Retreat

Laughing River Retreat House is currently a dream that many would love to see become a
reality. Many years ago, John had a vision of a healing center where many varieties of
healing could take place. Physical healing, mental healing, spiritual healing, financial
healing, finding one's destiny and path, and having time and space to be "in the desert" and
find oneself.

After some years our friend Brian Gottman joined with John and Nicole in this dream. His
dream, which has become part of ours, is to have a space where children in need of healing
can interact with a variety of animals, including horses, dogs, sheep, ponies, and so on.
Brian has witnessed the healing power of animals in the lives of children, and has a dream
to bring that to those children who most need it.

Another friend, Vladyka (Bishop) Symeon, a Russian Orthodox Bishop, also has a dream of a
monastery where those of many faiths may come together, learn together, and work
together. He believes that people of faith must stop struggling against one another and
come together to heal the wounds that the religions of the world have inflicted on so many.
His dream of a space where people of all races, religions, nationalities, sexual orientations,
and beliefs may safely join with one another in a common work is consistent with the
mission of Laughing River Retreat Center.

Laughing River Retreat Center is meant to be a space where all people may learn from one
another, heal one another, and love one another.

Many people have asked how they may get involved in this work. There are many ways.

First, if you are a healer and would like to be involved in serving in this Center, you should
speak with us.

If you believe that you could help, but have not started on a committed and disciplined
Spiritual Path, you are welcome to speak with John about becoming a Seeker and
dedicating yourself (and your family, if you have one) to Spiritual Growth and service to
humanity.

Of course, money always helps. We are looking to obtain, through donation or purchase,
land in New Mexico or Southern Colorado, and funds to build the Retreat Center there. We
are also open to having donated, or buying with donated funds, an existing site which could
serve as the Center. We have not currently decided the form that the corporation necessary
to run the Center will take --- whether it will be a for-profit or not-for-profit corporation.
At this time donations are not tax deductible, therefore.

Joining your energy with ours to make this place of healing and peace a reality is very
important. As times become more and more challenging, a place of healing and refuge is
more vital than ever.

John may be contacted at wlfbearshaman@gmail.com. If you would like to speak to John
by phone, please leave your contact information and he will call you, or ask John for his
cell phone number and he will respond by sending it to you.

We hope that this vision excites you as much as it does us. We also hope that, in some way,
you would like to be a part of this wonderful dream.