REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
~ 2023 ~
Two Retreats
-1- Summer Solstice – June 20-24 – WHO ARE YOU NOW? The Full Ecology of Getting Clear in Wild Times.
-2- For Writers – June 26-30 – THE NATURE OF A WRITER’S LIFE – Full Ecology & the Written Word. (scroll down)
FULL ECOLOGY -1-
AN INTIMATE RETREAT
Southwest Montana
June 20-24, 2023
WHO ARE YOU, NOW?
The Full Ecology of getting clear in wild times
~at the JbarL Ranch-
Click here to enroll and reserve your accomodations
Details for our Summer Solstice Retreat
JbarL Ranch
~June 20-24, 2023~
Want to restore your energy and see your way to meaningful action?
Come spend summer solstice with us in the Centennial Valley.
Five perfect days
in one of the most wildly glorious,
yet little-known landscapes in America.
Welcome to summer solstice in the Centennial Valley. Located at the sweeping western edge of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, this is the perfect place not just to be inspired – but also, to let this remarkably lively landscape help you discover what it means to really thrive. This is the place where, in the 1930’s, trumpeter swans were brought back from the brink of extinction. You’ll be watching them from your cabin on the JbarL Ranch, floating like tiny puffs of cloud down the meandering Red Rock River. Nearby will be dozens of other flyers, too, together forming one of the most diverse bird congregations in the Rocky Mountains. Then, joining all those birds, in turn, are wolves and bears and moose, river otters and pronghorn and elk.
This is an intimate retreat for just 8-12 participants. With long, sun-drenched nature walks, thought-provoking conversations and writing prompts, storytelling, and chances for deep silence and solitude.
This will be a time restore your relationship with the life around you.
And as you experience that restoration, it will be a time for learning to use the wisdom it holds both to gain energy, as well as to guide you back to your deepest, truest self.
From Covid to climate change, social injustice to political unrest, it’s been a trying, even exhausting couple of years. But don’t forget: One of the reasons you sometimes feel at wit’s end is because of how deeply you care. This June, in the magnificent Centennial Valley, that care will be celebrated and strengthened – becoming the medium by which you’ll discover new insight and vigor for the journey ahead. A chance to energize your life by reclaiming the fullness of your human nature.
~~
A few testimonials
from June 2022 ~
The teaching, stories and outdoor time in nature blend in an alchemical way to create deep learning, inspiration, and heartfelt community. A treasure of a life experience.
Leslie, CA
A climb up Kennedy Hill through the lupine and sagebrush reminded me that we all have days of joy and sorrow – and that we will pass through them. I wish the days of the Full Ecology retreat had not passed so quickly.
Kathy, SC
The Full Ecology Retreat confirmed for me – in the presence of sky, earth and stars – that my journey is my home; that home can be found by opening to the world that breathes.
Leon, OR
Excellent diversity of people and thoughts. Community came together quickly in this exquisite setting.
Dick, TX
DAY – BY – DAY
Day 1 – Arrive
Dinner
7:00 – 9:00 Fire circle and Introductions
- Introduction to each other,
the Centennial Valley & - Full Ecology – reliably with you wherever you are.
- A few nature myths and stories.
Day 2 – Acknowledging loss
Breakfast
- 8:30 ~ Each day starts with optional stretching/yoga/movement. You may also choose a walk around the Ranch.
- 9:00 – 12:00 ~ Coming to a good full stop here in this place and time. In that stopping, pursuing the question of “Who Are You Now?” by looking at what has been lost – at the nature of grief.
- Lunch
- 2:00 – 5:00 Out into the ecology of the Centennial Valley, listening & learning from the natural world.
- 5:00 Personal time.
Dinner
- 7:00 – 9:00 Fire circle – Group sharing – thoughts from the day.
Reflections – How the natural adjusts its relationships and activities as conditions change.
Day 3 – Uncovering constants
Breakfast
- 8:30 Optional stretching/yoga/movement.
