Becoming Fierce Wisdom – an Intergenerational SoulFire Gathering for Women-WAITLIST
Leaders
-
Carol KortschCo-LeaderCarol Kortsch was born in Africa, educated in Canada, and then worked internationally building community in different forms. After 25 years in psychotherapy and group practice at Stonehaven Commons in Radnor, PA., she now offers nature-based retreats from Boulder, Colorado as a Courage & Renewal group facilitator. She is blending the Earth-based practices of Animas Valley Institute in a visionary program called ElderSoul. As a life adventurer and Earth listener, she recognizes our essential and critical human need to stop, slow down, and listen to our lives and all our relations speak.
What we offer in these circles is a dream of unique personal and communal ‘belonging’ to this physical land and human-time on Earth. Learning to live whole-heartedly as individuals within a culture that mostly hides behind its own shadow. We aspire to support each other in fully emerging as soulful beings-in-process, at every age and life-stage. To learn from and through ‘the Elder within’ – that fiery birthright capacity to be elders-in-training to serve as channels of life energy on behalf of the greater village we live in.
-
Laurie AdamsCo-LeaderLaurie was raised among mountains and rivers and lives with a felt sense of the wild sacred that weaves the world. She guides humans on the journey to their own depths, soul home in this shimmering web of the cosmos.
She has a passion for nature based, soul-connected and somatically rooted journeys in which women of all ages remember their deepest longing and risk stepping through thresholds of becoming. She is attuned to ancestral relations and integrating gifts and wounds in our individual and collective journeys. Previously an ordained clergy and hospice chaplain, she is steeped in Bill Plotkins’ Soulcraft work, Joanna Macy’s The Work that Reconnects, Permaculture, Body Wisdom and Intuition Medicine, among many other embodied, earth based wisdom practices. She is a senior member of the Animas Valley Institute Soul Initiation and Apprenticeship program. http://www.sacredsoulwaters.net/
>
EVENT DESCRIPTION
Carried through generations, the ancient fire now calls us to awaken our deepest truth, love for the world, and courageous presence at the threshold between life and death. This retreat invites women on a soul journey to gather in a sacred, cross-generational circle—listening, witnessing, and transforming through story, solitude on the land, embodied practices, and ceremony. Held on wild mountain earth, this immersive weekend offers a container for deep remembering, soulful alchemy, and connection with the mystery, self, and the living Earth.
RETREAT DETAILS
The ancient embers have been carried hand over hand, a thousand years. The fire is lit. You feel it in your gut, your bones, your heart. It is time to be aflame with the deepest truth of our essence and love for the world. We gather around this hearth-fire, across diverse life stages and ages, to bear fierce witness and share courageously. We root from our deepest belonging and wildest longing, and listen. . .What thresholds are calling you to risk what has been known for the depths of your heart, soul, and mystery? What is Earth calling us into, to remember and know in this time?
We gather in a season when the veil is thin between the worlds, where the grandmothers whisper from the shadows and call us to our fierce wisdom. We lean in close to the dark night of winter and dance with holy aliveness at the doorways of life and death as a way of honoring life.
There is a quickening. It is time to become intimate with the power of fire – that essential power that burns in each of us and in the world. Fire purifies, warms, and destroys in service to life. Fire can rage, be misused and suppressed. As we apprentice to fire, we kindle our own Soulfire in relationship with the different stages of our journey. How are you called to catch flame, carry the embers to your people, become fire, itself?
This is an offering for those who identify as women and have been in their soul journey for a while and ready to receive deeper support and tender witness. Together we will imagine a cauldron of alchemy, of resilience and transformation. As you apply, consider the possibility of this long weekend being a potential catalyst to step into your place in an emergent, on-going awakened earth community.
During this retreat and in possible emerging, ongoing, on-line and local programming, we will be tracking the call of mystery, soul and earth, together and alone, through the exploration of:
- Life stages and changes, passages and portals
- Story and myth
- Land-based solo wanders and exploration
- Cross-generational circles of relationship, story and conversation
- Movement, deep imagination, dream-tending and creative expression
- Self-designed ceremony
Weather permitting, we will be spending much time outdoors, combining the Courage & Renewal® approach with earth-rooted practices of the Animas Valley Institute and Joanna Macy’s The Work that Reconnects. Our time will be in large groups, small groups and much solitary wandering on the beautiful, mountain land of Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Retreat Center. Together we will co-create a trustworthy circle in which we can listen beyond human conversation to the dream of Earth, learn from our Ancestors and from our own personal stories and communal deep wisdom.
Space is limited to 24 applicants. Please fill out the applications form HERE to apply. We are accepting applications on a rolling basis.
THINGS TO KNOW
LEADER SUPPORT: DANA OFFERINGS TO LEADERS
The price of retreats is set as low as possible and covers only retreat center expenses. None of the fee goes to the leaders, who are solely supported by the voluntary dana offerings of yogis. In the tradition of the Buddha, the amount of the dana offering is up to each individual. We do ask that your offering be as generous as your finances allow in order to support the tireless efforts of the leaders. Please bring a check or cash. We are very grateful for your support.
