Summer Greetings from
One trait that affects us all as HSPs - whether we like it or not, - whether it is useful or not - is our tendency to process things deeply and broadly. And, yes, you mighte be comforted to know, there is a scientific explanation for this and the research Dr. Elaine and Art Aron are doing is proving that our brains are indeed different.
So, it should come as no surprise that the delay in getting you the agenda for the upcoming HSP Gathering Retreat in
And … I keep getting calls asking what we will be doing, what's on the agenda, how many people will be there, etc. These are 'normal' questions, yet there are no 'pat' answers. Just ask anyone who has been to a gathering before.
Why? Because each gathering has generated a different kind of energy, And at each gathering, there are almost always HSPs who experience beautiful epiphanies, make life long connections with themselves and others. This does not happen through an agenda. It happens by the energy we co-create together.
I see my role as honoring, accepting and gently guiding the energy that unfolds when 20-30 HSPs come together for 4 days where we all practice "focus on needs, not approval." This is a healing process in itself. I can't wait to be present at a gathering once again.
Finally, I do want to say that……
WE HSPs ARE A SPECIAL PEOPLE !
You'll see that when sharing time, space and nature with like minded souls - the HSPs.
Thank you for letting me expound about this. I hope it helps you know more about what to envision when thinking about attending a Gathering. And I hope to see you in
If you are thinking of coming, please let me know ASAP as I turn in final numbers to the YMCA of the
With fond HSP wishes,
Jacquelyn
P.S. Oh dear…. I don't know how to make a link or send an attachment - and this agenda is not up on my web site yet … and my new web developer is on a learning curve, and I am trying not to get overstimulated.... so here is the agenda printed out below.... Sorry this is so much to read - and there may be typos....arrrghh...
It will be up on my web site soon... Thanks for your HSP patience.
The First Colorado Gathering Retreats for Highly Sensitive People
with the premier of the new DVD
A HSP Sunset Ceremony by Mike Larson, with Jacquelyn Strickland
YMCA of the
The Tentative Agenda
Arrive as early as you can on Thursday. Take time to get yourself acclimated to your beautiful surroundings in
Check in at the
Note: Be aware of the altitude: take it easy the first day, drink lots of water, and eat protein snacks. See list of "What to Bring" for additional suggestions.
Your room will be ready by
Look for the HSP Gathering Retreat table and pick up your HSP Gathering Registration Packet, have a cup of tea or coffee. You'll notice the agenda invites you to join in on hikes, horse back riding, and a Friday evening watching and hearing the great bull elks' bugle cry as they fight for their winter harem of female elks. This is quite an amazing sight to see.
I will be on hand to meet you, along with my two
Peter is a HSM (highly sensitive male) whom many of you know from the message boards. Molly is my dear HSP Dyad Partner (HSP-DP) here in
Peter and Molly are co-hosts of this year's Colorado HSP Gathering, and I couldn't be happier to have their energy, enthusiasm, ideas and inspiration. Peter will soon have new photo web pages of his HSP Gatherings experiences. (I have named him "Honorary HSP Gathering Spokesperson.") :-)
Don't miss this non-threatening, fun opportunity get to know the other HSPs who are attending the Gathering this year. (This is where I get to begin my enjoyable process of "observing unencumbered HSPs come alive with insight, confidence and creativity.")
Mount Epsilon Meeting Room
7:00 am Breakfast
- 8:45 am
Welcome to the Morning's Activities - Stretching and Silent Meditation.
9:30 am Conversation Café
Creating Authentic Dialogue with Small Group Discussions
Conversation Café - www.conversationcafe.org
We know HSPs enjoy deep, intimate conversations, yet we also know these types of conversations are far and few between. We'll learn and utilize an adapted version of the Conversation Café model in the following groups.
9:45 am HSP Basics Group - This discussion group is for those HSPs who are new to the trait and are not yet integrating it into their daily lives. We'll generate a list of questions and answers; discuss what coping strategies work best, and what sharew what doesn't work.
HSP Reunion, Discussion & Collaboration Group - Meet HSPs who have attended gatherings before, and reunite with some of your old gathering friends. This group will be asked to help identify 'core' issues facing HSPs and how they have personally and/or collectively addressed these issues.
11:30 am Basics & Reunion Groups Reconvene
We'll hear from each group's "recorder" about the "qualitative research" gathered in each group.
Free time - Drive up to
Take a hike, Shop in
Rocky Mountain National Park -Don't get left out of an activity you'd like to enjoy - see the volunteer activity coordinator for who's going where.
Meet in front of
· Check email in the
· Meet for tea, coffee or light refreshments in the Rustic Café
· Sit out and look at the stars, continue your HSP conversations
Good night. Remember your flash light and that extra blanket for the cold fall evenings.
7:00 am Breakfast
-8:45 am
Free time to do as you wish
"The Pool" - 2 hours round trip (Easy)
Please be prompt, bring your jacket, sunscreen, day pack, snacks & water
"The Pool" - 2 hours round trip (Easy)
OR eat on the trail with your box lunch picked up that morning
Jacquelyn Strickland, LPC
Art Night OR Group Dialogue OR Both
If you have never made a personal art collage, be sure to join us for this relaxing, creative, self-expression activity. This is a soothing way to settle in for the night and possible help create some pleasant dreams. Music, candles (if no sensitivities to candles J) , materials provided. No experience necessary. Bring your favorite CDs to share.
with Jacquelyn Strickland
9:30 am Winners and Lovers: Balancing Power in all our Relationships -
Dr. Elaine Aron
Reservations Required:
$30 1 hour ride Deer Meadows/Glacier Basin
$45 2 hour ride Moraine Park/Emerald Mt.
This has always been a very special night at the HSP Gathering Retreats. It is a time for you - our dear creative HSPs - to shine. Please consider sharing your own creative talent which might include poetry, art, music, song, dance, monologue, photography -- or whatever you would like to share.
Sign up with our HSP Master of Ceremonies volunteer
7:00 am Breakfast with plenty of time to pack your things to be out of your room ---
10:00 am Our groups final gathering - until next year
This is always a special time of closing, sharing what you have learned and what you will be taking back with you. What might you being doing different when you return home? How will you keep this energy alive to tap into it when you need it most?
Stay overnight in
OR
Plan to stay another night at the YMCA, visit