A Breath of Song Retreat
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"As you start on the way,
the way appears." ~Rumi Do you ever find yourself wishing for a bit of time to see where that way is appearing? I dream of a space where we can each bring the power of song in community to bear on our own questions. The act of singing can connect us with our vulnerable, powerful core, opening questions, letting a way appear. Singing in community can heal old wounds, challenge old assumptions, shake loose old bindings... and offer an experience of freedom in connection. At this retreat, we get to listen with trees, sky, water, and earth as companions. We have time to notice the way appearing. We can notice where it's pointing us. We can leave with songs that will help us remember and carry our own wisdom back into our daily lives. |
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Maybe you will come for replenishment -- relaxing -- healing -- "whole-ing".
Maybe you will come for questing -- seeking -- opening -- risking -- challenging.
Maybe you will do both, or come expecting to do one, only to find the other calls.
You listen to what you need; we trust you to be on your way.
All this happens within the framework we shape.
Maybe you will come for replenishment -- relaxing -- healing -- "whole-ing".
Maybe you will come for questing -- seeking -- opening -- risking -- challenging.
Maybe you will do both, or come expecting to do one, only to find the other calls.
You listen to what you need; we trust you to be on your way.
All this happens within the framework we shape.
"Patricia is grounding us... leaves me feeling better, more embodied, more present, more alive, more in my heart" -- Ian C.
A FOUR-PART TREASURE HUNT
We register the way we mean to go on -- with attentiveness, care, reciprocity, and playfulness. The whole process is multi-stepped and human... you take a step, I respond... sometimes that email will come immediately because I'm at work, sometimes you may have a few hour's break until I'm at the computer again.
The four steps:
We register the way we mean to go on -- with attentiveness, care, reciprocity, and playfulness. The whole process is multi-stepped and human... you take a step, I respond... sometimes that email will come immediately because I'm at work, sometimes you may have a few hour's break until I'm at the computer again.
The four steps:
- Sign up so I know want to come! Directions will be emailed to you for Step #2 as soon as you sign up. Let me know if you don't see this email within 10 minutes, because it contains the secret to continue.
- Pay the program fee of $395. Within 24 hours of receiving your program fee payment, I'll send an email with directions to Step #3 & 4.
- Fill out the Rowe Center registration and make payment for three nights' housing and all meals ($550 with options for upgrading). Upon receiving the Rowe Center confirmation, dig back into your email like an experienced treasure hunter for step #4.
- Fill out the program retreat form. This will give you and us insight into your current questions, feelings about singing, and identify resources. This helps you have a retreat experience that can nourish, challenge, and open the way. Your retreat hosts will be gaining a sense of the group, and the questions you'll bring to the songs will begin rumbling inside you. When this form is submitted, you will hear back from me within 24 hours... and you are completely registered!
I have learned so much from you about singing, mental health,
how to live in a difficult world, how to keep kindness in your heart..... Sue D.
how to live in a difficult world, how to keep kindness in your heart..... Sue D.
Framework
Together, we will create an inclusive, non-shaming space, open to people of all backgrounds willing to listen to each other and themselves. That's how I gather folk. Here are the values we'll be bringing into the space:
We are invitational -- and we don't assume yes is the best answer! Hugs, singing, intense discussion, walks, eating together, dance -- we invite, and the answer may be yes OR no.
We are present. We are curious about what is. We are messy, we are playful, we make mistakes, we wonder, we explore, we notice, we attend. We try to release stories and assumptions about others and ourselves. It is a practice. We're not perfect.
We are compassionate. We hold all this in confidentiality. We are not taking stories back to tell folks at home. We are not accountability enforcers. We are not here to hold or judge each other's voices, questions, stories, or experiences.
We are whole. We do not need to be fixed, or to fix each other. We trust each person to find their own way; we trust and listen for our own integrity. Sometimes it's hard and confusing. That's okay.
We are connected. We are points in a web, strengthened by community, inextricably social creatures by our nature as humans. Each of our actions reverberates, and we feel the reverberations of the actions of others.
In order to help everyone's attention be in the moment of the retreat, we will ask that you keep your phones/devices off most of the time. Online access to all of the songs with the parts given individually will be available, so recordings are not needed for learning purposes. Meals and Sunday from 11:15 am on will be phone-ok times... other times, please second guess the urge to pull it out.
We are invitational -- and we don't assume yes is the best answer! Hugs, singing, intense discussion, walks, eating together, dance -- we invite, and the answer may be yes OR no.
