Craig and I left Eden last night at Sunset. The transformation that has been happening on the outside seems to feel more settled into my heart, but I’m finding it difficult to put into words exactly what that means out here in the real world of life and business.
Unlike some of the big external transformations you have watched here and on Facebook over the last several months, this change is a whole lot more subtle.
I feel new.
I don’t know yet what that will look like on the outside. I would like to believe it means I will be more available to receive love, trust Spirit, and feel the support that is always here for me when I let go.
But, I do not really know if that is true.
I’m afraid of the contraction that inevitably comes after an expansion like the one I experienced at Eden this past week.
So before I make any broad proclamations about the new me post Eden, I am going to sit back and feel into it.
In the meantime, perhaps this post can be an invitation for some of the family who joined us at Eden to share how they have expanded as a result of their time at Eden.
And we can all begin the process of integration together.
One quick thing I will share is a reminder to myself and all of the Eden family of the 6 Agreements (went from rules to alignments and Craig and I have since begun to call them agreements) we agreed to live by at Eden, which I will now carry into the world.
1. Do what you want.
2. Don’t do what you don’t want.
3. No hiding.
4. No shaming.
5. Be willing to clean it up.
6. Stay in your own movie.
I’ll say more about these 6 agreements in future posts. They originated out of the Authentic Man Program, Authentic Woman Experience and our friend’s Robert McNaughton and Lara Irwin in Boulder, Co, who taught them to us at a couple amazing gatherings in their homes.
In the meantime, if you attended Eden, I’d love for you to share about your own experience/integration here in the comments.
21 Comments
How to even put it into WORDS!? Words…like transformation, pain, joy, GRATITUDE, blessings, magic, shadows, light, gifts, challenge, growth, change, TRUST, learning, LOVE…all come to mind and STILL don’t begin to conjure the true essence of this experience. I can’t believe so much happened in so short a time. I feel like we entered a vortex where time sped up and stood still all at once!
I know I am changed. Like you, I am not sure exactly how just yet, or what it might mean externally. Internally I feel a profound shift occurring, mainly in the form of a wide open heart. I have built a good many protections around my heart that haven’t allowed me to fully express myself in the world, with others, and even within.
Yesterday on the drive to Sedona I felt such expansive joy and gratitude that it burst forth in flowing tears of love, forgiveness, acceptance, wonder, knowing and awe at the magic and beauty of life and this earth we live on. As I drove I saw all of the faces of our Eden family, their tears and laughter and smiles, the hugs, our individual and collective experiences and transformations.
Was the event perfect? No. What is perfect? Was it without challenges? No, thank god! The many challenges I faced, from logistics to personal dynamics and my own growing pains made the experience REAL.
Thank you so much Ali for showing up so strongly, so vulnerably and for letting go. It met and exceeded all my expectations in the most unexpected and beautiful of ways. I’ve made friends that will last a lifetime. I made connections that will further my work and mission, and I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE!
Blessings to all who dared to show up authentically, courageously, as you were/are. I can’t wait until we all meet again.
Those are my rambling thoughts for now!
In deep gratitude,
Elisha
A rebirth into my Authentic Self.
An open heart and Loving Self-Acceptance.
A release of shame of being seen, of being naked.
A direct experience of Unconditional Love for mySelf and others.
A new approach to thinking about money and the economy in the new paradigm.
A letting go of any agendas and a sense of Presence and Wholeness like never before.
An opening and immense affection for this community and the relationships we’ve created.
I am opening to the support that it is in fact possible and worthwhile to birth my life vision as an artist, educator and healer. I have been stuck in the transition stage of the birth process which feels like “I can’t possibly go on….I can’t breathe…I just want to go to sleep…” It was hard for me to post the vid on the Eden sight because I see my own despair so strongly. I brought all of that to Eden and just let in what I could from that space. And guess what? It got in. I am feeling sprouting willingness to keep going in the face of what appears to be the end for humanity, as far as my mind can tell. The support I would like would be to hear how people face the condition of the world with eyes wide open and stay willing to feel, love and live.
Yes, I am different and it feels subtle and profound. I feel more like me, the me that has never for a moment stopped forging a trail to emerge and integrate fully. She is happy, I am happy. I feel freer than ever before to live my purpose and my work AND to have the partnership and community I desire.
