We are sooo looking forward to seeing you in person!

I know it’s been a LOT… preparing for this adventure, leaving home, and all the things you’ve considered about this documentary experience…

As I think of you right now, my heart is very full of appreciation… For your YES to the vision of a more healed and loving world… And for who you are – a woman of conscience who cares deeply about how you live your own life, the depth and quality of your relationships, and the impact you can make with people you know and in the world.
Soon we will be at Modern Elder Academy having meals, sharing our lives, and learning together. Each evening after a full day, the time is free for reflection and rest.
I look forward to connecting… and please let me know how things are going for you!

Much gratitude from the Crew, the Facilitators, Film Volunteers, and me…

Elaine Alpert

PLEASE SIGN now…

This is a Waiver from EQUUS, for our time with Kelly Wendorf’s beautiful horses at her ranch on Wednesday.

Thank you!

Elaine

Text Stephanie Armistead, our Concierge @ 404-668-3616
She is your go-to for all needs related to:

• • Venue requests
  • Schedule
  • Transportation
  • Physical well-being

Stephanie will get back to you as soon as possible.

If you have an emergency, please dial 911 and see all info under EMERGENCY near the top of the Tabs on the left.Tab Content

Daily Schedule Here

Participants (with Travel info)
Film Crew/ Roles

Preparation for the Retreat 

Kay Gardner just sent a couple of short audios, listen to what you can:

• – Intro to Legacy Burdens
•  
• – Elaine shared this short demo of IFS earlier. We will be using an advanced form of IFS, you will get guidance and support.

Staying Healthy 

Please avoid crowds before the retreat (other than airports), like concerts, workshops, cruises, and large indoor events. 

Supplements to consider (most mentioned a while back):

•  
• Coptis by Herb Pharma (Amazon) – excellent to use on airplanes and after exposure to crowds, gargle a dropperful in some in water and swallow.

•  
• Xclear Nasal Spray or Betadine Nasal Spray (Amazon or pharmacy) kills viruses where they lodge first. Use in crowded areas.

• Zinc, Vitamin D3 and C – common  immune system support 

• One-Twelfth (1/12) of a nicotine patch (1mg) has shown efficacy in Covid prevention.

Preparation for High Altitudes

Santa Fe is 7,200 feet above sea level. 

Before Arrival

• – Stay well-hydrated in the days leading up to your trip.
• – Avoid alcohol and salty foods before and right after arrival.
• – Consider supplements like chlorophyll drops, Rhodiola, or ginkgo biloba (some travelers find these help with oxygen utilization).

– If you’re concerned, talk to a doctor about acetazolamide (Diamox), a prescription medication that can help prevent altitude sickness.

Specific Personal Items

• Journal and pens
  Water bottle with lid
  Small tote or pack to carry journal, personal items, etc
• Sunscreen, sun hat
• Close-toed shoes (with horses, hiking), and sandals for other times if you like
• Long sleeve shirt (protection from the 2-hour morning sun with horses )
• Jacket/sweaters for cool AM and PM (high 50’s)
• Paint shirt if you like (we will have aprons but they have no sleeves)
• On paint day, wear shoes that can handle acrylic paint splatter, should that happen!

For the Grief Altar (Friday, June 20)

• Large colorful scarves, sarongs (1-2)
• Items that bring you Strength (1-2)
• Items from ancestors (2-3)
  None of the Grief Altar items will be affixed, they are yours to take home.

Memorabilia for Collage (5 -10+ items, no limit in number)

• Photocopies of personal photos, journal passages, objects that matter
• Memories of ancestors, representation of guides, iconic figures who had impact on you
  Things that reflect the challenges in our cultures
• Guides, goddesses, symbols of healing for yourself and the world
• Found objects (old jewelry, a dried flower, shells, stones, beads, pieces of metal)
• Cultural and religious symbols that are meaningful for you
• Swatches of fabric, ribbon, lace
• Connections to the losses in your life
• Ashes, sand, earth from places that matter

In short, anything that calls to you… “Bring me!”