We are present. We are curious about what is. We are messy, we are playful, we make mistakes, we wonder, we explore, we notice, we attend. We try to release stories and assumptions about others and ourselves. It is a practice. We're not perfect.
We are compassionate. We hold all this in confidentiality. We are not taking stories back to tell folks at home. We are not accountability enforcers. We are not here to hold or judge each other's voices, questions, stories, or experiences.
We are whole. We do not need to be fixed, or to fix each other. We trust each person to find their own way; we trust and listen for our own integrity. Sometimes it's hard and confusing. That's okay.
We are connected. We are points in a web, strengthened by community, inextricably social creatures by our nature as humans. Each of our actions reverberates, and we feel the reverberations of the actions of others.
In order to help everyone's attention be in the moment of the retreat, we will ask that you keep your phones/devices off most of the time. Online access to all of the songs with the parts given individually will be available, so recordings are not needed for learning purposes. Meals and Sunday from 11:15 am on will be phone-ok times... other times, please second guess the urge to pull it out.
"...a supportive and challenging, unique curriculum..." -- Joni A.
Schedule
This schedule may shift before or during the retreat. We will stay flexible and responsive to the needs of the group.
Thursday, May 30th
4-6 pm Arrive, check-in and explore
5:30 Hors d'ouevres
6:30 Dinner
7:45-9:15 Drop In & Welcome
First Song Flow
Co-listening guidelines
5-minute Question Dive guidelines
Friday, May 31st & Saturday, June 1st
7:00 am Option of meditation in Rug Room
8:00 Breakfast
9-10:15 Slide into the voice Fri: First Song Flow Sat: Second Song Flow
10:30-11:30 Soak*
11:45 - 12:15 pm Optional Song Requests
12:30 Lunch
1:30-3:15 Free time, Rest time
3:30-5:00 Play Fri: First Song Flow Sat: Second Song Flow
5:15 - 6:15 Soak*
6:30 Dinner
7:45-9:15
Friday: Deepen
Second Song Flow
Platonic Requested (PR) Touch guidelines
Tiny Group Voice Circles tips
Saturday: Release
First Song Flow
Invitation to share what is alive for you
Second Song Flow
Sunday, June 2nd
7:00 am Option of meditation in Rug Room
8:00 Breakfast
9-11 Slide into the voice; First and Second Song Flows
11:15-12:15 pm Soak* and/or Requests
12:30 Lunch
1:15-2:00 Pack and say goodbyes
*Soak: Soak times are all about you tuning in to what you need in the moment, noticing what is coming up for you, what is asking to be heard, what is asking to be tended, what you hear your voice saying. Soak is time and space for your questions to tumble over and shape a way.
Options will include:
Thursday, May 30th
4-6 pm Arrive, check-in and explore
5:30 Hors d'ouevres
6:30 Dinner
7:45-9:15 Drop In & Welcome
First Song Flow
Co-listening guidelines
5-minute Question Dive guidelines
Friday, May 31st & Saturday, June 1st
7:00 am Option of meditation in Rug Room
8:00 Breakfast
9-10:15 Slide into the voice Fri: First Song Flow Sat: Second Song Flow
10:30-11:30 Soak*
11:45 - 12:15 pm Optional Song Requests
12:30 Lunch
1:30-3:15 Free time, Rest time
3:30-5:00 Play Fri: First Song Flow Sat: Second Song Flow
5:15 - 6:15 Soak*
6:30 Dinner
7:45-9:15
Friday: Deepen
Second Song Flow
Platonic Requested (PR) Touch guidelines
Tiny Group Voice Circles tips
Saturday: Release
First Song Flow
Invitation to share what is alive for you
Second Song Flow
Sunday, June 2nd
7:00 am Option of meditation in Rug Room
8:00 Breakfast
9-11 Slide into the voice; First and Second Song Flows
11:15-12:15 pm Soak* and/or Requests
12:30 Lunch
1:15-2:00 Pack and say goodbyes
*Soak: Soak times are all about you tuning in to what you need in the moment, noticing what is coming up for you, what is asking to be heard, what is asking to be tended, what you hear your voice saying. Soak is time and space for your questions to tumble over and shape a way.
Options will include:
- art making with Patty
- private journalling or meditation
- walking/hiking in groups or alone
- open hanging out (designated space)
- Co-listening with another person
- Question Dives with another person
- Sat or Sun: Platonic Requested (PR) Touch
- Sat or Sun: Tiny Group Voice Circles
- yoga, tai chi, or other movement practice (unguided)
- quiet in the company of others (designated space)
- intuitive bodywork/presence time with Darren
"Thank you for doing the hard work behind the scenes and in your own heart to be able to create such an emotionally rich space for us all." -- Naomi S.