PAYMENT AND SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
Payment and Cancellation Policies
Retreats with RMERC Registration
A non-refundable deposit of $120 (for retreats 4 nights and under) or $180 (for retreats over 4 nights) is due at the time of registration to hold your space. Full payment is due 60 days before the retreat start date. If you signed up earlier than 60 days, your credit card will be automatically charged at 60 days before the retreat start date.
Early Bird Discounts
RMERC offers an average 10% discount for registrations made earlier than 90 days before the start of the retreat.
Payments
Our registration system accepts payments only by debit and credit card. If you require an alternate payment method, you may request to pay by Paypal or by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT). To pay by Paypal or EFT, select ‘Alternate forms of payment’ during registration; after completing the registration, email [email protected] for payment details. Note that if paying by alternate means, we must receive full payment to reserve your place in the retreat.
Cancellation and Refund Policies
- The registration deposit ($120 or $180) is non-refundable.
- For cancellation requests received 60-30 days prior to the retreat start date, RMERC will offer a refund of half of the final payment (the final payment is the full amount less the deposit).
- For cancellation requests received 30-7 days prior to the event start date, RMERC will offer a refund of 25% of the final payment.
- For cancellations inside of 7 days there will be no refunds.
Scholarships
Retreats with RMERC Registration
We invite anyone with financial hardship to apply for an RMERC scholarship. Scholarship awards are based on need and availability of funds. We ask that you request the lowest amount required to attend the retreat, so that we can offer support to as many people as possible. Do not let cost be an impediment to your attending.
Click here to apply for an RMERC Scholarship.
Scholarship awards do not guarantee acceptance into a retreat. Please register as soon as possible after receiving your award to make sure space and appropriate lodging are available. Scholarship awards are valid for 2 weeks.
FOOD AND MEALS
Meals are vegetarian and may include eggs or dairy, with vegan and gluten-free options available. Usually the cook can accommodate common food allergies such as gluten or dairy, but not food preferences. Make sure to include any special allergy or health needs you have during registration.
Tea, coffee and such are available all day long, along with some simple snacks such as mixed nuts and fruit. If you want a snack between meals, or supplemental protein, you can bring a small quantity of packaged unrefrigerated food. Please do not bring anything that needs refrigeration (medicine excepted). Excessive snacks are unnecessary: if you need a boost, a little gorp or an energy bar is sufficient for most people.
GENERAL RETREAT INFORMATION
Terrain at RMERC
The terrain at Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Retreat Center is rocky and uneven. One must descend a series of stairs to get to the lodge from the parking lot (no railings), and some hiking is a core part of many of our retreats. The stairs inside the lodge are also steep. Please contact us if you have any concerns about access.
RMERC Lodging
Lodging at RMERC includes
- Single and double rooms
- ‘Mini-singles’, available in the shoulder seasons
- A single ‘nook’
- Glamping and camping, available in the summer and early fall
- RV spaces, available all season.
See lodging details and photos here. Available lodging options are presented during registration.
Waivers and Minimum Age
All participants must sign an RMERC Waiver and Release to participate in activities at RMERC. Click here to sign the Waiver and Release. Some leaders may require their own waiver and release.
Participants must be 18 years or older to attend a retreat at RMERC. We are not able to accommodate children.
Yogi Jobs
Some of the work necessary to support the group will be handled by participants during the retreat. Yogi jobs will be organized by the retreat manager. Most participants find serving others in this way quite enjoyable, and a great opportunity for practice in action. Yogi jobs typically include meal prep, meal clean up, bathrooms, tea bar, and last-day clean up.
Phone and Internet Service
You will be out of contact with no internet access or cell phone service during the retreat. The nearest strong cell signal could be as far away as the plains north of Boulder, or in the town of Nederland.
Please complete all personal business before you arrive. The staff will have the ability to make and receive emergency calls or emails on your behalf, but phone and internet are only available for emergency use.
Equipment List
Weather in the Rocky Mountains is variable and often unpredictable. Sunny skies can quickly give way to fast-moving storms, bringing sudden rain, hail, and wind, regardless of the season. Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night, with warm midday conditions followed by cold or freezing temperatures at night. During June-September, average highs are 65-75 F and lows are 35-45 F. In May and October average highs are in the 50s and lows are below freezing. April and November are colder still.
Equipment lists vary from one retreat to the next. Download an equipment list for your retreat on the retreat listing (or contact the retreat organizer). A general equipment list is available here: PDF Version | Word Version.
Please do not bring a radio, music player, iPod, laptop, books, axe, alcohol, marijuana, or illegal drugs. Think about whether you really need a camera; is it consistent with the intentions of a retreat?
What RMERC Provides
Linens. Two sheets, a pillowcase, pillow, two blankets, and a towel are supplied for each lodge guest, including glamping. Campers get a towel. Extra linens are available as needed.
Toiletries. Bathrooms are stocked with soap, hand soap, shampoo, and conditioner.
Refrigerator. A very small refrigerator is available for guest items; it is shared by all guests.
