You belong!