The New York HSP Group
A discussion, support and social group for the highly sensitive person living in New York
2008.07.28 2008.07.30
Announcing the 2008 East Coast HSP Gathering
October 2-6, 2008
at Menla Mountain Retreat Center, Phoenicia, NY
Registration is now open!
Register today to receive a discount on the conference fee
First ever HSP Gathering in New York state!
The October Gathering will be the 15th overall, but the first to be held on the East Coast since since the Pennsylvania event in 2005, and the first ever to be held in New York!
The event will take place at the Menla Mountain Retreat and Conference Center in Phoenicia (about 2 hours north of New York City). The retreat center sits on 320 private acres in the heart of Catskill Park, and typifies the kind of natural and "HSP Friendly" venues chosen for HSP Gatherings. Attendees can choose from a range of accommodations, from private rooms to camping out-- for the adventuorous and budget conscious.
At an HSP Gathering, you can expect a mixture of learning (through workshops and smaller workgroups), activities (some structured, some impromptu) along with plenty of time to relax and interact with fellow HSPs from around the US and beyond. Here's a very brief summary of workshops (boldface names open links to presenter's web site) and other activities -- these are just some of the activities offered, by no means all:
"Using Energy Medicine for HSP self-care and Wellness" with Sarah O'Doherty
"HSP topics using the Conversation Café Discussion model" with Jacquelyn Strickland
"The Journey to Belonging for the Sensitive" with Jessica Thayer
"The Myers Briggs Personality Inventory" with Jacquelyn Strickland
"HSPs and Self-Esteem" presented by Dr. Elaine Aron via teleconference
"Art Night:" an opportunity for HSPs to participate in creative expression in the company of their peers-- build a collage, or just hang out and interact with your friends.
"Movement & Dance Night:" Even HSPs "let loose" now and then; a popular event at past Gatherings.
"Creativity Night:" An evening of sharing creative passions, from poetry to painting-- a favorite night with many Gathering attendees.
Registration for the event is now OPEN. To register, please visit organizer Jacquelyn Strickland's web site. Please register as soon as you can, the sooner you sign up the lower the conference fee will be. Although it's in the nature of HSPs to "pause and reflect," please keep in mind that registration may reach an "as available" stage if you wait too long.
Why HSPs benefit so much from HSP Gatherings
Gatherings are about learning, about going on a retreat, and about fellowship with other HSPs. Attendees spend Thursday afternoon through Monday lunch together, engaged in a mixture of workshops, social time, and just "quiet time" to reflect on the ongoing experience. From the perspective of having personally been to six of these events, the insights and friendships I have gained are deeper and more meaningful than from any other kind of self-growth workshop I have attended in 20-some years.
You might argue "yeah, but it's a GROUP, and I hate groups!" True. It is a group. And I recognize that many HSPs have had some bad experiences with groups. But I can also assure you that a group of HSPs is like NO other group you'll ever be part of. The level of emotional safety, validation and reciprocity is-- literally-- "mind altering" for people... I have watched even the MOST retiring and introverted of HSPs virtually "become extraverts," in a matter of 48 hours, as they realize they can safely relax into "being 100% themselves."
If you are skeptical, or just want to get a better sense of just how a Gathering really works, I encourage you to read Gathering attendee Marcia Norris' words on "Why HSPs Need To Gather" (immediately below Jacquelyn's message) or read my own photojournals from a couple of previous Gatherings I have been to.