Q&A
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IS THERE LOTS OF SINGING?
You bet! That's the core... I (Patricia) will lead singing sessions with minimal talking. We'll drop into a flow of songs that travel an arc of welcome & gathering, gratitude & presence, grief & praise, power & change, blessings & dreams. All songs will be taught in the moment, and the arrangement of the song will be responsive to the energy and delight in the room. Sometimes, I'll be very specific about the music, following the composer's intentions. Some songs will have openings for participants who are moved to create harmonies, bass lines, or percussion. Always, we will be listening for how the song blooms among our particular voices, all of which are welcomed in our space. Coming back to the same set of songs for several sessions will allow the music to deepen and grow in us as we relax into the sounds. |
I will also briefly share guidelines for some specific connection techniques for Soak times: Co-listening, Question Dives, PR (platonic requested) Touch, and Tiny Group Voice Circles. You'll be able to practice these techniques with each other, safe in the knowledge that it's welcome to be messy; everyone's figuring things out!
For many, many years, I didn't sing where anyone else could hear me, ashamed and judgmental of my voice. Rediscovering it, coaxing it out has been a hugely healing, affirming, and ongoing practice for me. I've been honored to support & witness hundreds of folk as they fell deeply, comfortably in love with singing and their own voices. I have also experienced and seen how hearing our own voices and being heard can soften and warm what has been frozen. Now I turn to singing to help me access the power to change, the power to heal, the power to be present with what is. On top of all that, singing is a practice of freedom, of opening, of increasing self-trust -- the kind of deepening connection with our own selves that allows for rich connection with others.
For many, many years, I didn't sing where anyone else could hear me, ashamed and judgmental of my voice. Rediscovering it, coaxing it out has been a hugely healing, affirming, and ongoing practice for me. I've been honored to support & witness hundreds of folk as they fell deeply, comfortably in love with singing and their own voices. I have also experienced and seen how hearing our own voices and being heard can soften and warm what has been frozen. Now I turn to singing to help me access the power to change, the power to heal, the power to be present with what is. On top of all that, singing is a practice of freedom, of opening, of increasing self-trust -- the kind of deepening connection with our own selves that allows for rich connection with others.
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DO I HAVE TO BE AN ARTIST TO MAKE THINGS WITH PATTY?
Patty Piotrowski will offer opportunities during Soak times to create tangible responses to the songs, as she does every week for A Breath of Song. There will be paper and materials to play and explore with color and form... no art credentials required! Patty is a new grandmother, recently retired from working in special education, and she says, "art has become a portal to healing and growing my creative resilience." |
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WHAT IS DARREN DOING?
Darren Moskowitz is an intuitive bodywork specialist and compassionate listener. He will be available for intuitive care. Some individual bodywork or myofascial release sessions will be open during Soak times for fees payable to him of $100/45 minutes, with income sensitivity adjustments possible. These are not massage sessions, but tending times with the assistance of an intuitive and trained bodywork specialist.
Darren Moskowitz is an intuitive bodywork specialist and compassionate listener. He will be available for intuitive care. Some individual bodywork or myofascial release sessions will be open during Soak times for fees payable to him of $100/45 minutes, with income sensitivity adjustments possible. These are not massage sessions, but tending times with the assistance of an intuitive and trained bodywork specialist.
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WHERE WILL WE BE?
The Rowe Center is located on 60 gorgeous, wooded acres with a variety of beautiful indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. Housing choices include private single rooms with en suite baths; single rooms with shared baths; shared rooms; dorms and cabins; and summer camping. I am honored to be part of a singing workshop tradition there which includes offerings by Dr. Ysaye M. Barnwell. Click here to learn more about Rowe's accomodations. Click here to visit Rowe's FAQ page. Rooms can be accessed with walkers, but are not wheelchair accessible (old doorways are too narrow.) If you have other accessibility questions, I'd love to be in conversation with you about how we can warmly welcome you. |
WHAT DO UPGRADES IN HOUSING ACCOMODATIONS COST?
This is more for Rowe to answer, but I can tell you they said for those 3 nights a room with a full bed is an extra $300, a room shared with 2 twin beds is an extra $150/person and a room with a single twin bed is an extra $188/person. The dorm rooms or 3-season cabins and all meals are part of the basic fee of $550.
CAN MY DIETARY NEEDS BE MET?