(NOTE: Bring items you are OK with gluing down. If in doubt, make a photocopy.)

What to stay away from: 

• Logos or brands (like the Nike swoosh or a team baseball cap)
• Indoor hats (a hat for the sun is needed)
• Shiny fabrics
• Noisy earrings
• Sheer or see-through-ish fabrics, including white
• Scratchy synthetics or fabrics that rustle against a lavalier mic
• Stripes, large patterns, words, pictures or  drawings on clothing
• Tight or very form-fitted tops (mic will be hidden under your top, not on the surface as you often see and tight clothes will outline the mic)
• Low necklines, mic is designed to rest near the sternum
• Highly saturated colors, like neon or electric hot pink 

 What Works Well

• Please wear a bra;)
• Cotton
• Yoga pants
• Casual skirts and tops
• Comfortable, casual clothing, layers
• Quiet jewelry if you choose to wear it
• Shorter necklaces, above the sternum
• Close-toed shoes for time with horses
• Mic cable attaches to a box, needs a pants pocket or can clip to your waistband
• If wearing dresses, bring a passport pouch worn close to the body for the box.
• It will be hot (80’s), dry outdoors midday and afternoon. We are mostly outside at cooler times (morning, evening). 

Temps drop at night, we have 1 fire circle. It’s also very cool in the AM – check your Weather app.

Modern Elder Academy

130 Cottonwood Run

Lamy NM 87540

NOTE: There are 2 campuses, we are at “Cottonwood.” 

Ground Transportation

Groome Transportation (Van Service)

ABQ Express (Car Service) 

Rio Metro (Train Service from SF to ABQ)

Uber, of course!

Driving Directions to MEA: Listed on Google Maps ONLY

Enter “MEA Cottonwood Campus” in Google Maps.

Upon Arrival:

• If you reach a closed gate labeled “Service Entrance,” do not enter.
• Instead, continue on Hwy 41 toward Galisteo for about one more mile (approximately two to three minutes).
• You will see another gate—this one will be open.

Once inside:

• Follow the road (street sign says Cottonwood Run).
• Take your second left onto Galisteo Creek Rd.
• You will see the Cottonwood Retreat Center in front of you.
• Follow the curve of the road into the parking lot.

Important Note: This is a new road, so your GPS may suggest a different route. Please follow these instructions to arrive at the correct location.

• If coming from Santa Fe once you turn on to Highway 41 from 285. The main entrance will be about 2 miles down the road on the left. 
•  

Address

Modern Elder Academy

130 Cottonwood Run

Lamy NM 87540

NOTE: There are 2 campuses, we are at “Cottonwood.” 

Driving Directions to MEA: Listed on Google Maps ONLY

Enter “MEA Cottonwood Campus” in Google Maps.

Upon Arrival:

• If you reach a closed gate labeled “Service Entrance,” do not enter.
• Instead, continue on Hwy 41 toward Galisteo for about one more mile (approximately two to three minutes).
• You will see another gate—this one will be open.

Once inside:

• Follow the road (street sign says Cottonwood Run).
• Take your second left onto Galisteo Creek Rd.
• You will see the Cottonwood Retreat Center in front of you.
• Follow the curve of the road into the parking lot.

Important Note: This is a new road, so your GPS may suggest a different route. Please follow these instructions to arrive at the correct location.

• If coming from Santa Fe once you turn on to Highway 41 from 285. The main entrance will be about 2 miles down the road on the left. 

Ground Transportation

Groome Transportation (Van Service)

ABQ Express (Car Service) 

Rio Metro (Train Service from SF to ABQ)

Uber, of course. However, we have been told not to take an Uber late at night from SAF.

Time to Arrive

Please arrive between 4 – 5pm on June 15.

