The Five Elements of a Healthy Life

Taught by Allyson Jones and Tom Balles

August 12–18, 2012

“Let Nature Be Your Teacher.”

—William Wadsworth

“In order to bring into harmony the human body,
one takes as standard the laws of the four
seasons and the Five Elements.”

—Huang Ti Nei Ching Su Wên, The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, by Ilza Veith

We are nature. It is outside of us and within us. We are no different from the trees, the plants, the rivers—subject to the cycle of seasons, the cycles of growth, the laws of Nature. So in order for us to thrive and be well, we must follow the laws of the natural world. What are these laws? How can we learn about them? How can we apply them to our own life? What happens when we do?

Join us for a wellness retreat in the Maine woods as we learn how to use Nature as our guide to achieve optimal wellbeing—bodymindspirit. Using the framework of the Five Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine, participants will (1) deepen their understanding of the laws of the natural world, (2) enhance their ability to observe the processes and patterns inherent in nature, (3) develop wellness practices based on their newfound understanding, and (4) experience new possibilities for being more energetic, creative, joyful, nourished, and inspired in their daily life.

During the week there will be time for community and solitude, play and rest, observation and conservation. We will swim in the crystal clear waters of Parker Pond, hike among the tall trees, bask in the summer sun, walk barefoot on the soft earth, eat nourishing food, and breathe the fresh air.

So come join us—to rest and replenish, explore new possibilities for your health, experience joy and laughter, be nourished in body/mind/spirit, and be present to the sacred space that is Bearnstow.

What previous participants want you to know:

Allyson and Tom are gifted teachers and guides who were able to present the material in ways that allowed both experienced 5 Element students and the un-initiated to have a powerful personal experiential connection to the 5 Elements concepts.  —Kathy, age 51

The connection to nature and the intimate setting made it easy to delve much deeper into the elements and greatly increased my understanding of the five elements as a framework.  —Mary, age 66

This was an energizing and enlivening workshop.  —Timmy, age 22

I felt at one with nature and more relaxed than I have been in years. . . . My mind is racing with new insights, ideas and goals I want to pursue. I am grateful for an enlightening experience and the increased joy Allyson and Tom have brought into my life.  —Jim, age 55

The workshop opened a lot of pathways in my life and I am excited to keep discovering new things about life and the world through this lens.  —Molly, age 21

The structure of the classes, balanced with free time and rest, was perfect. I was able to stop and be present to what is while learning practices to move with the elements as they show up in and around me.  —Nancy, age 50