Yesterday, I felt far away and disjointed somehow , yet felt I was glowing in a new way. Today I am integrating, slipping back into my everyday life with new understandings and commitments to myself. So far, it feels like it’s pretty easy. Easy to just be THIS me, radiating Authentic Beauty and loving my children. I give myself permission to do this with grace and ease and I acknowledge myself for my deep commitment and intention. Each intention I set manifested into reality.
I thank the land, the Eden team, the Eden Unplugged team and the incredible food for the nourishment of my body and spirit. This allowed for my transformation and I am eternally grateful!
Thank you Ali for the opportunity and model, thank you Rachelle for the support and connection which assisted me in choosing a clear path with my business, thank you Rebecca for gracefully guiding me to peace, thank you Charu for your powerful presence and model of a feminine leader and for your enthusiastic support and encouragement!!
I am inspired to create more community in the South Bay instead of feeling the lack of it and will somehow be creating space for a strong tribe to step forward. I look forward to experiencing it’s birth!
So much Love and Gratitude,
Satya
So often life presents opportunities for transformation through portals or gates that look like ordinary paths. So often we find excuses not to go down those paths because of guilt or fear or unwillingness to take a risk.
Eden Unplugged was an unknown leap of faith, the beginning of transformation. By going through the portal I stepped out knowing that I will never be the same and better for it. Having made new friends, created new awareness, and charted new courses I can construct a more meaningful path.
The unique aspect of Eden was its dual focus on business and conscious living. Bringing both aspects into one event meant I could meet and get to know more people like me, and begin to build a community that will be mutually supportive going forward.
So seldom do we take chances to change our lives in radical and profound ways. Eden Unplugged offered that opportunity and I’m glad I took it. Thanks to all the EU tribe who made it possible!
Ali!
Your leadership in this new paradigm is clear and unmistakable, as modeling what real leadership, in transparency, honesty, love, and taking action despite fear – means in the new paradigm.
I too don’t feel the need to put into words right now – all that I experienced, but to say that it was both a confirmation of all the work, intuition, and experience I have ever had, here in the physical world, and all the worlds beyond it.
Beyond the confirmation of my role as a visionary and strategist in creating this new paradigm, really trusting the fact that I am able to use words, intention, and touch to heal the hearts and bodies of the divine feminine present in the amazing presences of my sisters there at Eden, and beyond. =)
My experience is now informing every aspect of how I move forward in all areas, and is providing me motivation and focus to finish my novel, which will speak to the hearts of all at Eden, and beyond!
Much Love,
Jeremy
When did you and Craig start calling them the 6 agreements? – I started doing so the same yesterday,- it just came out that way – then said “oh – not agreements – alignments” – Looks like I was already tuning in. ; )
Deep connection to truth in community.
Respect for the bravery it takes.
The more openly I show up, the more love I receive.
The more openly you show up, I feel you, see you and love you.
Trust in my own way and an openness to your way.
Soft, loving presence.
I am feeling affirmation of all that I already knew but would squash, hinder, hide or ignore because it was too real, raw, excited, profound…to big for the world we live in!!! I now KNOW in my heart, head and especially BODY that I am not crazy! I feel the incredible support, inspiration and love a community that stepped up and embodied (in real time!) in this experience of Eden Unplugged, the new paradigm of what it means to live, do business and love in community. Thank you Alexis for holding fast to the vision and allowing yourself to let go and trust this tribe…a beautiful example of the feminine leadership! Thank you Craig for encouraging the evolution on many levels of this experiment allowing for people to show up and share just as they are! Thank you the the incredible Sacred Service Team who really held this space and bridged the gaps…your gentle, powerful, steadfast and fluid example of leadership did not go unnoticed! And to ALL participants…there are no words! We lived it, loved and presenced on the sacred grounds of Eden what IS possible in the “new world!” My gratitude runs deep into the earth and extends to the highest heavens embodying all that is Eden Unplugged! A-ho!
What words to use to describe my experience? I have had many transformational experiences in my life but this one tops most of them. I feel more open, raw, and vulnerable and yet backed by the strength and space provided by my new found community. I found it slightly awkward at home amongst my home town community wanting to touch everyone and be as close as we were in Eden. So strange how we could have bonded so strongly is such a short time. It definitely speaks to the event itself. I know we were all drawn to EU by some unknown force, destined to meet and the container was huge and so important, revolutionary! I intend to implement so many of the tools I learned at EU in my life. I feel like many of the missing pieces were filled in for me.