Our Concierge

Stephanie Armistead will greet you on arrival! Text her if needed: 404-668-3616

1. As mentioned, there will be a Release Form/ NDA (confidentiality) to read and sign. 
2. Stephanie will show you where to go for your very quick, 2-question interview. 
3. After the interview, feel free to join the MEA tour and find your room. 
4. Dinner is @ 6:30pm in the Dining area. We will have a nametag there for you.
5. Bring a jacket to dinner as we will be outside afterwards for a Fire Circle.

Roommates
In most cases, Elaine paired participants together so there is a person more practiced in IFS in each partnership. This will be your Support Partner throughout the retreat, unless otherwise noted below where there are a couple change-ups – a dedicated person to check-in with regularly and do some iFS work together as we move through the week.
Kimberly and Dominique
Charlotte and Esther (Charlotte and Velma are Support Partners)
Donia and Elsa
Laura and Allyn
Julia and Velma (Julia and Esther are Support Partners)
Anna Maria and Jane, Film Volunteer. Anna Maria and Tennielle (Participant) are Support Partners, with Jane assisting as needed, she’s trained in IFS.

Support Partners – to be clear:) We’ll talk about what this means when we gather…
Kimberly and Dominique
Charlotte and Velma
Donia and Elsa
Laura and Allyn
Julia and Esther
Anna Maria and Tennielle

Roommates 

In most cases, Elaine paired participants together so there is a person more practiced in IFS in each partnership. This will be your Support Partner throughout the retreat, unless otherwise noted below where there are a couple change-ups – a dedicated person to check-in with regularly and do some iFS work together as we move through the week.

Kimberly and Dominique

Charlotte and Esther   (Charlotte and Velma are Support Partners)

Donia and Elsa

Laura and Allyn

Julia and Velma   (Julia and Esther are Support Partners)

Anna Maria and Jane, Film Volunteer. Anna Maria and Tennielle (Participant) are Support Partners, with Jane assisting as needed, she’s trained in IFS.

Support Partners – to be clear🙂  We’ll talk about what this means when we gather…

Kimberly and Dominique

Charlotte and Velma

Donia and Elsa

Laura and Allyn

Julia and Esther

Anna Maria and Tennielle

FACILITATOR BIOS

Kay Gardner, IFS Institute Lead Trainer and Therapist

From Kay’s website: 

Kay is best known for her work as a founding member and Senior Lead Trainer of Internal Family Systems (IFS), a model she has studied and contributed to since 1991. With over 40 years of clinical experience and 30 years in private practice, Kay brings a wealth of expertise and a compassionate presence to her work. Her background as a therapist and teacher of Hakomi Body Centered Psychotherapy enriches her approach, combining body-centered awareness with spiritual depth. Known for her heartfelt and skillful teaching, Kay creates an inviting space for transformative learning and healing.

Analia Castanos, IFS Institute Lead Trainer and Therapist

From Analia’s website: 

I am originally from Guadalajara, México, then moved to Seattle, and now live in Mexico. I have a Masters in Systems Counseling from Bastyr University and completed my undergraduate studies in Guadalajara, México at the Jesuit University ITESO, majoring in human resources. I am passionate about human behavior and human relationships. Above all I enjoy helping people understand themselves, find harmony from the inside out and heal their relationship with others. In addition to my work as a therapist, I am a Lead Trainer at the IFS Institute, I have completed the MAPS training as a psychedelic therapist and waiting for that treatment to become legal to practice. I am currently learning Curanderismo “aka” Indigenous Medicine in México. 

Shiloh Sophia, Founder of Musea Center for Creativity and Consciousness 

From Shiloh’s website: 

Shiloh is a Curate of a community of creatives and a global museum called Musea. She is an artist who has been painting all of her life. She is a teacher who works with  beloveds around the world to bring Intentional Creativity into their lives. And she is a storyteller, dedicated to remothering mythology.

