American retreat

Subscribe
 
Sat, 06/09/2007 - 06:08
Jo

Course Administrator


Join Date: 2003-09-14
Forum Posts: 40

Hello Everyone,For the first time, we are embarking on a new project to create a retreat in the USA, where people from around the world can come together to join in a special program of activities year round. We really value all ideas, suggestions and comments about this project and hope that together we can build a strong momentum to carry us forward in reaching this goal. Please feel free to post any questions or feedback on the project and we will also use these forums as an area to post latest news and updates. Jo

#1
Tue, 06/12/2007 - 08:50
caminantegnostico

Join Date: 2006-10-17
Forum Posts: 52
:-[ Just a short and very important clarification, and please, it is not to start an Alamo fight here: All the countries of America (except USA) consider it as one single continent from Canada to Tierra del Fuego, not one just country between Mexico and Canada. So, American really means all the people from all these countries not just to the people from one specific country.

Lets see, if China decide to change their name to United States of Asia, is it correct to call themselves Asians like they are the only one Asians in that continent? I guess the other countries will be upset with them isn?t?

America is one continent and Americans are the citizens of that continent. The indigenous groups of America recognize it.
--------------------------
"Abya Yala" means "Continent of Life" in the language of the Kuna peoples of Panama and Colombia. The Aymara leader Takir Mamani suggested the selection of this name (which the Kuna use to denominate the American continent in their entirety), and proposed that all Indigenous peoples in America utilize it in their documents and oral declarations. "Placing foreign names on our cities, towns and continents," he argued, "is equal to subjecting our identity to the will of our invaders and to that of their heirs." The proposal of Takir Mamani has found a favorable reception in various sectors.
--------------------------
Abya - Yala is an expression in kuna language that means " mature earth". It is a pre-Columbus word, that is used to denominate our continent. The Kuna nation, in the Kuna-yala region (geographically shared in present days between Panama and Colombia countries ) has aprox 40.000 habitants, mostly living in the islands and also at the Caribbean Coasts. The natives of the kuna nation have been distinguished for their continuous battles to maintain the autonomy of their own region and to defend it from the technological and hydrological development technologies, that have been originating not only ecological but also cultural disastrous consequences that affect to these communities.


In conclusion, I am really interested in participate in a retreat in USA or any other American country. I propose Florida, there are many natural places and State Parks with wonderful springs and the weather is really nice almost all the year. Also, it is easy to get there from any part of the world using the Miami or Orlando airports.
#2
Wed, 06/13/2007 - 03:06
Anais Alexandre

Join Date: 2006-11-07
Forum Posts: 75
I suggest Miami, Florida too! Although it may be for selfish reasons as I live there. I do not have any way of traveling on my own so if it was here I would be so happy! But I thought the retreat had a set location already?
#3
Thu, 06/14/2007 - 06:50
Patricia-A

Site Administrator



Join Date: 2003-09-22
Forum Posts: 42
Hello Caminante Gnostico,

We are calling it 'American Retreat' because it is mainly for the people of America, which as you say covers the entire American continent. We have decided to base it in the USA because this is where we have study centers and the people power to make it happen. We also have study centers in Canada but unfortunately the weather in Canada is too cold for many months of the year, which limits our ability to run retreats as often as we want.

I'm aware that America is often used to refer to the USA and we might use it like that out of habit, but our intention is just shortening the name 'United States of America'

I hope this explains things!

Thanks for your suggestion about Florida. We are looking there as well, in the highlands mainly.

Patricia
#4
Fri, 06/15/2007 - 23:49
Gabrielle

Join Date: 2004-09-05
Forum Posts: 1310
Hi Patricia,

Two other areas that might be suitable are North Carolina and Williamsburg, VA. The weather in both areas is generally mild. Both have winter months, but not a lot of snow.

North Carolina has some mountains, beaches, and other great natural areas. Williamsburg has a lot of wooded areas and there is a lot of interest in spiritual matters in the surrounding cities...so there may be a lot of local individuals/groups who would attend the center throughout the year.

In addition to looking for retreat centers that are for sale, you might want to check real estate listings for Bed and Breakfasts. There may be some that are big enough to accommodate a retreat center and in suitable locations.

Good luck with the search!

Gabrielle
#5
Tue, 06/19/2007 - 04:57
Patricia-A

Site Administrator



Join Date: 2003-09-22
Forum Posts: 42
Great tips Gabrielle, thanks!

I have passed on those areas to the search team. This local knowledge is what we need.

Do you mind sending me a message to . I would like to talk to you in more detail about these areas and maybe other information you might know about.

Thanks!

Patricia

#6
Tue, 06/19/2007 - 09:54
Gabrielle

Join Date: 2004-09-05
Forum Posts: 1310
Hi Patricia,

Great, I'll send you a follow-up email.

Gabrielle
#7
Fri, 06/29/2007 - 17:49
J G

Join Date: 2007-01-09
Forum Posts: 5
Hello everyone, I am relatively new here. I have known about the site for a long time but never seriously got involved because of too many stresses. I live in Fort Collins CO and can say that there are TONS of great places in Larimer county for a retreat such as this. This part of the state is absolutely beautiful and very natural. I live about 15 minutes away from the only wild and scenic river in all of Colorado!!! Any spot up the Poudre River or in Redfeather lakes would be awesome. I am not too sure about prices of land, but I know there are less popular areas around the same area that are just as beautiful. Let me know if I can help in any way, but I will only be here for another 6 months.

Jason

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Collins,_Colorado#Geography_and_climate

that should give you a decent idea of the climate around Fort Collins and that is basically true for most of Larimer County. Although the precip will be a little bit higher in the mountains I assume. There are daily short, light showers. A lot of them last only minutes.
#8
Fri, 07/06/2007 - 05:55
Patricia-A

Site Administrator



Join Date: 2003-09-22
Forum Posts: 42
Great information, thanks Jason. I'll get the search team looking into that area. Feel free to send us any other info!

Patricia
#9
Fri, 01/11/2008 - 13:09
jonfelz

Join Date: 2008-01-09
Forum Posts: 7

First, I would like to suggest any place in Colorado as it is all beautiful and scenic. The mountains are always a great place to retreat to. I grew up in CO and have just moved back after 8 years on the east coast. I live in the Fort Collins area and have been trying to find a gnostic group, but with no luck. Jason, if you want to contact me, maybe we can work on starting one up. You can contact me at jonfelz@yahoo.com

#10
Sun, 01/27/2008 - 06:55
Dusty

Join Date: 2007-11-02
Forum Posts: 697

Hi,

I was just wondering what the requirements are for a place to hold a reatreat? I have some ideas, but don't want to waste your time if they wouldn't be suitable.

Thanks,
Dusty