OF ALL THE BOOKS Douglas Wood has written (40) perhaps none holds a place in the hearts of readers—and in his own--quite like Old Turtle, and the Old Turtle trilogy. Together they are Doug’s best-sellers, his most famous works, and translated around the world. Millions of copies have been sold. Yet Doug has never offered a workshop or retreat based upon the principles and lessons of Old Turtle. Until now…

‘Living In Old Turtle’s World’ is a personal and intimate retreat, for a very limited number of participants, in which the timeless world of the wise and beloved reptile is explored. Five main themes emerge. They are: Meaning. Purpose. Connection. Spirit. Peace.

Such universal goals transcend differences in religion, race, class, and nationality. The quest for them forms the basis of our shared humanity, and our personal growth and fulfillment. When they are found, life itself is richer and deeper. Calmer and more meaningful. One of the main reasons for Old Turtle’s remarkable and continued popularity is underlying presence of these elements within the story--within the mythical, but very real world of Old Turtle.

So, for a few special days we will gently explore that world and consider it deeply. Walk in it. Breathe it. Talk about it. Share it.

As in all Douglas Wood’s workshops, there will be music. Storytelling will buttress the fable of Old Turtle with legends and myths from around the world, for it is mythology itself that gave birth to the character. The vital similarities and connective threads between the world’s spiritual traditions will be examined, along with the futility of walls, barriers, and artificial exclusions. The legendary inner journey--the path of courage and discovery--will be deeply considered. There will be campfires and star-gazing, the magic of sharing, the careful building of community.  All wrapped within the gentleness and wisdom of Old Turtle, with a dash of good humor always at hand.

And what will participants get out of it all? Hopefully a sense of peace, and most of all, belonging. Belonging to a world of spirit, in which all the peoples are one People. A timeless and ancient world in which every stone is a teacher and every breeze a language. And where, as it says in the book, God may even smile from time to time.

If this sounds good to you, if you are an explorer of life and perhaps even a fan of turtles, then we’d love to have you join us!

LOCATION
All set within the grand beauties, tall groves, streams and wild lakeshore of Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center on lovely Grindstone Lake. 

Groves of two hundred-year-old pines

Nearly 800 acres of woods, wetlands, streams, and undeveloped shoreline

Housing and gatherings in grand old Schwyzer Lodge. Gorgeous, wrap-around screen porch under the big pines overlooking the lake. Kitchen, beautiful living room and fireplace. Three shared bathrooms and showers, double occupancy bedrooms.

Excellent home-made meals in the Center’s Dining Hall, largely organic, farm-to-table from the Center’s regenerative farm. Great cooks, gluten-free, custom dietary choices available.

Easy walking/hiking, mostly level, no difficult terrain.

Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center website link: www.ospreywilds.org