Dr. Pat Bailey Leads Four Meditations in Nature

03 Aug Dr. Pat Bailey Leads Four Meditations in Nature

Pastor Pat Bailey

Pat Bailey of Telluride’s Christ Presbyterian Church, is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. He was ordained in the Presbyterian Church in 1987. For 16 years, Pat served as a chaplain in the U.S. Army. He is also an Iraq War veteran. Pastor Pat holds several degrees: a Master of Divinity from Columbia Seminary, a Master of Theology in comparative religion from Emory University, and (recently) a Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary. His primary professional interests are interfaith spirituality, evolutionary consciousness, nature spirituality – and accompanying others in spiritual community. To that end, Pastor Pat will be leading a program he calls “Four Meditations in Nature.”

When?

Friday August 23 – Sunday, August 25, 2013. Arrive Friday night by 6 p.m.; depart Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Coming from out of town? Help is available with lodging for before and after the retreat.

Where?

The meditations take place in the High Camp Hut near Lizard Head  (Elevation: 11,043 feet, GPS Location: N37’46’455 and W107’54’572). The cabin sits on the edge of a high alpine meadow with views of Sheep Mountain and San Miguel Peak, and distant views of Mt. Wilson, El Diente, and Lizard Head Peak. Access to the High Camp Hut is 17 miles from Telluride driving south on Hwy 145.  Exactly two miles past the sign that marks the top of Lizard Head Pass pull off on the first dirt road on the left, the one just before the approach to the East Fork Trailhead. There is a parking area at the end of the dirt road. Partcipants will see a green and red gate that is the beginning of the trail to the High Camp Hut. The hut is two miles from the parking area on a private trail that winds through spruce forests and alpine meadows, climbing 1000 feet to the cabin.  Please plan on at least 1 hour to hike to the hut.

What’s It All About?

The meditations are designed to bring us to a deeper and fuller awareness of Nature and of Spirit in our experiencing of same.  Friday evening includes four perspectives and related states of consciousness participants are seeking to attain through meditation. After further orientation on Saturday morning, the first of four two-hour meditations takes place. After each meditation, time will be spent in a circle to explore experiences and prepare for the next meditation. Each meditation is conducted alone out in Nature, within a safe radius of the hut. While not the same as sitting or silent meditation, the Four Meditations will offer opportunities for deep engagement with experiences of Nature and Spirit.

Schedule?

Friday

6:00 p.m.– Arrival and Dinner
7:30-8:30 p.m. — Orientation to the Meditations

Saturday

7:00 a.m. — Breakfast
8:00-9:00 a.m. — Orientation to First Meditation
9:00-11:00 a.m.– First Meditation
11:00-12:00 a.m.– Exploring Our Experiences Together
12:00 Noon — Lunch
1:00-2:00 p.m.– Orientation to Second Meditation
2:00-4:00 p.m. — Second Meditation
4:00-5:00 p.m. — Exploring Our Experiences Together
5:00-6:00p.m. — Free time
6:00 p.m.– Dinner

Sunday

7:00 a.m. — Breakfast
7:30-8:30 a.m. — Orientation to First Meditation
8:30-10:30 a.m. — First Meditation
10:30-11:30 a.m. — Exploring Our Experiences Together
11:30 a.m. — Lunch
12:00-1:00 p.m. — Orientation to Second Meditation
1:00-3:00 p.m. — Second Meditation
3:00-4:00 p.m. — Exploring Our Experiences Together
4:30 — Depart

What should I bring along?

Outdoor clothes suitable for a range of temperatures and conditions
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm)
Binoculars and a magnifying glass
Flashlight/headlamp with extra batteries
Toiletries and bath towel
Warm blankets or sleeping bag and linens to cover mattress and pillow
Whatever snacks or drinks you prefer and a water bottle
Writing tablet for notes or journaling
Small first-aid kit for minor injuries or discomforts

Weather?

Temperatures should range from 40 to 70 F. Weather conditions often range widely at high altitude. Be prepared for daily but brief rain showers.

Food?

Participants to partner up to provide one of the six meals for the 12 participants on the retreat. Pastor Pat will help coordinate.  Let him know ahead of time if you have any special dietary requirements of preferences.  Already available at the hut: pots and pans, cooking utensils, silverware, mugs, paper plates and bowls, drinking water, dish soap, garbage bags, and a propane cook stove and grill.

Safety?

Be advised cell phones will not work at the cabin. An emergency notification device just in case is provided.  Partner up with other participants for the hike in and out. We will designate easy to identify boundaries for the meditations. There are first aid supplies at the hut, but please bring your own for minor injuries or discomforts. Do not leave valuables in your car at the parking site.

Cost?

A $75 fee covers lodging and program materials. To officially register, get a $25 deposit and the High Camp release form to Pastor Pat no later than August 14. (Deposits are refundable only if there is someone else to fill the vacancy.)

How to sign up now?

Go to the High Camp Hut website, read all the pages related to directions, accommodations, safety precautions, and rules (no pets, no smoking, etc). You can download the release form from the site or Pastor Pat can arrange to have a form sent.

To reach Dr. Pat Bailey, email  mtnpas@me.com, call 970-708-1092, mail, P.O. Box 3524, Telluride, CO 81435.

Find more information about Pastor Pat and the spiritual community he serves at http://www.christchurchtelluride.com.

Contact Pastor Pat for further information and a list of recommended (not required) readings to help you prepare.

AND

Click the “play” button to listen to our conversation about the spiritual adventure.