For five days leading up to Easter Sunday of 2001, eighteen people gathered together in the high desert of Central Oregon. Many of these people came from significant distances and even different countries to attend the Easter Retreat offered by INEI-RE and facilitated by Elle Collier Re. As an enlightened mystic, Elle took us all on a great journey of discovery and clarification. We walked with her, out of the shadows and doubts of the past, into love and the light of our own soul presence. Where we began this journey as strangers, we ended it as a loving extended family, each willing to care and feel the depth and majesty of our own and each others spirits. This was no small undertaking for many, and yet Elle patiently and joyfully helped each of us to unfold and to spread our wings and take flight into the great adventure which surrounds us. Whether through the making of peace with our families, or learning to release the burdens of the past, or simply to accept that we are who we have always wanted to be (and more), Elle guided us and laughed with us and cried with us as we removed these obstacles to our unfolding as people and as spirits.

To say that I personally gained a great deal from knowing Elle is certainly true. To see that so many gained as well is heartening and validating. All these feelings came back again in great detail as I have worked through the transcription of these sessions. All the difficult times were remembered, and the wondrous clarity of Elle's offerings shined through with a brilliance, which I am not sure I really caught in the moment. I would strongly recommend this activity to any of you who might choose to experience it. It is not really easy to do, but my experience tells me that it integrates Elle's teachings in a deeper way. Most importantly, on a personal level, it has led to a great feeling of having been gifted with the presence of the divine.

by Steven Floyd
sfloyd@coinet.com