Serving and Bonding at Wildwood Retreat
By Cesar Z
It was hot, steamy, wet, long, and thick, and it made me feel good afterwards.
No, it wasn't sex...it was volunteering at the Wildwood Retreat! The hot water of the jacuzzi combined with the steam roo really paid off after a long day of cutting the thick branches to help make space for other vegetation. The beautiful view on "top of the world," as it may seem from up on top of the retreat, is a view that can't be described, and it makes you feel good to know that you are helping to keep it looking good for others to enjoy.
While at Wildwood, we helped with the maintenance of the retreat: turning beds over, cleaning the yurt ( a non-denominational religious space), organizing things here and there, cleaning the guest rooms, looking at the cute guy that worked there... well, at least I was checking him out. We also got to destroy on old shed. From the first day we got there until the last second before we left, everyone treated each other as one big family. Everyone was helping everyone else with an all-for-one-and-one-for-all type of attitude.
Stress? It doesn't exist up there. The world could have ended, and no one would have cared. The peace and harmony, the new friendships, and teh bonds I made with several of my old friends were incredible. I really got a chance to get to know others.
Maybe it was because there were no cell phones ringing to interrupt our conversations, or a television to distract us from giving full attention to each other. But whatever it was, it's an experience I will never forget. I can't think of any other time when I felt my mind and body were in such a peaceful state.
I made lots of new friends, strengthened bonds with friends I already had, got a chance to release my city stress, breathed fresh and clean air, ate some very tasty foods, sang some songs, and helped keep Wildwood beautiful. I really recommend that people sign up for the next Wildwood event --- It will ben an experience of a lifetime. |
