Over the past decade, Joan has become increasingly fascinated by story- what the news calls narrative. It’s eye-opening to investigate our own narratives- which ones are mindful truths, and which ones qualify as outrageous “fake news” that we torment ourselves with, often for years.

Eastern philosophies teach that the stories we tell ourselves are central to how we perceive and interact with the world. In recent years, Western science has caught on. In fact, there’s a new approach to medicine called narrative medicine. So much of our physical and emotional lives- as well as our behavior- is driven by the stories we tell ourselves.

The childhood words of magic and power- A’bra K’dabra- are ancient Aramaic and translate as, “I will create as I speak.” Come join Joan and learn how to create real magic in your life. A workshop participant described Joan as “a ball of love and wisdom, who emanates pure joy.”

The retreat combines experiential exercises with a didactic focus on how story changes our brain and our life…and coaching on how to craft a transformative, evolutionary narrative. Spaces are limited to create an intimate experience, so be sure to register early to ensure a place.

The stories we habitually tell ourselves change our brain circuitry, our relationships, and our path through the world. They can elevate life to heaven on earth, or drop us unceremoniously into the fire.

This workshop will provide the opportunity to rewrite parts of your own life story and discover authentic character strengths and values that lead to increased wellbeing and resilience. Together with Joan, who is a New York Times best-selling author of 17 books, a Harvard trained cell biologist, and a licensed psychologist, you will:

• Harvest the wisdom of life myths, both sacred and profane
• Uncover core strengths and use positive psychology for resilience
• Learn the arc of transformational narrative
• Discover the relationship of story to neurobiology
• Change your brain and your life by changing your stories

I hope you can join us for a powerful and fun experience!