ON OUR WAY HOME Retreat
3 days / 4 nights
November 10 - 13, 2022
Taos, New Mexico
Led by Jan Birchfield
Rock and debris will eventually slow down or block the current of a river. To help a river flow more freely, we remove whatever is impeding its flow. Similarly, the source of true nourishment lies within us, not in the external world, and is always available to us. However, it is often hard to know this, because our access to this bounty is often obscured.
This retreat is an opportunity to anchor to a deeper substratum within, finding an inner place where we can begin to take refuge. Together, we work with the obstacles that are in the way of our relationship to the interconnected substratum at the core of our being ~ our most essential Self.
We begin where you are. You are both the portal to the sacred and sacred. We work with whatever you bring to the table ~ your faith or lack of it, your lineage or rejection of lineage, your relationships, work, disappointments, struggles, dreams, recurring themes or images, and the ground of your everyday life.
Inner work does not happen overnight. It is a process, a commitment, and ultimately a gift. When we sit together and deepen our commitment to ourselves and each other, we develop resilience in the face of uncertainty and we move closer to the true Source of all that we long for ~ compassion, joy, peace, harmony, hope, integrity, humility and true service.
our time together will include
Spiritual and psychological teachings including a framework for understanding the layers of the Self
Meditation and chant
Healing work
Shamanic practice
Ceremony
Ancestral and lineage work
COST OF RETREAt
The cost of the retreat is $995, plus tax (totaling $1069.63). Full payment is due no later than one month before the retreat.
There will be a non-refundable deposit of $200 upon registration.
Payments can be made via Venmo to Jan Birchfield, @Janis-Birchfield.
You can also send a check made out to:
Jan Birchfield
417 La Lomita Rd.
Taos, NM 87571.
There are a limited number of scholarships available. For more information click here. There is also a local rate for Taos residents.
The circle
We will begin at 5:00 pm on Thursday, November 10th, followed by a light dinner. We ask that you arrive by 4:30 pm so that you are settled and ready to go at 5:00 pm. The opening session is very important, as it will set the tone for the rest of the retreat. You might want to consider arriving in New Mexico on Wednesday so that you can begin the retreat somewhat rested. This will also give you an opportunity to adjust a bit to the altitude. We will close the circle on Sunday, November 13th around 6:30 pm and then share a final meal together. We ask that people stay to the end, so that we can hold a tight container for all.
Schedule
There is a fluid quality to the way that we run retreats, so plan on arriving with a sense of flexibility. Below is a tentative schedule:
Thursday, November 10
4:30 pm: Arrival and settling in
5:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Opening Circle
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Light dinner
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, Nov 11-13
7:45 am - 9:00: yoga
9:00 - 10:00 am: Breakfast
10:00 am - 1:00 pm: Morning Circle
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Lunch and Break
2:30 pm - 6:30 pm: Afternoon Circle
6:30 pm: Dinner
There may be ceremony after dinner on either Friday or Saturday
Location
Antara Retreat Center
417 La Lomita Road
Taos, New Mexico 87571
Food
Meals create the rhythmic backbone for retreats at Antara. Chef Dillon Tisdel will provide delicious organic, plant-based, gluten-free food. If you have food allergies or restrictions you can let us know on the registration form. The retreat includes 10 meals in total.(@ohholybasil + ohholybasil.com )
Accommodations
There is one casita available on our property, for $150 per night, plus tax. There are a number of Air Bnbs and small hotels within walking distance to the retreat center. If you need help finding housing, please email us at info@antarataos.com
About JAN Birchfield
Jan’s work weaves psychology, spirituality, shamanic and contemplative practice. She has an undergraduate degree in philosophy and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. She had the honor of working under the tutelage of the late David LaChapelle, drawing on his broad and deep knowledge of spiritual traditions and practices from around the world. In 2007, David initiated Jan into a shamanic practice. She then attended the Four Winds Residential Energy Training Program to augment this work. In 1995 Jan co-founded the Center for Advanced Emotional Intelligence. In 2011, she founded Contemplative Leadership Development and opened Antara. She has written a number of articles and has published two books: Silent Leaders and Wing of Effort, Wing of Grace.
additional information
What to bring
Regardless of the season, the weather in Taos is cooler in the evenings and warmer in the middle of the day, with wide swings in temperature. The days are warm and the evenings are cool, so bring layers. The sun is strong in Taos, particularly in the middle of the day. Sunscreen is advisable.
In general, New Mexico is extremely casual. While on retreat, it is important that you are comfortable, so plan to bring casual and comfortable clothes. If you have a meditation pillow that you prefer, you might want to bring this along.
Because you are coming to a high altitude (Taos sits at over 7,000 feet) you may want to consider taking chlorophyl to provide your body with support for this transition. Optimally, begin taking a chlorophyl supplement a week or two before you arrive and continue to do so throughout your stay. ChlorOxygen is a great supplement option.
Electronics
While there may be times when it is necessary to stay connected to the outside world, it is important to minimize this. Retreats, at their best, provide an opportunity to “unplug.” If you are in a position to do so, you may want to minimize your screen time or leave a message that indicates that you will be out of reach so that you can truly detach from the outside world.
integration time
After retreat, it is important to allow yourself time to absorb, integrate, and digest your experience. For this reason, I would encourage you to build in some time after the retreat to simply let down. If you can stay an extra day, this is ideal, as this will help with integration once you return home and will allow a deeper absorption of your experience here in Taos.
getting here
There is a small airline with direct flights from four cities to Taos (Taos Air) but it caters to the ski season and will not be running in July.
The closest airport is in Santa Fe. It is a small airport, serviced by American Eagle Airlines and United Airlines. It is about an hour and twenty minute drive from Santa Fe airport to Taos.
There is a larger international airport in Albuquerque that tends to have less expensive options than Santa Fe. Taos is due north of Albuquerque and the drive is about two hours and twenty minutes.
From the east coast, there is a direct flight on Southwest from Baltimore to Albuquerque. Jet blue has a red eye direct flight from JFK to Albuquerque.
The easiest option for getting from the airport to Taos is to rent a car, as the public transportation options are minimal.
This shuttle has limited runs from both the Sunport International Airport (Albuquerque) and Santa Fe airport:
Taos Rides: https://taosrides.com/
Directions
Once you are on La Lomita (coming from town or from Valverde) you will see the Dreamcatcher Bed and Breakfast on your left.
Our driveway is just past the Dreamcatcher on the right. Make sure and look for the 417 sign, as there is a second driveway right before ours that sometimes confuses people.
Turn right into our driveway.
Take the first right turn following the sign to 417.
The road will curve to the left and then shoot straight back. Antara will be right in front of you.
Right after entering the property you will see parking on your right.
If you have any problems with directions call 609-658-7770 (This is Finn, Jan's husband's, cell)