The Rowe Center experienced kitchen staff consistently amaze everyone with their delicious culinary artistry, as well as their willingness to cater to special diets, from vegan and gluten-free to high protein. The food is fresh, healthy and delicious, from baked breads, homemade soups, and gourmet entrees to yummy desserts— all prepared lovingly. In Step 3 of the registration process you will be able to communicate directly with Rowe to set things up.
WHAT IF MY HEART CRACKS?
Singing is a powerful way to open up and experience feelings within the comfort of sound. I've sobbed, laughed, felt a clutch in my stomach, raged, been soothed and eased -- all by song. There will be time in each session for some kind of quick check-in, and your privacy is respected. You may find yourself moving through waves of feeling as we sing -- that is natural and beautiful in this space -- or you might just sing. Feelings, big or small, are neither required nor dismissed.
I will respect and trust you and your way, and ask that you do the same for yourself and those around you. We are not here to fix. As a group we bear witness and care through our singing, surrounding all of us with the healing vibration of sound and loving intent; you can find your own intimacy and intensity levels without pressure or judgment. During the soaking times, you are encouraged to tend to your needs, noticing what's working and what's not. You can practice community skills we're learning, or choose to be in solitude. What matters is that you're practicing the art of noticing what you need.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
We recognize the significance of this investment, and if there is a financial barrier to you coming, please contact Patricia directly to work it out in confidentiality. Due to the generous contributions of some supporters, it will be possible for us to offer some limited aid. Please ask, and if you have funds to help others come, please also let me know.
REFUND POLICY
You have the option to cancel your program reservation at any time up to 5 days before the program start date and receive a refund, less a 15% cancellation fee. Cancellations made within 4 days of the program start date will not be eligible for a refund.
SIZE OF THE RETREAT
We are anticipating 15-25 people; we will cap at 30 to preserve the intimacy and connection of the group.
OTHER QUESTIONS?
Your questions are very welcome! You can:
This is more for Rowe to answer, but I can tell you they said for those 3 nights a room with a full bed is an extra $300, a room shared with 2 twin beds is an extra $150/person and a room with a single twin bed is an extra $188/person. The dorm rooms or 3-season cabins and all meals are part of the basic fee of $550.
CAN MY DIETARY NEEDS BE MET?
The Rowe Center experienced kitchen staff consistently amaze everyone with their delicious culinary artistry, as well as their willingness to cater to special diets, from vegan and gluten-free to high protein. The food is fresh, healthy and delicious, from baked breads, homemade soups, and gourmet entrees to yummy desserts— all prepared lovingly. In Step 3 of the registration process you will be able to communicate directly with Rowe to set things up.
WHAT IF MY HEART CRACKS?
Singing is a powerful way to open up and experience feelings within the comfort of sound. I've sobbed, laughed, felt a clutch in my stomach, raged, been soothed and eased -- all by song. There will be time in each session for some kind of quick check-in, and your privacy is respected. You may find yourself moving through waves of feeling as we sing -- that is natural and beautiful in this space -- or you might just sing. Feelings, big or small, are neither required nor dismissed.
I will respect and trust you and your way, and ask that you do the same for yourself and those around you. We are not here to fix. As a group we bear witness and care through our singing, surrounding all of us with the healing vibration of sound and loving intent; you can find your own intimacy and intensity levels without pressure or judgment. During the soaking times, you are encouraged to tend to your needs, noticing what's working and what's not. You can practice community skills we're learning, or choose to be in solitude. What matters is that you're practicing the art of noticing what you need.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
We recognize the significance of this investment, and if there is a financial barrier to you coming, please contact Patricia directly to work it out in confidentiality. Due to the generous contributions of some supporters, it will be possible for us to offer some limited aid. Please ask, and if you have funds to help others come, please also let me know.
REFUND POLICY
You have the option to cancel your program reservation at any time up to 5 days before the program start date and receive a refund, less a 15% cancellation fee. Cancellations made within 4 days of the program start date will not be eligible for a refund.
SIZE OF THE RETREAT
We are anticipating 15-25 people; we will cap at 30 to preserve the intimacy and connection of the group.
OTHER QUESTIONS?
Your questions are very welcome! You can:
- contact Patricia directly at any time at [email protected]
- open conversation about the program in Step 4 of registration (pre-retreat form)
- ask accommodation and meals questions of Rowe directly in Step 3 of registration or at 413.339.4954.
"I loved your honesty, enthusiasm, warmth, and pure joy in sharing the gifts that come from singing." -- Amanda C.
