Soulcraft™ Events

Journey to Wholeness: Navigating with the Nature-Based Map of the Psyche

with Sheila Belanger, M.A. and Anne Hayden

August 5 to 7, 2011
Aldermarsh Retreat Center
Whidbey Island, Washington

Fee: $560 (includes lodging and meals)

This program is sponsored by Animas Valley Institute. The nature-based Map of the Psyche is a holistic model that differentiates the four dimensions of our wholeness as well as the four kinds of fragmented, wounded, or shadowed parts of our personalities. The Map of the Psyche helps us understand and experience our psyches as healthy and uniquely human expressions of the universal forces and patterns of nature.

During this weekend, you’ll explore the landscape of your psyche through creative expression, focused time alone in nature, group work, movement, voice dialogue, journaling, and other Soulcraft™ practices.

To register online, visit www.animas.org or call contact Animas Valley Institute at (800) 451-6327.

Seasons of the Soul: A Yearlong Journey with Nature-Based Soul Craft

with Sheila Belanger, M.A. and Anne Hayden

Individual Program Dates and Themes:

Autumn: November 2 to 6, 2011 - Tracking Soul through Shadow Work
Takes place at a retreat center on South Whidbey Island, Washington.

Winter: February 1 to 5, 2012 - Into the Wilderness of Dreams
Takes place at a retreat center on South Whidbey Island, Washington.

Spring: May 12 to 19, 2012 - Vision Quest
Takes place in Eastern Washington

Summer: August 8 to 12, 2011 - Embodying the Gift of Soul
Takes place at a campground.

Seasons of the Soul consists of four seasonal gatherings to immerse in the transformational practices of Soulcraft™ with a continuing group of fellow travelers and seasoned guides. Each program includes core Soulcraft™ practices (see below) to support your personal journey towards mature adulthood and elder-hood rooted in the fibers of your soul. This is a highly experiential program informed by modern depth psychology and immersed in ancient and enduring nature-based ways of knowing, the poetic traditions, and wilderness rites of passage.

We will begin in the autumn with the dive into the darkening realms of shadow, where we will track the way our soul gifts stay hidden until we are mature enough to embody them. Winter brings us into the wilderness of dreaming while earthy processes work beneath the surfaces. Soul-centric dreamwork explores the messages from the realms of soul and brings clues for how to enliven the essential and beloved relationship with soul.

Spring will find us on a longer journey into the emerging world, undertaking a Vision Quest in Eastern Washington. In the warmth of summer, we will explore ways to embody our soul gifts in the world.

Core Soulcraft™ practices include:

• Conversation and Relationship with Nature
• Nature-based Map of the Psyche
• Ceremonial Council
• Authentic Movement
• Individualized Soul Tasks
• Deep Imagination and Drum Journeys
• Crafting of Sacred Objects and Artistic Expression
• Self-Designed Ceremony, Trance Dance, and Ceremonial Saunas
• Song, Poetry, Silence and Belly Laughter

Each program begins on a Wednesday at 7 pm and ends on a Sunday at 4 pm.

Fees: See the website www.nwsoulquest.com for the fee structure. Payment over time can be arranged, but a commitment to the entire program and fee must be made. A non-refundable deposit of $450 will hold your space.

Enrollment is by application. For more information, go to www.nwsoulquest.com.

Soulcraft™ is a registered trademark of Bill Plotkin and Animas Valley Institute (www.animas.org).

Soulcraft™ Guides

Your guides, Sheila and Anne, have trained extensively with Animas Valley Institute (AVI) and use the wisdom and experiential Soulcraft™ work of Bill Plotkin, PhD, as support for the expression of their own unique soul gifts.

Anne Hayden has been shaped by her lifelong mystical connection with nature and her commitment to living a soul-infused life. She has a B.A. in Ecopsychology, has guided wilderness vision quests and facilitated small groups in soul-centered processes since 1994.  She is a passionate, heartfelt and down-to-earth guide for the journey.  

Sheila Belanger has an M.A. in Transpersonal Psychology and has been a counseling spiritual astrologer since 1984 and a shamanic healer since 1993. Since her teen years, Sheila has connected with nature as a life-transforming ally.  Sheila has facilitated spiritual retreats and groups since 1990 and has guided wilderness vision quests since 1997. Sheila is a lively, compassionate and humorous guide for the journey.