I miss the physical presence of you all. I miss the touch already. I aspire to strengthen my community at home. I have already volunteered as of yesterday to organize monthly potlucks for our food co-op and you better believe there will be a container, check ins, and check outs. I am inspired and now see what is possible. The land of Eden itself is magical and powerful, I know I was there 2 years in a row, but the community we built was not a product of the land it was a product of our willingness to be there and to share all of ourselves, our authentic selves, and to commit to being there, and being present. The most important factor of all was that we were encouraged to participate, our contributions and gifts were acknowledged, we were valued and loved just as we were. Holding space is one of the biggest and greatest gifts we can give to one another.
Thank you Ali, Craig, Russell, Eden, the sacred service team, the Eden staff, and all of you! We created magic. I love you all!
What words to use to describe my experience? I have had many transformational experiences in my life but this one tops most of them. I feel more open, raw, and vulnerable and yet backed by the strength and space provided by my new found community. I found it slightly awkward at home amongst my home town community wanting to touch everyone and be as close as we were in Eden. So strange how we could have bonded so strongly is such a short time. It definitely speaks to the event itself. I know we were all drawn to EU by some unknown force, destined to meet and the container was huge and so important, revolutionary! I intend to implement so many of the tools I learned at EU in my life. I feel like many of the missing pieces were filled in for me.
I miss the physical presence of you all. I miss the touch already. I aspire to strengthen my community at home. I have already volunteered as of yesterday to organize monthly potlucks for our food co-op and you better believe there will be a container, check ins, and check outs. I am inspired and now see what is possible. The land of Eden itself is magical and powerful, I know I was there 2 years in a row, but the community we built was not a product of the land it was a product of our willingness to be there and to share all of ourselves, our authentic selves, and to commit to being there, and being present. The most important factor of all was that we were encouraged to participate, our contributions and gifts were acknowledged, we were valued and loved just as we were. Holding space is one of the biggest and greatest gifts we can give to one another.
Thank you Ali, Craig, Russell, Eden, the sacred service team, the Eden staff, and all of you! We created magic. I love you all!
I never could have imagined what Eden was going to be about, because it was first and foremost an experiential event. Though I learned a lot of practical business advice and networked with fellow ambitious entrepreneurs, the greatest changes were internal and energetic. I was fully supported by the freedom from normal-busy-day-to-day-life, inspired by the beauty of the land, and my body was nourished by the raw food diet. With this container of freedom created, my awareness was able to expand and work with a greater energy source, and harmonize with the energy of the other amazing and brave souls who attended.
Returning to the default world and integrating my new self has been a challenge, but it is a balancing act. To maintain the positive outgoing energy, the pure bliss that I experienced in Eden, and still rely on the neutral, if not negative affect, to stay focused on what needs to be done here and now, will take time and patience. But to enter Eden as one man and leave as another makes me glad I was so impulsive and trusting in the first place.
What next? For me; reinforce the visceral and cognitive changes through cultivating new growth habits, and maintain this beautiful community through communication and contribution.
I never could have imagined what Eden was going to be about, because it was first and foremost an experiential event. Though I learned a lot of practical business advice and networked with fellow ambitious entrepreneurs, the greatest changes were internal and energetic. I was fully supported by the freedom from normal-busy-day-to-day-life, inspired by the beauty of the land, and my body was nourished by the raw food diet. With this container of freedom created, my awareness was able to expand and work with a greater energy source, and harmonize with the energy of the other amazing and brave souls who attended.
Returning to the default world and integrating my new self has been a challenge, but it is a balancing act. To maintain the positive outgoing energy, the pure bliss that I experienced in Eden, and still rely on the neutral, if not negative affect, to stay focused on what needs to be done here and now, will take time and patience. But to enter Eden as one man and leave as another makes me glad I was so impulsive and trusting in the first place.
What next? For me; reinforce the visceral and cognitive changes through cultivating new growth habits, and maintain this beautiful community through communication and contribution.
I feel we people flowed warm like the waters of Eden, and that meant the world to me. Transcending separateness as we did, lifts the burden of me, and my concern that very few care about living in harmony with each other and the earth. Kindred souls, each with part of the picture, each with passion and beauty and honesty and caring, restores the world to a natural rightness for me. From every direction, and way beyond my own callings, I felt loved, taught, invited, prodded, fed and seen – suspended in a strong sparkling web. The structure and nature of the activities at Eden UnPlugged were pointed and structured enough to draw us out and inspire, and the invitation to show-up, move, change, communicate, group and regroup, and be spontaneous enlivened me. It was holographic and healing. I am grateful.
