Tallgrass Spiritual Retreat Center:
Where Women Find their Way
1780 Thurman Creek Road
Matfield Green, Kansas 66862
620.753.3465
Rev. Billie Blair, Director
Tallgrass Spiritual Retreat Center
Where Women Find Their Way
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Forgiveness Ceremony
April 25-26, 2008
Fri 7pm-Sat 4pm
Fee: $70
Facilitator: Barbara Bade
Limit: 10 women
The Forgiveness Ceremony, an ancient tradition, is a means of keeping balance and harmony in the tribe. Spits and spats, although a part of life, can become major issues in a community where people live and work in close quarters or within a tight village setting.
In today's world, this "tight village" could mean one's home, neighborhood, work place, social circle, and/or church home.
This ceremony is a simple, yet powerful, experience. Near a body of water, those gathered will wash away the negative and hurtful feelings from our backs so we can let go and forgive with a willing and loving heart.
It is important to come with a humble spirit that is ready to forgive. This experience is not a time to hash and rehash hurts and injuries, but a time to be open to the healing act of forgiveness that allows us to walk with grace and beauty, enabling us to live in peace, harmony and balance.
Friday evening will be a time to share what has brought us to this time in our lives, knowing we have already done the necessary work to willingly forgive and move forward.
Saturday, after an early breakfast, we will go to the ceremony site to wash away all that has bound our hearts. Participants will get wet, sobring a change of clothes and old shoes.Following the Forgiveness Ceremony, we'll return
to the Bunkhouse for some creative art work that
will help us reflect on what forgiveness looks like to us and to share our joy in the freedom we have
gained.
Please come with a humble, willing heart, ready to move forward on your life's journey. This is not a therapy session.
About the facilitator (in Barbara's words):
I am Barbara Bade, Sha-wa-qua (Elk Woman)
I am a Choctaw, Cherokee Indian.
I am trained to run Sweat Lodge and other Indian ceremonies.
I am a Pipe Carrier.
I am a Reiki Master.
I am an herbalist and an organic gardener.
I raise beef and pork with my husband.
I hunt, fish and have back-packed the Canadian Wilderness, the Grand Canyon, and the Bavarian Alps in Germany.
I speak about the Native American People to
children in places like schools and through Scouting groups.I am an abuse survivor who is dedicated to helping women heal and reclaim their power in being female.
“Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom."
Hannah Arendt
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"Forgiveness means letting go of the past."
Gerald Jampolsky
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I went to the water today
With the women I went.
Hesitant, unsure, for what?
I watched the women
Awakening to peace
Alive with joy
Filled with freedom.
I went to the water today
With the women I went.
Hesitant, uncertain, why?
Reaching into the water
Bringing up the cold
Stinging, refreshing,
moving, loving, cleansing.
Body alive!
Surprised by the sun!
More aware of ALL!
-bjb(after the forgiveness cermeony)
The women who came in 2007 loved this event! We went to
the creek in the snow. It was
so beautiful!
"Jumping into Life"
SoulColllage by bjb
