A Tribute to Big Skies and Elk Magic
It was Labor Day weekend in 2014 when I attended my first Big Sky Retreat in Montana. That experience blessed my life in more ways than I could possibly have imagined. For 48 years, spiritual seekers have traveled to that gorgeous part of the country to meditate, sing, learn, connect, and awaken.
Sadly, the Big Sky Retreat is hosting its final gathering this Labor Day weekend. To commemorate this event, and to honor the gift the Retreat has been to me and countless others, I felt inspired to share what I wrote after my first experience in 2014. The theme that year was “Living the Light.” Ten years later, it’s just now occurring to me how the story I’m about to share is a perfect symbol of that theme.
September 2014:
The other day, I read the powerful words from A Course in Miracles that appear at the bottom of this page. They certainly describe my experience on the road with Dr. Charles Geddes, my friend, soul brother, and founding member of the Big Sky Retreat Board of Directors. Each morning, we took a few moments to connect to Source and pray. We pre-paved and “pre-prayed” the way of our journey by clearly stating our intentions for that day.
We wanted to experience and share peace, love, and joy wherever we went. We asked to not only experience these qualities but to be that Presence. We stated our desire for Presence to be revealed as Mother Nature’s beauty along the drive through the Grand Tetons and during our visit to Yellowstone National Park.
We included prayers of protection for the participants and speakers traveling to the Big Sky Retreat from all over the globe. May they arrive safely and receive exactly what they need for profound healing and transformation. We expressed our knowing that every word, every hug, and every moment of the Retreat would assist us in "Living the Light."
I am happy to report that it worked! Mother Nature did indeed reveal her beauty along the way, especially at Yellowstone. We had a magnificent day of hiking through breathtaking vistas and some surprisingly close (but safe) encounters with bison. With full and satisfied hearts, Charles and I decided to call it a day and start the long drive out of the park before the sun went down.
We had been driving for about 30 minutes toward the west exit when we noticed something drawing a crowd of spectators. Dozens of vehicles were parked haphazardly along the road as the passengers jumped out to get a better look at something. The number of cars and people told us it must be something quite extraordinary so we decided to stop and join the gawkers. I’m so glad we did!
Way off in the distance, two elk were locking antlers in a golden meadow on the other side of Snake River. We had arrived at the perfect moment to watch the show. Their sparring was very gentle, so we guessed they were young males trying out their new antlers. Occasionally and for no apparent reason, the elk stopped sparring to graze peacefully on the grasses together as if there had been no conflict a moment ago. With each spar and successive food break, the elk moved closer and closer to Snake River as we humans watched in awe from the other side.
Then, to our amazement, the elk paused side by side in the golden light of the setting sun directly across from where we were standing. It’s like they knew they were the stars of the show and this was their final pose for their adoring fans. That’s when I snapped the picture above. After a few moments of stillness, the elk entered the water together and waded off into the sunset down Snake River. It was an epic ending to an epic day.
Our journey was filled with “wow” moments like that. Honestly, the Big Sky Retreat was one big “WOW!” I felt that Presence more times than I could count. Many times throughout the Retreat my eyes filled with tears of gratitude and joy. Yes, we definitely received as we had asked.
August 2024:
That was my experience ten years ago, and I have no doubt that those attending the final Big Sky Retreat this weekend will experience that same Presence. And if I needed evidence that this message wanted to be shared again this week, I got it! The Course quote below is from Chapter 21. Section II. The Responsibility for Sight. What a “coincidence” that this is the section we read this Tuesday in my weekly online A Course in Miracles Study Group! That was not planned. It just happened to be where we left off last week as we continued our journey through the text. I love those winks from Spirit!
This story from a decade ago helps me remember to be mindful of what I am asking for. If I am not happy with what I am receiving, I know that I can ask for something else. Of course, what we receive or experience is often not something we would consciously choose. It would be my great honor to help you uncover what you might unconsciously be choosing with a private Family Constellations Session or a series of Spiritual Coaching Sessions. Both will give you new insights and tools to move forward in a way that feels empowering and joyful. Please look around my website for more information and to book a session. I look forward to Living the Light with you.
I am responsible for what I see.
I choose the feelings I experience, and I decide upon the goal I would achieve.
And everything that seems to happen to me I ask for, and receive as I have asked.
A Course in Miracles ~ T-21.II.2:3-5