2004 Autumn Gathering

In late September and early October of 2004, a beautiful Silent Retreat was held at the Redlands Mesa Grange, just down the road from Neelam's land. Following the Retreat, retreat attendees as well as folks from the larger community (including Hotchkiss and Paonia) were invited to participate in a week-long Open House.

Among the highlights were a dance performance followed by a dance party, a slide show from travels in India with Neelam, a ping pong party, Satsang with the lovely Pamela Wilson, a hike in the aspen forests above Redlands Mesa, a tree planting celebration, as well as additional Satsangs with Neelam, one of which was held on her land, under the vast Colorado skies.

Shared here are a handful of photos, mainly from the tree planting celebration. Prior to the first tree being planted, Neelam spoke a few words about community and her vision for the Land. She then scattered some soil taken from her land in India into the hole prepared for the new tree, followed by a sprinkling of water from the River Ganga. Everyone pitched in with the planting of a number of trees, and to cap it all off, Neelam and Life led the circle in some bhajans, with Roee providing the guitar accompaniment.

Quite a gorgeous couple of weeks.

(Photo Credits: Bryce Widom)