- 9:00 – 12:00 Exploring further the “Who are You Now” question by investigating what’s here to support you.
Lunch
- 2:00 – 5:00 Time together out in the Valley considering the way land influences who we are.
- 5:00 Personal time.
Dinner
7:00 – 9:00 Fire circle – Group sharing – thoughts from the day.
Reflections – the science & story of how we’re supported by the natural world.
Day 4 – Recognizing gain
- 8:30 Optional stretching/yoga/movement
- 9:00 – 12:00 The next step toward answering the question, “Who are you Now?” involves being in the presence of inspiration & guidance – and this Valley is brimming with both.
Lunch
- 2:00 – 5:00 Hike, dance, draw, write – letting the land and the lives it holds move you without agenda. What is here for you? What can the nature of this place show you about identity, about intention?
- 5:00 Personal time.
- Dinner
- 7:00 – 9:00 Fire circle. Group sharing – thoughts from the day.
Reflections – identity development on the land, among living things and in our ‘right size.’
Day 5 – Who Am I, in relation?
- 8:30 Optional stretching/yoga/movement
- 9:00 – 12:00 Getting clear in wild times – moving what you’ve come to know here & now into your everyday life.
Lunch
Departure
ACCOMODATIONS & COST
JbarL ranch offers a unique invitation to experience true quiet and stunning natural beauty. Rooms range from well-appointed western elegance with private or shared baths to more rustic comfort with shared baths, including tent or Tipi camping. Nourishing meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) made from the bounty of our local farms are included in the lodging price.
single occupancy option
$2075
shared occupancy option
$1775
bunk house, tipi, tent option
$1575
**The Ranch can provide a shuttle to and from J-L for people who fly into and out of IDAHO FALLS. $55 each way.
REGISTRATION & CANCELLATION POLICY
- – A $500 deposit is required for registration. Full payment is welcome.
~REGISTRATION CLOSES MARCH 27~
click HERE to register.
– Payment in full is due no later than MARCH 27.
– Full payment is 50% refundable up to 60 days before the retreat.
– 59 days prior to the retreat, tuition is non-refundable.
– Full tuition will be refunded if the trip is canceled by Full Ecology, LLC.
– Full Ecology, LLC is not responsible for any loss incurred due to currency conversion rates.
Or email connect@fullecology.com
FULL ECOLOGY -2-
A WRITERS’ WORKSHOP
Southwest Montana
June 26-30, 2023
THE NATURE OF A WRITER’S LIFE –
Full Ecology & the Written Word
~at the JbarL Ranch-
Click here to enroll and reserve your accomodations
Details for our Retreat & Workshop for Nature Writers
JbarL Ranch
~June 26-30, 2023~
“If you want to work on your art, work on your life.”
Anton Checkhov
As a writer – whether of nonfiction, fiction, or poetry – your work is most powerful when it’s building, celebrating, or mourning those aspects of life that grow out of relationship – with yourself, with other people, and with the wild world that holds us all.
Join us for 5 days in the incomparable Centennial Valley.
Hone your writing craft and improve your storytelling. Together with this incredible landscape you’ll expand your sense of relationship and energize your creativity by linking the genius of what’s going on outside, to a similar genius enlivened on the inside.
The rich ecosystem of the Centennial Valley in southwestern Montana offers a chance for you to witness life thriving. In the 1930’s, it was here that trumpeter swans were brought back from the brink of extinction. You’ll see them every day from your cabin on the JbarL Ranch, floating like tiny puffs of cloud down the meandering Red Rock River. Nearby will be dozens of other flyers, too, together forming one of the most diverse bird congregations in the Rocky Mountains. And joining all those birds will be wolves and bears and moose, river otters and pronghorn and elk.
Join best-selling nature writer Gary Ferguson and noted social scientist Mary Clare, on this intimate retreat, limited to 8-12 participants.