Fans are available as needed. Air purifiers are in all double rooms.
Altitude Sickness
RMERC is at an elevation of 8600 feet, and most people coming from lower elevations experience some effects of altitude. If you are coming from sea level, we recommend that you arrive in the Denver area a night earlier to help acclimatize. Remember to stay hydrated, stay warm, and take it easy the first day or two at the retreat center. Be kind to yourself.
No Fragrances Please
Out of consideration for others, we ask that you not use scented self-care products, oils, or fragrances. We ask that everyone exercise the utmost respect for self and others. Thank you!
Infectious Disease Policy
See the complete infectious disease policy here.
RMERC prioritizes creating a safe and comfortable retreat environment. RMERC does not require vaccinations, testing, or masks at this time. However, individual retreat leaders may determine stricter protocols at their discretion, and RMERC may revise the infectious disease policy in response to changes in public health guidelines
We recommend wearing N95 masks during travel and self-monitoring your possible exposure before arrival. If you experience symptoms, contact the retreat leader and consider adjusting your plans. HEPA air purifiers are available in shared rooms, and mask-wearing is always welcome.
TRAVEL AND ARRIVAL AT RMERC
Arrival and Departure Times
Most retreats begin at 4:00 pm on the first day of the retreat (please check the start times in the retreat details). Yogis may arrive 1 hour early but they will not have access to the lodge or bathrooms. Yogis who are camping may set up their tents at that time. Note that all tents must be on the lodge side of the stream.
Most retreats end after lunch on the last day of the retreat, and all participants must vacate the property by 2:00 pm.
Travel to the Retreat Center
RMERC is located about 45 minutes NW of Boulder, at 8941 Overland Rd., Ward, CO. If driving, please park in our main parking lot by the road and walk down to the lodge.
There is no public transportation to the center, and if you need a ride, the best option is to carpool with other yogis. RMERC provides a rideshare forum if your retreat uses RMERC-hosted registration (see details for your retreat). Otherwise, you may contact the leader of your retreat for assistance. Uber or Lyft may provide another option; please contact them to inquire.
Note: there is no cell phone service in the region around the retreat center.
Flights to Denver
Denver International Airport (DIA) is about 90 minutes from the center. Your best options for travel to the center are:
- Shuttle bus to Boulder (1 hr) and then carpool to the center; RTD public transportation ($10) departs DIA every hour, or check Green Ride Boulder.
- Uber or Lyft, either to Boulder or to the center
- Car rental
You should plan on your flight arriving no later than 1 pm to reach the retreat center on time. Return flights departing from the Denver airport should leave no earlier than 5:30 or 6 pm. Please do not plan on leaving the retreat early.
MISCELLANEOUS
RMERC Donations and Membership
RMERC is a nonprofit organization with a mission to offer low-cost retreats to as many people as possible. At the end of your retreat, you are invited to make a tax deductible donation to RMERC, and also to join the membership program of the RMERC community if you so choose. More information is here.
Pets and Service Animals
RMERC does not allow pets or service animals, as moose and bears become more dangerous in their presence.
Hiking Trails
Download a Trail Map in Color or a Trail Map in Black and White.
Lightning Hazards
Thunder and lightning storms are not uncommon during the summer months, and lightning is a very real hazard. Take shelter in a lightning storm, ideally in a building or in a car. If that is not possible, crouch down and maintain a low profile until the storm passes. Sound travels approximately 1 mile every 5 seconds. Count the number of seconds between a lightning strike and the sound of thunder; a 10-15 second delay indicates that lightning is several miles away, and is warning to take shelter.
Equipment Rentals and Supplies
Please check with REI in Boulder (303-583-9970) for rentals of tents, sleeping bags, pads, backpacks, etc. Boulder is the largest city in the area, and the best source of supplies. Nederland also has a few well-stocked stores, including grocery, outdoor shop, and library (but no pharmacy).
Nearby Camping
If you are searching for a place to camp prior to arrival or post-departure, we recommend using phone apps to search, for example,
- iOverlander, for a wide variety of options
- RV Parky, especially good for finding RV parking options
- The Dyrt, for both free and paid camping options (premium version is best)
- Recreation.gov app, for reservations at federal campgrounds (cost is very reasonable)
- Hipcamp, for lower-cost camping and lodging options
KEY POINTS
-
DATES AND TIMES
Arrival: Thursday, October 30 at 4 pm; Departure: Sunday, November 2 at 2 pm.
-
REQUIREMENTS
We will be accepting applications on a rolling basis after March 1st, 2025. You will receive a password to register.
-
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
Early bird discount of $40, ending August 15, 2025.
-
PROGRAM COST
$300 - $495 (includes food and lodging)
-
LEADER SUPPORT
By donation (see Things to Know)
-
PROGRAM QUESTIONS
Contact Carol, with ElderSoul/Courage & Renewal at [email protected]
-
REGISTRATION QUESTIONS
Contact Kathy at [email protected]
- EQUIPMENT LIST
- CALENDAR
RETREAT MANAGER
Retreat Manager
