I’ve just returned from northern Oregon, where I had the distinct
pleasure of attending the annual conference of the Oregon Holistic Nurses Association (OHNA). I’m inspired, uplifted, and encouraged by what I
experienced, and I’d like to share it with you. This post is slightly longer
than my usual 600-700 words, but this conference and my experience merit the
extra words in order to do it justice.
A Collective Homecoming
This memorable and unique nursing conference was held at the
rustic Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat and Conference Center in the lush Cascade
Mountains, approximately ninety minutes south of Portland. Personally, it was
wonderful for me to return to Breitenbush after my last visit more than 20
years ago, and there is nothing but superlatives to convey about both this
facility and the conference itself.
Much to their credit, the OHNA has repeatedly held their
retreat at Breitenbush, and their return was obviously a collective homecoming.
I witnessed happy reunions, smiles, hugs, the laughter and joy of mutual
recognition, and an overall sense of beloved community. From the first moment,
this was no ordinary nursing conference.
All Nurses (and Others) Welcome
While I was concerned about being a nurse from out of state
at a gathering of Oregonian nurses who all knew one another well, my fears were
quickly assuaged by the warm welcome that I received.
While a core group of nurses did indeed know one another
from previous OHNA events, some nurses were new to the group, and they were all
welcomed with open arms. One attendee came from California, and even a non-nurse
participated, knowing in her heart that her work of providing holistic care for
elders would benefit from what the OHNA has to offer. She couldn’t have been
more correct.
Two nursing students from the Portland area were in
attendance, and the support and open-hearted enthusiasm with which they were
received was deeply moving. If only every nursing student could have such a
profound experience during the course of their grueling education.
Integrating Holism
The theme of the conference---“the integration of holism into nursing practice”---was very much
honored through presentations on energy hygiene; the uses of astrological
knowledge in nursing and health; dance/movement therapy; meditation;
acupressure; and a panel discussion on the integration of holistic practice
into hospital and clinic settings. Rounded out by soulful opening and closing
ceremonies, a drumming circle, ecstatic dancing, and the deep connections
forged among the attendees, the conference was a profound success.
More About OHNA
For reasons not salient to this post, the OHNA is not a
chapter of the American Holistic Nurses Association. Rather, it’s an independent
organization, drawing members and interest from several surrounding states. In
fact, I gather that there are discussions of expanding the official reach of
the organization beyond the borders of Oregon, and this may necessitate the
adoption of a name that more accurately reflects the association’s expansive and
inclusive vision.
That said, attendance at the conference was relatively
small---approximately 25---but the energy created was much larger than the
numbers belie. And, as E.F. Schumacher once said, small is beautiful. Indeed.
Not Your Usual
Nursing Conference
One reason for the particular energy of this conference is
the fact that it isn’t held at the usual urban hotel conference center. Breitenbush
is a rustic mountain retreat and off-grid intentional community, serving organic
vegetarian food in a facility without cellphone reception or Internet. This lack
of electronic connectivity automatically changed the calculus of the gathering,
with no one distracted by devices that could take them away them from their
surroundings.
With natural hot springs emanating from the earth, the resort’s
seven pools and unique geothermal sauna offer deep relaxation. Meanwhile, expert
massage is available in the beautiful building just down the path from the main
lodge. There are several communal spaces for quiet reflection, intimate gatherings
and conversation. Breathtaking hikes in the forest are easily accessible, even
if the persistent rain continues to fall. Guests stay in a lovely village of
cabins nestled in the trees, and the sound of the rushing river is the melody
that consistently dances in the background.
For open-minded, holistically oriented nurses and healthcare professionals who desire a
new way of experiencing the profound community and well-being generated by the
good people of the OHNA, I cannot more highly recommend attending their next
retreat in October of 2015. I plan to attend, and I’ve in fact joined the OHNA in
order to remain connected with the vision held by these authentically heartfelt
nurses.
Nurses of Heart, Unite
So, nurses of heart, please join me in supporting the OHNA
by registering for their 2015 conference at Breitenbush, and experience for
yourself the profound energy and enthusiasm of the holistic nurses of Oregon.
I hope to be a presenter at the 2015 OHNA conference, and I
encourage those of you who would like to meet with me in person in such a
stellar environment to please consider attending. I’ll be there, and I hope
many of you will join me in manifesting a new vision of nursing that stretches far
beyond the forests of Oregon.
To further entice you, the first five nurses who send me
proof of their registration for the October 2015 event (and who have not
previously attended an OHNA conference) will receive one hour of telephone-based
coaching with me as an expression of my gratitude for your commitment to the
future of innovative nursing practice and community.
Open-hearted nurses, your time has arrived. Come to Oregon
for inspiration, relaxation, valuable workshops and CEUs, and the magic of
nurses creating holistic community in the spirit of elevating nursing practice
to a profound level of authenticity, joy, and service.
I’m on board the OHNA train. Won’t you join me?
No comments:
Post a Comment