Christine Kane - Retreats

Retreats

2008 Great Big Dreams Retreats

March 14 - 16 (SOLD OUT)
June 6 - 8 (SOLD OUT)
October 3 - 5 (SOLD OUT)
December 27 - 29

Christine has been facilitating her Great Big Dreams retreats for five years. These retreats have become every bit as popular as her live performances. Four times a year, she reserves a three-day weekend at the Bend of Ivy Lodge in the mountains of North Carolina and invites groups of 20 women to convene for reflection, silence, examining life directions, and mapping out plans for creating a more authentic life. Below are some commonly asked questions about the retreats, and Christine’s answers…

(If you’re looking for pricing and any other details of the nitty-gritty sort, go ahead and email us at info@firepink.com.)

CLICK HERE IF YOU’RE READY TO SIGN UP!

RETREAT FAQ’S

So what is this retreat thing? You’re a songwriter! Why are you doing this?

Years ago, I taught a bunch of writing and songwriting workshops all over the country. Several people who saw these on my schedule wrote to my website to ask if I ever taught “non-songwriting workshops.” That same year, I was invited to be a Keynote Speaker at a conference called “Following Your Passion.” I realized that I had a lot to teach and to say about the many things I have learned from doing just that. Things that had nothing to do with songwriting or performing.

So at one point, I put a note out to my mailing list that I wanted to facilitate a retreat where I helped women get clear with their own lives and passions and intents. The response was big, and my first retreat had 25 women. It was amazing. The retreats have continued ever since. I fit them into my schedule when it feels right.

I do it because I’m good at it. And I love the challenge of it. It’s different. I’m not just standing on a stage performing for an audience. I’m able to sit down with people and share what I’ve learned. I also do it because when I first decided to take a leap and follow my dreams, I had very little encouragement. I found most of my “yesses” from books and from random people who came into my life briefly to help me. Slowly, more and more encouraging people entered my life. And now, I want to be that presence for other people.

What is the average age of participants?

The age span has ranged anywhere from 17 years old to 67 years old. There’s not really an average. Probably the bulk of the women have been in their thirties and forties.

What do you do at your retreat?

There’s lots of space and silent time.

I don’t like retreats and workshops where every last minute is filled with some new and distracting activity. This is really time for you. And so, I allow for lots of reflection and journal writing in between activities. I do some discussion on topics from creativity to forgiveness to setting intent to goal setting. I try to allow for both the “practical” and the “spiritual” elements of daily life in my lectures. (You might want to know that my use of the word “spiritual” embraces all teachings, and all viewpoints.) The group participates in writing exercises and sometimes guided meditations. Because the numbers allow for intimate discussions, many individuals have a chance to get input from others about challenges they’re dealing with in their own lives. The site is surrounded by woods, rivers and streams, so lots of people take walks.

There is a massage therapist on site. Many of the participants get a massage at some point during the three days.

The food is phenomenal. The chef uses all organic vegetables from her own garden. The menu is carefully created to promote healthy happy retreaters who aren’t loaded down by fat and carbs! Vegetarians and vegans are always welcome!

On the second night of the retreat, I perform an unplugged very intimate concert. Sometimes participants will read poetry or do some other performance that evening after the show.

If you want to find out more, please email info@firepink.com. We’ll send you all the info you need.

*CLICK HERE IF YOU’RE READY TO SIGN UP!*

testimonials

I knew from hearing Christine's music and seeing her perform that she was one of "my" people and finally got up the nerve to step out of my comfort zone and sign up for the June 2006 retreat. Besides going to college, I think this is the smartest decision I've ever made. I am a bigger, better, more open person because of it.

MK, Greensboro, NC

Finding Christine's website after googling "vision boards," a friend and I registered for the retreat figuring she had some good things to say. I was in for an amazing surprise - the weekend certainly did unfold as the land, the women, and Christine's quiet wisdom created a cocoon for contemplation and growth. Even now, I feel the effects of the teaching, the thinking, and the 'making space,' and know that my life is different, that I am somehow different. Our group has continued to encourage one another through the Internet and mini reunions, to create a web of support I'd never anticipated. I encourage any woman who wants to take time for thoughts to marinate, is willing to connect to self and others, and desires wisdom through words, interaction, nature, and music to try one of Christine's retreats. The only thing you'll regret is that it's too short!

Michelle, Lexington, KY

"Christine initiated an incredibly open and affecting experience with humor and insight and also a good dose of practical help for us to continue to grow beyond the retreat weekend. The retreat continues to inspire me and make me bigger. Suffice it to say that the experience has gone way beyond my expectations!

Anne, Asheville, NC

Christine is funny and tender and inspiring. She shows up, so real and present and creates a sacred space that is somehow safe enough to touch the deepest places in ourselves and connect there with others.

Ruth, Phoenix, AZ

"Christine skillfully weaves a circle with her retreat attendees, bringing their colors and textures out. Each person chooses how much of themselves will be in the weave. Through exercises, talking and quiet, we all discovered hidden things within ourselves and within the circle. An understanding of our lives "clicked", and we found a new peace and hope. Christine is gifted. If she never sang another note, never wrote another song, she would still be a gift to the world."

Becky, Jacksonville, FL

"I came to Christine's retreat after a grueling semester in Seminary, exhausted in body and spirit, not at all sure that I was in the right place; and if I wasn't, what I wanted to do about it. Those three days changed my life. Christine provided beautiful and sacred space that allowed me time to center and recharge, to get out of my intellect and into my heart. I came away from that time renewed and able to look in new directions. I did not leave with complete clarity but I did come away with the ability to trust my heart and soul and move forward again."

Dianne, St. Louis, MO