I feel we people flowed warm like the waters of Eden, and that meant the world to me. Transcending separateness as we did, lifts the burden of me, and my concern that very few care about living in harmony with each other and the earth. Kindred souls, each with part of the picture, each with passion and beauty and honesty and caring, restores the world to a natural rightness for me. From every direction, and way beyond my own callings, I felt loved, taught, invited, prodded, fed and seen – suspended in a strong sparkling web. The structure and nature of the activities at Eden UnPlugged were pointed and structured enough to draw us out and inspire, and the invitation to show-up, move, change, communicate, group and regroup, and be spontaneous enlivened me. It was holographic and healing. I am grateful.
I started writing this three times. How can I possibly put the Eden experience into words? The thoughts that come to mind in the moment…
We came together as “strangers” and left as absolute family. I have never experienced anything like it.
Everything about Eden was experiential. I learned lessons about living and working in the new paradigm that are permanently integrated into my being because almost none of it was delivered via the intellect. It all came through being it, feeling it, living it, modelling it, experiencing it.
The authenticity, vulnerability and compassion shown by the people in the community allowed me to be totally free to be myself, just as I am. No need to be more or do more than I can and than I want. Wildly liberating.
The place was truly Divine. The food was the most nourishing I’ve ever had.
Being unplugged from internet and cell is fantastic and I want to do that more often.
So grateful to leave Eden with my Carpool #2 family, with a shared meal on the way, time at Leslie’s with a circle to check in and check out, and a night with her and Michelle in Phoenix to download, reinforce and integrate so many learnings from our Eden experience.
Coming home to those who were not at Eden, I’m remembering to “stay in my own movie.” I’m permanently changed, and know that I can trust the process and myself.
So, so grateful for the brilliant tribal marketplace game. I brought my offerings and my tribe said an enthusiastic “Yes!” I will remember Eden as a turning point – a node point as Craig calls it – for everything that happens from here with my Great Work.
Russell, Ali and Craig – THANK YOU for Eden Unplugged, for creating the container and leading by simply being yourselves, totally raw, and letting go so all of us could lead and shine and make the experience what it was. Imperfectly perfect, like all of us.
Eden Unplugged was a moment in time where conscious souls gathered
and time stopped yet expanded all at once…a creation of community and
family with connections deep and lasting…transformational
experiences…deep processing…loving living being…how to live this new paradigm…how can we not…a beautiful model of how to be present in the world and shine…a node point indeed…gratitude…
Ali, Craig, Russel thank you for conceiving of this container
Sacred Service Team words can not express the grounding and presence and space you held for us
Eden Team WOW what an amazing and gentle group of souls,
care-taking and nourishing the land, the waters and those who come to
experience it’s magic…deep gratitude to you all
Ari here again. I felt profound beauty in the womens’ leadership at EU, and I loved the ease with which it was received by all. We have all come a long way, baby, yet still to see sisters holding space, being authentic and strong thrills me. And Alexis, your honest, in-the-moment sharing catalyzes…..a cleanse in itself. For me there were a gazillion alignments.
My re-entry was cushioned by 2 extra days at the end of Eden travelling into Sedona, walking canyon trails and venturing into the mountains with my friend Susanna. Still, there were moments of severe reality clash. Sitting in a hotel restaurant with televisions at every booth and a radio blasting simultaneously dealing with a lost credit card and airline challenges… This is for all of us: the breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.
don’t go back to sleep.
you must ask for what you really want.
don’t go back to sleep.
people are going back and forth between the
door sill where the two worlds touch.
the door is round and open.
don’t go back to sleep.
-rumi
So much love to you for bringing me to Eden… xxx
Open hearted truth telling in safe, nurturing environment. A chance to be seen at a deep level.
Amazing place to unplug from daily technology craze, enjoy fresh air, amazing scenery, get reconnected with nature and recharged.
Opportunity for internal shifting.
Great fun dancing with Eden tribe to Elijah and the Band Of Light.
Impressed with Ali’s willingness to be seen by all so open hearted and vulnerably. Left excited by thoughts of what mainstream authenticity would do for the healing of our global society.
Open hearted truth telling in safe, nurturing environment. A chance to be seen at a deep level.
Amazing place to unplug from daily technology craze, enjoy fresh air, amazing scenery, get reconnected with nature and recharged.
Opportunity for internal shifting.
Great fun dancing with Eden tribe to Elijah and the Band Of Light.
Impressed with Ali’s willingness to be seen by all so open hearted and vulnerably. Left excited by thoughts of what mainstream authenticity would do for the healing of our global society.