The Elder’s Journey: The Four Shields of Elderhood for Women
Oct 4th, 2027 - Oct 10th, 2027 | Aravaipa Canyon Ranch and Retreat Center, Winkelman Arizona ( extra cost for accommodations apply) | Silvia Talavera, Trebbe Johnson
“We are the seeds of the tenacious plant, and it is in our ripeness and our fullness of heart that we are given to the wind and scattered.”
Kahlil Gibran
Throughout the ages, elder women have enjoyed sitting in circle to weave the rich tapestries of their stories, stories that continued to warm and inspire people across time and culture.
What about us, now, in our time? As women in all stages of growing into our greater years, there lies an inner longing to tell our own stories. We have children, or we are childless, we are single or we are partnered, working or retired, healthy or feeling the struggles of the body. Whatever stage of eldering we find ourselves navigating, it is important that we find our way with as much humor, grace and dignity as possible. Death awaits us all, and how we move through these years is of utmost importance.
Elderhood is an evolving experience that can be a ripening of our strengths rather than the dulling of our minds. From the words of social activist Maggie Kuhn, founder of the Gray Panthers movement, “Old age is not a disease. It is a strength in survivor-ship, triumph over all kinds of vicissitudes and disappointments, trials and illness.” This speaks to aging as an extraordinary achievement. It is an opportunity to re-awaken the imagination towards new possibilities and a renewed spirit inspired by the lived wisdom acquired over the years.
As we ripen into our elderhood, it may be time to re-map the landscape to make room for the emerging new perspectives of what it means to be an elder in today’s world. Through honoring the years of a life lived, creating new meaning and imparting our gifts as we move towards transformation and a renewed vitality, creativity, and vision. This program is an invitation to open to what is needed to welcome the elders we are becoming.
We define “women” inclusively, inviting all those who identify as female or feminine.
Program Overview: During our time together we will explore ways to deepen into a more conscious approach to how we can live as elder women as we face a rapidly changing world. We will recall our personal stories, life experiences and collected knowledge and discover ways to transform and integrate them into this new becoming as conscious elders.
We will explore an ancient means of looking into the mirror of nature through the lens of the Four Shields (a nature based teaching) that will reflect and support the wisdom of the elders as a natural point for introspection and meaning. Together we will move through the seasons, and the stages of our lives. These teachings and the Earth itself will help to bring what is needed to our particular stage of this rich new frontier.
Our days will begin with a morning circle that will include a check-in, and a weaving of teachings and explorations into what it means to grow into our greater years. There will be daily solo time in nature and late afternoon story councils for listening and reflection of your solo experience on the land.
One day you will embark on a dawn-to-dusk contemplative solo in nature. On our last night together we will offer a fire ceremony.
Time and Location: We encourage people to arrive at Aravaipa Canyon Ranch on Monday October 4th no later than 4:00 pm to allow time to settle in. That evening we’ll share a simple vegetarian welcome meal. Our first meeting will begin at 6pm. We will end on October 10th at noon. A detailed logistics letter will be sent out when you have registered.
Feel free to check out Aravaipa Canyon at: aravaiparanch.com. Please do not disturb the owner. All communication is done through the School of Lost Borders.
Practical Preparation: The School of Lost Borders makes no provisions for meals and encourages folks to come prepared to live self sufficiently. There is a full kitchen, bathrooms and showers and laundry facilities. Linens and bedding are provided.
Separate Accommodation fees: $350 per person. This price is fixed and includes tent camping (there is a dedicated tent camping area) if you choose to camp. Payments for accommodations will go directly to the owner. All the facilities will be available whether you choose to sleep indoors or outdoors. Sleeping accommodations are an open-bed arrangement. The large upstairs porch is available for sleeping out doors. There is plenty of space as our max will be 10-12 women.
Program Questions Contact Silvia Talavera at [email protected]
Submit Waitlist form
This program is full; however, you may add your name to the Waitlist by clicking the Waitlist button below.
Submit enrollment form
Please fill out and submit the enrollment form and then pay the program deposit below. Before you pay the deposit, please read deposit section below, all deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. After your enrollment form is complete, please submit all health and liability forms.
Pay program deposit
Deposits: This deposit signifies your commitment to the program and is deducted from the tuition balance. All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. They cover the work of the specific course you signed up for, including all communication involved as well as the fee that guides pay to the school administration for the course accounting.
Additional Deposit: Some programs require a second deposit to help us affirm commitments. Last minute cancellations make it hard to fill openings and incur a loss of income to the School and the guides.
Tuition Balance: Balance of tuition can be paid before or upon arrival. Simply deduct any deposits made from the amount you’ve chosen on the sliding scale.
Additional course details & Materials
Separate Accommodation fees: $350 per person.
We encourage people to arrive no later than Monday October 4th by 4:00pm to allow time to settle in. We will offer a simple welcome vegetarian meal at 5pm. Our first meeting will begin at 6:00pm. We will complete our ceremony Sunday October 10th at noon.
The School makes no provisions for meals and encourages you to come prepared to live self- sufficiently. There is a full kitchen available as well as bathrooms and showers. We will provide you with a detailed logistics letter once you have registered. all activities undertaken will be non-strenuous and our emphasis is always on “safety first”.
You will be responsible for bringing your own food and equipment, though we can provide some gear if needed. We ask everyone to come prepared to live self-sufficiently. You will need to bring shelter and clothing suitable for a full range of inclement weather.
All participants must submit the required health questionnaire and liability form.
If you have questions about the enrollment process contact us at [email protected] or call 760-938-3333.
There is no required reading for this program.
Aravaipa Canyon Apache (Nnee, The people) also know as the Dark Rock Apache due to the dark rock in Aravaipa Canyon and the Galiura Mountains. Current studies indicate remains of their pre colonial past indicate they are descended from the Hohokum people from the north.
To learn more about our commitment to regenerative relationships please visit Cultural Relations.