Shiloh Sophia’s work with image and language paired with the intelligence of the heart is taught in many fields, including Innovative Leadership, Corporate Teamwork, Group Process, Therapeutic Healing, Academia and in Ph.D. programs. As well as in hospitals, prisons, social work settings, and clinics. Shiloh and her team of over 450 Certified Teachers and Coaches around the world bring Intentional Creativity® as a tool for transformation in the healing arts. The impact of her work over time has created what she believes is one of the largest most well-established art movements in the world. After working with tens of thousands of people for over 27 years in how creativity can catalyze our consciousness, her body of work lives at Musea, a Museum, and University. www.musea.org. 

Elaine Alpert, Senior Trainer and Certified Coach, Founder of MindPeace Miracles

From MindPeace Miracles website:

Elaine is a creative at heart – an artist, author and currently executive producer of the River of Consciousness documentary series.  As a certified coach and international senior trainer for 30 years, Elaine loves the journey of diving deep to mine the gems from all that Life delivers to us, often unbidden. She founded MindPeace Miracles nonprofit in 2017 to support women and families to regain purpose and joy after major loss and upheaval. MindPeace Miracles is sponsoring this documentary series through donations of visionaries who also want a more healed and compassionate world. 

Elaine works with private clients, leads the Deeper Stream program for women, and works within organizations to build deep resilience. She has a masters in Transformative Learning with a specialization in Trauma Healing and is on the verge of being certified in IFS. Her approach to multi-dimensional healing is informed by her own losses and adversity, and River of Consciousness is a result of a desire to bring this fluid model with its depth and variety of tools to a wide audience as inspiration for healing the wounds within and between us, a call for personal and collective healing.

Follow-up Gathering to Reconnect!

Date: Sunday, July 20
Time: 4pm – 5:30 pm ET

Mark your calendar, for all Participants!

You will get reminder emails

River of Consciousness – Documentary Series and Companion Platform, Overview 

River of Consciousness is an international groundbreaking 7-part documentary series filmed in 6 locations that

explores the depths of human trauma, the intensity of stressors in today’s world, and the transformative power of healing in community –  personally, collectively, and for our planet. The audience can extend learning beyond the

series with multiple ways to engage in their own transformational experiences and join with others, locally and 

globally, who also want to play a part in creating a bold new future.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a core therapeutic utilized, along with ancient and contemporary healing methods including  the expressive arts. Experts include Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS founder, IFS Lead Trainers, and other 

recognized thought leaders.

Documentary Series – Core Message

Historically, individuals and cultures around the world have endured colonization, subjugation, and many forms of abuse. The after-effects are reverberating throughout society, including within our own families. In addition, our lives are full of stressors, including the inescapable barrage of global news leading to more fear and division. Thankfully, there is also a hidden current of healing – a dynamic river of consciousness available to each of us.

In the cinematic episodes, a variety of interpersonal encounters and experiential retreats provide viewers an unprecedented opportunity to witness the magic that happens when people show up to share their lives, take a deeper dive, and heal in community. Each episode features in-depth backstories of participants, complemented by insightful perspectives from thought leaders about how to meet the complex mix of personal and social issues we are facing.

Our Vision

A world where chronic stress and trauma transform into a wellspring of courage, compassion and contribution.

Our Mission

To inspire, educate and support the healing of personal, ancestral, and collective trauma around the world through compelling documentary storytelling and a comprehensive interactive learning platform.

By reaching a wide audience on a major streaming platform, we aim to:

• Illuminate the personal, ancestral, and collective trauma contributing to the state of our world.
• Demonstrate how personal healing unleashes more compassion and connection with others.
• Reveal the richness and power inherent in the river of consciousness to take healing to new levels.
• Inform via filmed expert interviews, revelatory healing methods and powerful unscripted interactions.
• Educate through a collaborative companion book, livestream events and experiential offerings.
• Support various groups who use the series and book in groups, from book clubs to organizations.  

River of Consciousness is sponsored by MindPeace Miracles (501c3).

Elaine Alpert – Executive Producer. Founder and Board President, MindPeace Miracles. Contact: elaine@mindpeacemiracles.org

Melinda Levin – Internationally award-winning Director, Professor Emeritus of Documentary Filmmaking, University of North Texas