2010 Retreat September 19-24, 2010 THE PASSAGE A Journey That Transforms Life Facilitated by William Spear The Grail Retreat Center Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York Located 60 miles (95 km) north of Manhattan, 20 miles north of West Point, and 10 miles south of Stewart Intl Airport in Newburgh, NY, the Victorian-era estate buildings are nestled on 45 peaceful and secluded acres. The environment and woodland provide a nurturing setting to support healing, reconciliation, renewal and personal work. There are walking trails with views of meadows, mountains and bubbling streams. The Passage will have exclusive use of the retreat center for the week. The Grail is an international women's organization offering support, training and retreats for spiritual search, social justice, ecological sustainability and community development. THE PASSAGE COST is US$1,850 if paid in full by July 30, 2010 or US$1,995 thereafter. Price includes tuition, shared room for 5 nights, and 3 high-quality, delicious macrobiotic meals a day starting with supper on Sept. 19 and ending with lunch on Sept. 24. A few single rooms may be available for an additional $300 for the 5 nights. All bathrooms are shared. The group will be limited to 20 participants. Check-in on Sept. 19 is between 3 - 5 PM, in time for the evening meal at 6 pm. The Passage ends with lunch on Sept. 24 and departure by 2 pm. Participants MUST be present at both the opening supper and closing lunch. Registration is limited to participants whose applications are approved by the facilitators. The Application form is on this website. GENERAL information September in the North East generally offers idyllic Fall weather and "Indian Summer" when colorful Fall foliage is apt to be resplendent. Temperatures range from 65 F (18 C) by day to about 45 F (7 C) at night. Days are mostly sunny with perhaps some fog and rain so bring rain gear. Come also with all the toiletries and medications you might require to avoid having to go off the property. Leave home your finery and makeup: dress is comfortable and casual. Layering is a good idea for this changeable season as are good walking shoes to explore the grounds and woodlands. A flashlight is useful after dark. Please note that doors at the Center do not lock. All bathrooms are shared. The Grail Retreat Center does not have computers or Internet service for guests. If you must absolutely communicate via the Internet, there is a public library in town and an Internet cafe. Since The Passage is a retreat into yourself and a withdrawal from the outside world and relationships, it is recommended that you not leave the property during the program or attempt to conduct business, surf the net or even have much interaction with friends and family. This is a time to dedicate 5 days entirely to yourself. IMPORTANT NOTE: Activities, meals, breaks and rest periods are built into the program. There is group work conducted each evening after supper. Any and all trips off-site for sightseeing, shopping, entertainment, etc. are best planned for either before or after The Passage; you might keep this in mind when considering a rental car since it will sit idle during the program. When anticipating your departure, please note that launching into a hectic schedule immediately after completing The Passage can be counterproductive. Past participants stress the importance of the days immediately following The Passage for integrating and assimilating the experience rather than hurrying back to one's personal and professional life. It is recommended, therefore, that you spend a few days in a minimum-stress environment. Because a group will be arriving at The Grail Friday afternoon, Sept. 24, it will not be possible to extend your stay at the retreat center. There are, however, many accommodation options in the area. Keep in mind that this is "Leaf Peeper" season when hotels book up well in advance. Click on Image to Enlarge TRAVEL information to The Grail Retreat Center PO Box 475, 119 Duncan Avenue, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY 12520, USA www.thegrailatcornwall.org Tel: (845) 534-2031 info@thegrailatcornwall.org The Grail Retreat Center's comprehensive website gives driving directions and public transportation options. In order to travel to/from The Grail by air, the closest major airport is just 10 miles north of The Grail: Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, NY that is served by JetBlue, Delta and US Airways. The New York City metropolitan airports of LaGuardia, JFK and Newark in New Jersey are the next closest and largest airports - Newark being the most efficient. For questions regarding THE PASSAGE. please contact the organizers at: FORTUNATE BLESSINGS FOUNDATION 24 Village Green Drive, Litchfield, CT 06759-3419, USA Tel (860) 567-8801 Fax (860) 567-3304 www.fortunateblessings.org info@fortunateblessings.org