I sit now in Bellingham, Washington writing this blog spot in the wee hours of the morning with rain falling gently outside far away from Cortes Island. Before I left, I learned a new word, Hollyhock’d. At the retreat center when your heart gets blasted open and transformation is afoot, you’ve been Hollyhock’d.
In my last week, I sat in a circle of board members and staff as they shared heart-blasted-open-transformational stories from Hollyhock’s history. There were lots of naked stories of nude gardening, nude swimming, hot tubs, a 44-ball birthday party salute and endless topless activities in those early days.
In my own way I have been Hollyhock’d though I didn’t see a single nude body the entire month. Hollyhock crept inside of me much like how a good conversation leaves you feeling whole and connected. I have heard about this place since the early 90’s, and now some 20 years later I followed that calling to the magical, mystical land of Hollyhock.
Since 1982, Hollyhock has been an international educational center that was created to unite revolutionary teachers and thinkers at the leading edge of human and organizational evolution. Subjects as diverse as wellness and wisdom practices, arts and culture, business and leadership development are taught.
Hollyhock is enchanting and it’s natural beauty beacons one to relax, restore and recreate their lives. The early founders, without a guru or dogma, created quite a community where they made art out of life. Early guest presenters at Hollyhock include Allen Ginsberg, RD Laing, Ram Das, Stan and Christina Grof, Andrew Weil, Rupert Sheldrake, Jill Purce, Robert Bly and Baba Olatunji. Facilitators now stand on the shoulders of these cultural icons.
When I sit with the history of this place, I feel such honor to have been here for the month of May. History continues to be written as Hollyhock morphs to meet the demands of the times. The place has grown a great deal since 1982. Hollyhock has expanded its land base and buildings and there is room now for personal retreats for relaxation and rejuvenation along with the seminars.
My time here has come to a close and in my last days as I walked in the rain and saw two pair of eagles sitting on their beach front rock perches, I felt enormous waves of appreciation for what has been created here and the beauty that I carry inside as I leave.
The photos posted are in no particular order. They give you a glimpse of its charm and maybe, just for a moment you too will become Hollyhock’d.