Long, sun-drenched nature walks, carefully selected craft sessions, thought-provoking conversations, good storytelling, and plenty of chances for deep silence and solitude.
Nature is your muse. It graciously provides you the canvas and pallet for writing what matters most.
NOTE: Students may submit up to 10 double-spaced pages (3500 words)
for review. (If the submission is part of a larger piece, a description of the project is helpful.) All submissions will be thoroughly critiqued in writing (using track changes), and then reviewed in a one-on-one, in-person session.
Submit to connect@fullecology.com by 5/31.
DAY – BY – DAY
Day 1 – Arrive
Dinner
7:00 – 9:00 Fire circle and Introductions
- Introduction to each other,
the Centennial Valley & Full Ecology. - And considering the writer as storyteller – the amazing power of a tale well told.
Day 2 – Setting & Subject
- 8:00 ~ Each day starts with optional stretching/yoga/movement. Or if you prefer, take a
walk around the ranch.
Breakfast
-
9:30-12:00 – Craft Session.
-
Inviting the Reader in. Weaving powerful openings with Setting & Subject.
-
Writing prompts for the day and week.
Lunch
1:30-4:30 – Out and About: Group Hike into the wilderness.
How the land underfoot can help you find yourself -
and your narrative.
-
4:30-6:30 – Creative personal time.
-
One-on-one manuscript feedback for those who submitted pieces before the workshop.
Dinner
8:00 – Campfire, storytelling
Day 3 – Essence/the Ecology of a Writer
- 8:00 Optional stretching/yoga/movement.
Breakfast
-
9:30-12:00 – Craft Session.
-
Writing essentials: tone, rhythm, and the magic of perspective – with writing prompts.
Lunch
1:30 – 4:30 – Out and about: Silent group walk.
Writing prompts, and a special discussion from atop Kennedy Hill: “the ecology of a writer”4:30 – 6:00 – Personal creative time, as well as one-on-one manuscript feedback for those who submitted pieces before the workshop.
-
Dinner
-
8:00: Campfire, Student Readings and stories.
Day 4 – Scene & Summary
- 8:00 Optional stretching/yoga/movement.
Breakfast
9:30 – 12:00 Craft session.
It all comes down to scene and summary.
Surprising ways that dialogue can energize your nature writing – with writing prompts.
Lunch
1:30 – 6:30 – Free time to write, walk, or just sit and watch the river roll by.
One-on-one manuscript feedback for those who submitted pieces before the workshop.
Dinner
8:00 Campfire, Student readings and stories.
Day 5 – Nature Unlocks your Storytelling
- 8:00 Optional stretching/yoga/movement.
Breakfast
-
9:30-11:30 Craft Session.
-
Using dramatic device to unlock your best storytelling.
Letters home.
11:30-12:00 – a final sharing circle
Lunch
Departure
ACCOMODATIONS & COST
JbarL ranch offers a unique invitation to experience true quiet and stunning natural beauty. Rooms range from well-appointed western elegance with private or shared baths to more rustic comfort with shared baths, including tent or Tipi camping. Nourishing meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) made from the bounty of our local farms are included in the lodging price.
single occupancy option
$2075
shared occupancy option
$1775
bunk house, tipi, tent option
$1575
**The Ranch can provide a shuttle to and from J-L for people who fly into and out of IDAHO FALLS. $55 each way.
REGISTRATION & CANCELLATION POLICY
- – A $500 deposit is required for registration. Full payment is welcome.
~REGISTRATION CLOSES MARCH 27~
click HERE to register.
– Payment in full is due no later than MARCH 27.
– Full payment is 50% refundable up to 60 days before the retreat.
– 59 days prior to the retreat, tuition is non-refundable.
– Full tuition will be refunded if the trip is canceled by Full Ecology, LLC.
– Full Ecology, LLC is not responsible for any loss incurred due to currency conversion rates.
Or email connect@fullecology.com
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN UNFORGETTABLE TIME WITH NATURE
