Heal Our Children Heal Ourselves Retreat

One of the main concepts in Buddhist beliefs is that impermanence and change are undeniable truths in our existence.

So we’re changing things up this time, and heading West (well, kinda….more like NW) and exploring new territory, as we discover the Menla Retreat Center!  But our chillaxing schedule of meditation, mindful breathing, nature walks, chanting, short presentations, and group sessions will continue to be an integral part of our time together.  Many of you have already requested an opportunity to share your latest projects. So on the menu (so far), we have —authors who will present their research on the PANS and PANDAS epidemic, and the HPV Vaccine; the latest updates on vaccines and parental rights; a body-brain integration workshop; a session on essential oils; a mother, whose son with ASD is writing his first book; discussions on communities, careers and educational programs designed for young adults with ASD, and much more…

Schedule

Friday, March 8th

• 3 – 8pm Check-in
• 6 – 7pm Dinner
• 7:15 – 8:30pm Welcome Gathering
• 8:30 – 8:45pm Break
• 8:45 – 9:15pm Geri Brewster, RD discusses how diet and proper supplementation positively affects both of mental and physical health
• 9:15 – 9:45 Dr Grace Chung Lee discusses mindfulness and living life one breath at a time
• 9:45 – 10pm Walking, Chanting and Silent Meditation
• 10pm Bedtime

Saturday, March 9th

• 7 – 7:30am Sitting & Chanting Meditation
• 7:30 – 8am Stretching and Movement
• 8 – 9am Breakfast
• 9 – 9:15am Opening Circle
• 9:15 – 9:45am Maria Rickert Hong, CHHC, discusses her new book “Brain Under Attack: A Resource for Parents and Caregivers of Children with PANS, PANDAS, and Autoimmune Encephalitis”
• 9:45 – 10:15am Session: Mary Hernandez, CHHC, shares her expertise on the many ways homeopathy may benefit your ASD child. Mary has recovered her ASD son through this method of healing.
• 10:15 – 10:45am Session: Dana Kizner, Psychologist- discusses the interconnection between psychology and spirituality
• 10:45 – 11am Break
• 11am – 12pm Small Group Discussion (led my Maria Boza)
• 12 – 1 pm Lunch
• 1 – 2pm Session: Vaccines: The latest updates on you and your children’s rights: Mary Holland & Giulia Miller. (Video to follow depending on time)
• 2 – 2:30pm Break followed by Nature Walk (weather permitting)
• 2:30 – 3:30pm Janessa Rick, PT will explain and demonstrate Reflex Integration
• 3:30 – 4:30pm How Do We Move Forward? – Janet, Angie, Melissa, Filomena, Nikki. Bridget – Followed by a small group session (Intention Circles)
• 4:30 – 5pm Walking, Chanting and Sitting Mediation led by Dr Lee
• 5 – 5:45pm Patty Lemer, LPC, will discuss her newly edited book, “Outsmarting Autism: The Ultimate Guide to Management, Healing and Prevention.”
• 6 – 7pm Dinner
• 7 – 7:45pm Young Adults with Autism: Where do we go from here? Mary H , Mary C, Shannon Y, Sandra W. Susan R, Mary H, Courtney C
• 7:45 – 8pm Break
• 8 – 8:30pm Maria Boza and Aleta St James discuss the many wonders of our children as sentient beings.
• 8:30 – 9:15pm Dance party with Aleta!
• 9:15 – 10pm Documentary (Depending on time): Bill Moyer’s interview with Pema Chodron on Faith and Reason (screening in back of dining hall)

Sunday, March 10th

• 7 – 7:30am Mediation with Dr Grace Chung Lee
• 7:30 – 8am Yoga and Stretching
• 7 – 11am Check-Out
• 8 – 9am Breakfast
• 9 – 9:30am Dr Grace Chung Lee: Dharma talk and mediation
• 9:30 – 10:30am Small group discussions
• 10 – 10:15am Break
• 10:15 – 10:45am Aleta St James: Healing through the Beat of the Drum
• 10:45 – 11:45am Closing Circle
• 12 – 1pm Lunch and Departure

*Please note that schedule is subject to change