This retreat is designed for both family and professional caregivers, especially of elders. We will focus on the care we provide, the elders we love and the broader issues of living and aging well (schedule and descriptions below). Topics include:

• Reflections on Aging
• Mental Wellness: Caring for Self and Caring for Others
• Companions on the Journey
• A Deeper Perspective on Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
• The Quality of Our Lives, Leaving this Life, Death and Dying
• Small Group Discussions based on Relationships of Care
• The Ten Gifts for the Evolving Caregiver

The practice of meditation, being mindful and bringing basic attendance to our work, heightens our connection. To retreat to this beautiful location and share time and space with others involved in similar work and care is also refreshing and affirming. We will shine light on the opportunities for personal growth inherent in being of service, while gently reminding ourselves of selfcare. We hope this offering will provide a foundation for thoughtful introspection and bring refreshment and inspiration to all who participate.

This contemplative caregivers retreat is grounded in the practice of seated meditation. The teachers will each lead 30 minutes of meditations, one on Friday, two on Saturday and one on Sunday. During our sessions, we plan to move through some guided meditations and contemplative pauses relevant to our topics.

The three presenters are colleagues from Boulder ,Colorado who are excited and honored to be able to hold this retreat at Wonderwell Mountain Refuge. As presenters we have personal as well as professional experiences with caregiving and working in healthcare. As students of life we also have many years of exploring our paths, experiencing challenging times and dynamics that arise in the puzzle of being human. We are passionate about geriatrics, interested in exploring this phase of life, and share in our gratitude for any opportunities to experience the profound.