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LA SOURCE OF PROVENCE October 11 to 20, 2008
What was it that drew Mary Magdalen to the shores of what was then known as Gaul? That attracted important progressive artists? And continues to pull those who can sense what is inherent in the very earth of Provence, those who recognize what is reflected in the incredible light that floods the region?
This is the region that so profoundly underwent the struggle between the Roman Catholic Church and those they called heretics, finally culminating in the Inquisition. Perhaps that's why locals live with the open secret that registers the presence of the woman who, legend says, carried the Holy Grail. We begin in the picturesque village of St. Maximum, visiting the basilica whose crypt contains an important relic of Mary's. Then, a short distance away, we come to the most hallowed of sites, near St. Baum, the grotto in which The Magdalen lived and taught during her remaining years. Here we will immerse ourselves in the energy, so prevalent and strong that the last king forbade the villagers to embrace the trees in the surrounding forest, and it will inform the rest of our journey. A day trip to the coast, through the beautiful Camargue with its famous white horses and flamingos, brings us to the place where "The Marys" landed. We spend time in the Church Stes. Maries and the shrine to Black Sarah, the patron saint of the Gypsies, where countless healings have been documented.
We learn why Cézanne was so enamored with St. Victoire, a huge limestone mountain arising from the landscape, which he often painted, and we hike the very paths he took up to a refuge. In Aix-en-Provence we enter his atelier, or studio, and get the feeling that he just stepped out for a moment.
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Kenosis LLC - PO Box 10441 - Prescott, AZ 86304 - 928.778.1058 - www.kenosis.net | ||||||||||||||
Join us in this unique program that melds sacred historical sites, the energy of the land, with a hearty taste of old Provençal culture — and the influential art that was born of it. Witness terroir, a closely held value of living with respect toward nature, responsible for producing foods and wines fit for gourmands. This special way of life may soon be gone, threatened by technology and those wanting to dispense with old ways.
Stirring in the artistic component, we experience places that inspired famous painters. We spend a morning in Arles where Van Gogh stayed for a time and see the nighttime café he captured in a well-known work. And we visit the village of St. Remy and the asylum where he voluntarily committed himself, remaining until shortly before his death. In this poignant place, we can get a real sense of this tragic master and appreciate the beauty in which he sought to surrender himself.
Pleasurable surprises are peppered throughout, leading to an immersion in local flavor and encounters with colorful characters. A traditional winery, a tasting of fresh cheese, vespers with the chanting monks of Abbaye de Senanque, ancient villages and traditional markets, culminating with a very special closing of the circle that will remain a secret until then...
Carla Woody, MA, CHT... author of Standing Stark and Calling Our Spirits Home... is the founder of Kenosis LLC, an organization based in Prescott, Arizona, supporting human potential through workshops and spiritual travel opportunities. She leads retreats internationally sharing an integration of NLP, subtle energy work and world sacred traditions, with a special emphasis on the mysticism of the Andes. Carla is the developer of "The Re-Membering Process", a model for spiritual growth, and works with individuals and groups in areas of transition, relationships, spirituality and whole health. She has a distinct reputation for weaving together the elements needed for creating a sense of place and people to ensure a meaningful journey. In this program she combines her work in spirituality with a love for art and France — well-nurtured since her early years when she lived there.
Jill Mitchell is an American woman living a long-held dream: to live and work in Provence. Education at the Sorbonne in Paris began her romance with France, along with frequent travel connected with her family's winery in California. She felt the magic of this region intensely and frequent visits were not enough. Leaning on her spiritual lessons, she hit the jackpot with a new life in her favorite part of the world. She credits her work with Carla Woody, as well as following the work of other spiritual teachers, for helping her to follow her heart and realize her cherished goal. She finds inspiration and spirit in so many aspects of French life: the wine makers, the food, the pride of the artisans, and the Provençal zest for living. Jill is looking forward to sharing all this with you.
Important notes: We reserve our programs for those harder to reach, often unusual places and seek to offer experiences that are unlikely you would have elsewhere. Through this vessel called spiritual travel, we can give permission — to ourselves — to open and explore the beauty and depth we own but may have forgotten. We can remember it all by creating connections through such places and people that extend them to us... as possibility.
When you register for our programs you are also helping to sponsor others. A percentage of proceeds are donated to Kenosis Spirit Keepers, a nonprofit organization that seeks to honor and preserve indigenous wisdom and sacred cultural practices. Their scholarship programs provide cross-cultural exchange, education and community-building opportunities for indigenous peoples, young adults and others.