The Experiment of the Self
An Inner Work Intensive with Kim Gillingham

July 7th to 16th, 2010

Hollyhock Retreat Center
The Discovery Islands, British Columbia

“We must assume that the Self really means us to live in the body, to live its experiment, to live our lives. And the ego should not choose whether we are to live this or that; we must have a different criterion…

You must inquire what experiment the Self wants to make. Everything that disturbs that experiment must be avoided and everything that helps must be lived, and you will see the consequences on the spot….if you do something which serves your experiment, you will  have the blessing of heaven and the angels will come to dance with you. You are helped along. You have ungodly health, and you develop powers which you have not yet had before because you have obeyed, not the ego, but the will of the Self….

Of course, nobody else can say what the individual experiment is, it is an entirely individual question. In as much as we are individuals our experiment is individual, and the point of life is that this particular individual should fulfill itself.”

C.G. Jung

Fulfill Your Experiment

Retreating to the verdant, wild nature of British Columbia’s Discovery Islands, this 9 day Intensive offers a chance to engage in a deep listening to the Self.  To retreat into nature in the company of a supportive and like-minded community allows our daily tether to loosen so that the true call of the Self might be heard.

Here we will engage in a creative exploration,  gathering clues to bring forth what our own individual experiment longs for us to fulfill.

Each participant will have the opportunity to work intimately with their own dreams and images and to develop the body and voice so that we may discover and express unknown aspects of the Self. In this extended time and serene setting, we will also have the opportunity to work with masks and walk through the dreams. The work will culminate with an individually created ritual.

Join us on this deep inquiry into what experiment the Self is making through your artistry and life.

The Landscape of Discovery

Nestled at the entrance to Desolation Sound, tranquil Cortes Island is one of the most beautiful and remote Discovery Islands. It holds placid lakes, beaches and rugged gorges. It’s one of several islands that form the north end of the Strait of Georgia, between the glaciers of Vancouver Island and the Coast Mountain range of the mainland. Cortes Island is home to Hollyhock, an internationally renowned retreat center and our host for this 9 day intensive.

Complete Packages Start at $2,500

This includes:

• Full program tuition (2 – four hour sessions each day, morning & afternoon, led by Kim)
• Three meals a day prepared by Hollyhock’s world famous organic kitchen
• 9 nights shared accommodation (private accommodation is available for a higher fee, however space is limited so please apply early with your preferences)

Also includes:

• 2 oyster BBQs
• Organic continental service bar open 24 hours
• Guided nature walks and naturalist events
• Morning yoga and meditation classes
• Presenter evenings in the main lodge with guest lecturers

A menu of spectacular bodywork treatments is also available on site for an additional fee.

Getting Here is Part of the Experience!

Airfare and travel are also not included. Please note that there will be half-day sessions on the arrival day of July 7 and the departure day of July 16 so please plan accordingly. There are many ways to get here and we are here to help you with the details. Many options are outlined here but if you’re coming from the United States it is suggested to fly to Seattle and then to take a float plane directly to Cortes Island. This was found to be the most direct route and will get you there in time for the opening session.

This group size is kept intentionally small so you are encouraged to secure your spot early as it will fill. Recent classes in Los Angeles and New York have had waiting lists larger than the class size so to avoid disappointment, please apply early.

How To Apply

To request a space at this retreat please submit a short statement about why you want to participate, what you expect to gain from the experience and a brief description of your experience with creative and inner work.

Early applicants will be notified by December 15, 2009. Those accepted will be asked to place a deposit of $395 by December 18. This is non-refundable but can be redeemed as a transferable credit for the resort less a $50 processing fee if you have to cancel 7 or more days prior to arrival. Full details on deposits and payment schedule will be sent to you once we receive your application.

If you submit after the Early Application Date, the prices will increase to reflect 2010 room rates. We haven’t yet received these from the resort so are unable to publish them but we anticipate a savings of at least $200 by applying early.

Please send your application in confidence to experiment@creativedreamwork.com.

For further information, please contact Doug Barber at doug@creativedreamwork.com or 604-767-0781.

For more information on Hollyhock, please visit their site here.