Bobbi and I had an amazing weekend on a retreat at a riverside paradise near Golden in British Columbia.  Quantum Leaps is run by Annette Boelman and Brian Olynek and is a retreat centre in the Blaeberry Valley.  Annette and Brian have created a haven for inner and outer reflection and discovery.  They are generous, caring people and it was very special to share time with them.  Our small group came together guided by Amarin on a series of explorations.  On Saturday night, we built a huge fire collectively and then we walked on the coals in a Fire Walking Ceremony.  It was one of those experiences that I am still thinking about a couple of days later and feels like a profound step towards a great part of the journey.

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Here our group is preparing for the fire walk as the fire burns down.  I am so happy to have shared this experience with my Bobbi, looking over her shoulder in the photograph above.

Annette begins raking the fire

Sparks stream upwards while the flames profile Brian.

Boards we wrote on ignite over the embers

The fire, the tipi and a man

These are the coals we walked over!

Bobbi walking over the coals and then enjoying the feeling afterwards

That’s me staying focused…

… And then playing in the moment

The night sky beyond the fire

If you make the opportunity to walk on fire, you may find it very worthwhile.  For the record, none of us had any burns and all enjoyed the night and the sharing.  As far as the retreat, if you want to find time for yourself and those you want around you, Quantum Leaps is very highly recommended.  When we left, the Kokanee salmon were just starting to run and will be driving upriver for the next month.  Bald eagles were beginning to arrive, I saw a different one each morning perched in trees along the banks.  A black bear didn’t find me but was out by one of the cabins and has been a regular visitor over the past few days joining deer and the occasional elk which also enjoy the grounds.