Music As Medicine Retreat
Music is a language we all speak. It is a versatile thing, able to cultivate both the silly and the sacred. This winter, we will gather to explore music in one of its most sacred forms—Music as Medicine.
Most of our daily life requires us to harness words to express and perform what is needed. In this retreat, words will become secondary, and we will explore sacred sound and silence as forms of self-expression, of healing, of depth work, and of communion with likeminded others.
Music as Medicine retreat schedule
Opening and closing circles (Friday evening and Sunday morning) are a mandatory part of the event, as well as respect for silence during one of our sessions together if you are present at that time. All else is optional.
There will be sessions set aside for improvising intuitive, mindful sound, and these will be woven together with ample time for naps, walks in the woods, meals, and conversation if desired.
Our opening and closing circles will allow for space to set intentions and process the experience as a group, as well as to establish a sacred container for us to do this work together. You are invited to share as much or as little as you would like during these times; more information will be provided at the retreat about how we hold these circles.
We have designed this retreat to be introvert-friendly, meaning that we deliberately foster space and time alone to process and integrate your experiences.
The 60+ acres of sacred land at Earthsprings offers a spaciousness and seclusion that is hard to find elsewhere.
You are welcome to bring your own instruments. Some will also be available on-site for your use.
Examples of instruments we use include didgeridoos, flutes, guitar, singing bowls, drums, handpans, rain sticks, shakers, rattles and click sticks.
(Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. If you have an instrument you would like to bring, bring it!)
If you would like to bring instruments which require amplification or power, please talk with Duff about how we can incorporate your valuable contributions.
Drugs and alcohol are not permitted at Earthsprings, but ceremonial use of tobacco and sage is welcome.
Is Music as Medicine a good fit for you?
If you are seeking space to explore non-verbal methods of expression and healing,
If you wish to surround yourself with a thoughtful, introspective spiritual community,
If you are curious about sound healing or have always felt that music was your native tongue, or
If you wish to spend a nourishing weekend partaking of rest and warm meals and creating ceremonial music in the remote woods of east Texas,
… we invite you to come to our retreat. If you have a question about the retreat, drop us a line. We would be happy to hear from you!
We are capping attendance in order to keep our group to a certain size.
Due to the focused nature of this retreat, this event is adults-only.
We are extending invitations to people we know and trust to join our circle. If you know of someone you think would be a good fit for this retreat, please touch base with Duff to discuss further. Our aim is to piece together a likeminded, cohesive group in order to grow a strong sense of safety for all members.
You need not be a trained musician in order to enjoy or create music, and this retreat is not about performance.
Music as Medicine is about sharing, introspection, depth work, and a bit of playfulness, too.
If you wish to attend, we ask that you come prepared to participate, to create something special with us.
Participation will look different for each of us—singing, playing, dancing, bearing witness.
More than anything, if you choose to attend we ask that you come prepared to offer thoughtful presence—to yourself and to others.
Music as Medicine Registration Details
Are you interested in learning more? Here are the details for our Music as Medicine retreat.
When: Friday, February 8, 2019 to Sunday, February 10, 2019
Time: 8 pm Friday to 2 pm Sunday
Locale: Earthsprings Retreat Center (near Crockett, Texas)
Cost: $250
The cost of the retreat includes all meals, two nights’ accommodations and access to more instruments than you can shake a rainstick at. Sound integration sessions may also be available upon request, and are included in the cost of the retreat. Please contact Duff if you are interested in this option.
Meals will be designed to accommodate different dietary needs; please contact us when you register so we can plan our menu to meet your needs.
90% of our proceeds go to nourish our beloved Glenda and Earthsprings Retreat Center, and to cover the costs of our delicious meals. If you’d like to attend, we encourage you to sign up early. We will cap the number of participants to keep our circle small and introvert-friendly.
Who We Are
Duff Stoneson is a musician and counselor-in-training. He plays several instruments (sometimes simultaneously, to the consternation of his cats) including the didgeridoo, Native American flute, percussion, and piano.
Duff has formal training in music and music theory but finds his greatest joy these days from playing in intuitive ways, alone and with others. He intends to blend his love of music and love of words in his new profession as a counselor, and enjoys performing music in sacred and ceremonial contexts.
Duff also enjoys crafting his own instruments and has made several didgeridoos from ripe agave stalks harvested in the dead of night around the neighborhood.
Duff has developed and will be leading the Music as Medicine retreat this year as facilitator and co-creator.
Ann Stoneson is a licensed professional counselor, but she will be sharing her healing gifts through food rather than words this retreat.
She has been tinkering with a menu for many weeks and will most likely be found in the kitchen throughout the weekend stirring several steaming pots at once.
Ann’s relationship with music is less hands-on– she’s more likely to participate by bearing witness and listening intently, or dancing if she’s feeling particularly bold.
You’ll probably find her after meals sitting at the table with some tarot cards, sculpey, and chocolate. And as her calling would suggest, she’s always got a ready ear and is willing to listen.
You’ll see Ann’s influence in the details weaving the retreat together– the emails, the logistics, the timekeeping, and –of course– the food.
Sign up here
Please use the “Send Money to a Friend” option to register via PayPal, so we are not penalized with added processing fees. Follow the link below to submit payment and reserve your spot.
https://www.paypal.me/duffstoneson
When we receive your payment, we will save a spot for you on our roster. We’ll send a follow up note to confirm your registration, and we’ll be in touch in the weeks leading up to the retreat with notes about what to expect, what to pack, and any last minute details you may need to know.
Not sure this retreat is for you?
Touch base with Duff if you have a question. We hope to see you in our circle.
