We thank all the participants who came and put their hearts into this extraordinary experience of growth, learning and community. We also thank all of you who donated to CSEE specifically to support this program and make it possible. In the future, we hope to expand CSEE's ability to reach our youth and to provide them with this most valuable wisdom and important tools for life.
Here is what some of our participants are sharing about the program:
The Shamanic Youth Retreat at Eagle Bear was just what I needed. It recharged my batteries, gave me direction in my spirituality (that has been absent), and assured me and gave me confidence that the path I've been on is the right one. Life has been super easy and joyous ever since I left Eagle Bear.
The Retreat took me out of the “normal” constructs of life (school, work, societal “norms”) and brought me back to Nature. I learned to listen to, observe, and admire the natural world around me. I learned that because we do come from Mother Earth so it is that She is the greatest teacher.
Before the Retreat my intuition spoke to me yet I often made decisions by what was the logical next step. During the Retreat I found that my intuition is strong but I have not always listened nor given it power, instead allowing logic to step in the way. Decisions have now been very easy to make and regret has all but disappeared from my life.
While at Eagle Bear it became very clear to me that I am a born leader. I noticed that others look to me to lead– a notion that was confronting for me and one that I resisted. Since coming back home I have been stepping into my power and leading with ease and surety.
In addition, my relationships have been bountiful with love and joy. I respect my fellow beings much more and understand others. Judgment still exists but I can snap out of it and choose not to act on it.
I have known the Shamanic path, in a sense, my entire life. The Youth Retreat has very strongly confirmed what I’ve always intuitively known – to listen to and respect where we’ve come from: Mother Earth. I now have a closeness with the natural world, including all of humanity.
Thank you Jose, Lena and Anna so so much for bringing to me my first taste of the Shamanic path. I look forward to continuing down this path and at seeing and venturing through the world as a child of Mother Earth.
With Love & Light,
Julia Mechler
Austin, TX
I had the good fortune to be a part of the very successful August '09 youth retreat as a "middle-aged onlooker/helper". The retreat was transformational for everyone involved. One young man could hardly contain his excitement when he said to me, "this was the most powerful thing I have ever experienced". The program fosters an unusually powerful type of nature-based, heart-centered growth and leadership that can't be gained through ordinary channels. In my estimation, this life-changing, inspirational program is unique in its ability to prepare young people for the leadership challenges that we face at this critical time. There is such a need for young people to step up at this juncture and become leaders, and to take on roles that will affect the future of our planet. I can only imagine what I would have given for this type of experience when I was a young adult!
~Kelly Krietsch
Eagle Bear is 900 acres (1 hour and 45 minutes NE of Santa Fe, 2 and 1/2 hours from Albuquerque) of very special wilderness that includes mixed conifer forests of ponderosa, lodgepole pine, blue spruce, firs, and pinons. There are thickets, ponds, broad meadows, and rocky ridges with views of the plains and rocky mountains. Wildlife includes elk, deer, porcupine, skunk, fox, raven, eagle, hawk, rare shy mountain lion, and the occasional bear. Located at an elevation of 7500 ft., the land is in a rare dark area with no city lights to interfere with the night sky and the Milky Way. Eagle Bear has been visited by Hucihol, Shipibo, and Native American shamans and medicine people who have conducted a variety of ceremonies to bring out the healing nature of the land. Thus Eagle Bear will nurture, support, heal, and teach you during your time there.
There is a 30 ft. yurt for ceremonies and meetings, a covered outdoor kitchen, pit toilets, and a rustic outdoor shower area.
Accommodations are glorified tent camping (bring your own or share one of ours). Limited vintage trailer space is available on a first come basis.
Scholarships may be available. If you wish to make a donation to the CSEE scholarship fund specifically for this program, it would be greatly appreciated.
To register for the event or to make a tax deductible donation please contact the Power Path office at 505-982-8732 or email admin@thepowerpath.com.
All major credit cards accepted. Checks to be made out to CSEE.