Colorado Nest

I had the absolute honor to participate in an Artist in Residence Program and co-facilitate a Retreat at the Beyul Retreat Center just outside of Aspen, CO. For three weeks, I stayed in a cabin in the wilderness gathering sticks and leading people in the building of a 10-foot nest that sits nestled in the aspens and the pines in the Rocky Mountains. 

Like every good art piece, there was an internal and external process of taking a pile of sticks and turning it into something that can bring comfort and meaning to the lives of not only the people that participate but also the people that will be able to sit and reflect in this nest by the river and on the land for years to come. 

For me personally, the building of this nest was very significant. It was the first nest I had built in a while. Over the last few years, I had gone through a divorce and multiple losses. It was taking a while to feel settled after all of the changes. I kept trying to get back up but nothing was working. I had to create my life again after it had fallen apart. 

During that time, a teacher said to me: “If life keeps putting you on the ground, stay on the ground and find the resources around you.” I hung on to that quote. After all, I am a nest builder. It takes slow and consistent movements and dedication to heal and rebuild. This nest in Colorado was symbolic of me not only returning to nest building but it was a reminder of how far I had come and a chance to make meaning of it and a chance to teach from this place.

The process started by looking for the resources that were available to me on the land; receiving support from the people around me; building a foundation from the rocks along the riverbed; and, with community, gathering and placing one stick in at a time to build a little home and sanctuary. 

Somehow, it all works. It might take longer than we want it to sometimes. But, with each rock and each stick… it grows and grows until one day you have a new foundation, feelings of trust and safety on the inside, and the wings will start to flutter again. 

What a beautiful and profound process it was. And what an honor it is to teach it. 

A big loving thank-you to Beyul Retreat Center… I will never forget this magical time. And an extra big stick-loving energy to Galina Denzel, my host and collaborator and owner of the Peace with Food program, books, and retreats. 

One stick at a time,

Debbie