THE MYSTERY OF INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP
Flesh and Spirit: Way of Council for Couples*
Amber McIntyre and David Jessup
2—9 July €550 ** Kissos Campus
No teacher is more powerful than an intimate erotic relationship to awaken us from the slumber of self preoccupation. As love matures, an intimate connection can take on a life of its own beyond the conscious desires and personalities of the partners. The deepening mystery of intimacy invokes a new level of awareness more expansive than either partner can achieve alone. This Third Presence evokes spirit in a way that we only stumble onto now and then in the midst of ordinary conversation. It is experienced in many ways—as mentor, shaman, comforter, and a gateway to more ecstatic communion.
This Flesh and Spirit Retreat will offer a nurturing environment for couples to explore relationship and what lies at the heart of their erotic nature. The focus of this workshop is a variation of The Way of Council for couples called Dyadic Council —compassionate, heartfelt expression, complemented by empathetic, non-judgmental speaking and listening—in this case between partners. It’s a process by which each couple gets to share from the heart and listen devoutly whilst simultaneously being witnessed by the group of couples.
Dyadic Councill creates a sacred space for sharing our deepest concerns and our most intimate feelings. The retreat is about renewal—beginning again for some, going deeper for others. For those who are experiencing difficulties, it is about communicating your deepest truth and been truly heard, a forum that will allow you to dare to share whatever might be troubling you, even at the risk of separation.
The week will include meditation, dream sharing and energy practices that open us to subtle energy fields that we usually do not admit to awareness, yet which can help open our hearts to each other. These energy practices enhance the erotic current that may otherwise be blocked in a long-term relationship through boredom, routine, or habitual disagreements. And they offer new ways of playing with our partner and honoring the Divine Man and the Divine Woman in each of us. We experience how in coming into union with another we are truly coming home to our true selves.
Finally there is an intention to go beyond what is known, to live the mystery of intimate partnership, and to see relationship as a recipe for self knowledge, compassion and communion that has the power to transform the world!
*This Retreat is for couples who have already attended a Flesh and Spirit or similar program or who have a background in Council. The workshop is limited to a maximum of six couples. **The 5% early booking discount is available for this workshop. Please note that there is no explicit nudity in the workshop.
DAVID ‘JESSE’ JESSUP was born in the United States and moved to South Africa with Amber in 2005. He has a degree in Psychology from San Diego State University, with 30 years of experience in community dynamics and management, and extensive training and experience in the facilitation of wilderness journeys and relationship retreats.
AMBER McINTYRE is a widely travelled South African who has spent 12 years living in the United States with husband Jesse. She has over 20 years experience in program design, administration and facilitation, and a strong commitment to offer nurturing environments for individuals to explore their relationship with all of life.
Jesse and Amber are affiliated with The Ojai Foundation in California, an experiential learning community providing Council-based programs and services to individuals, families, schools, non-profit organizations and corporations. They are part of the Flesh & Spirit faculty offering relationship retreats worldwide. These trainings were initiated by Drs Jack Zimmerman & Jaquelyn McCandless, authors of the book, Flesh and Spirit, the Mystery of Intimate Relationship. Amber and Jesse thrive in dynamic partnership and are passionate about providing forums for growing awareness.
Amber and Jesse can be reached at:
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