BREITENBUSH MAGIC

First you get naked.  Well, not first maybe, but fairly soon after arriving at Breitenbush Hot Springs in Oregon, you head for the hot spring-fed pools, strip down, and step in.  Ahhhh.....warmth radiates, muscles relax, waters trickle down a gentle rocky wall as you lie back, eyes closed. You can let yourself float in the shallow pool or nestle into the curved rocks.

Breitenbush is a mountain retreat center, 50 miles east of Salem, that feels a bit like an old hippie commune, but one that is well-organzied and actually works. http://www.breitenbush.com  (Click through the photos on the website to see the glories Breitenbush!)  The focus is on health, nutrition, personal growth, and community connections.  The ancient natural hot springs have been corralled into beautiful natural pools where "soaking" is mostly done nude.  You get used to it.  It feels good.  You can wear a swimsuit if you want and no one will judge you.  You'll be in the minority though.

My husband and I visited earlier this month.  We go every year, usually in April when snow is often still on the ground.  Mostly mud and rain are the norm, along with a welcome warm spring afternoon on occasion.  We go for Kirtan retreats, most often with Jai Uttal, but he didn't come this year, so we signed up to go in June to chant with Benji and Heather Wertheimer, local Kirtan legends who play under the name "Shantala", inviting other musicians to join them on their numerous CDs released to date.  I've written about Kirtan in this blog before. Click here: Make a Joyful Noise  It is a practice I find deeply moving and deeply joyful, most particularly in a group like at the retreat with 30 others singing and chanting together.

At the June retreat, Yoga was an added component with Seattle yoga instructor Elizabeth Rainey (known as "Rainey") leading us in asana and meditation.  She has offered workshops at Yoga Circle studio and is an experienced and inspiring teacher, seamlessly blending poses with meditation resulting in subtle mind and body changes that leave one feeling terrific.   Steve Gorn, another extraordinary musician who was part of the retreat and who plays Bansuri flute provided "live" music to accompany our practice.

Mountain air, deep forest, lush gardens, spring-fed pools, natural sauna, rock-formed labyrinth, delicious and creative vegetarian fare, comfy wood cabins, the rushing Breitenbush River, miles of hiking trails, opportunities for massage, on-site yoga, a star-studded sky, and a vibe of deep respect for nature, humanity, and the possibilities and potentials for the life-giving force within us all make Breitenbush a special place.

Rainey will be leading her own Yoga Retreat there November 18 - 20.   Consider going.  You may find yourself deeply grateful for the gift of this quiet, magical place to kick off the holiday season.  It's likely to be chilly then.  Bring your boots ... and a towel.

Namaste,
   donnajurene