=Intention=

At its essence Intention since it began in 1999 has been a collective response to the question:

"What can we do in the face of an uncertain future?"

This question was sounded by the Mazeguider & Naomi Steinberg in the networks connected to the underground dance community in the 604 prior to the timing of Y2K which had the markings of a great change on Earth. While Y2K never happened on the scale imagined, the impulse to practice and prepare for great shift remains central to the premise of Intention. We all know there's much that needs to change in the world, Intention retreats therefore have given a space to practice living how we together would choose to live given the opportunity. It is also a place to recognize that each person has a gift inside them that can be shared and recieved.

After Samhain (Summer's End) preparations begin. A location is figured out, usually a camp that goes un-used in the winter months. Budgets, pricing, infrastructure of the event is thought of and orientations are planned. A series of orientations then happens in November and December that illicit the participation and co-creative cooperation of the community planning or considering attending. The orientations have been happening mainly in the Vancouver area but have also spread to the Sunshine Coast, Victoria, Nelson as well as Edmonton and other places that have large numbers of attendee's coming. Intention thus begins for each individual the moment they get involved in the process.

The general flow of the 5 day retreat includes:

Dec.29 A day of arrival and set up of our Temporary Automous Zone. An evening dinner and ceremony to welcome participants and allow us to set safe space, and get to know each other with some dynamic facilitation methods.

Dec.30 A day filled with workshops, discussions, councils, shared mealtimes, and ending the day with The Caberet of Intention, an open mic night for edutainment, expression, improv, burlesque, spoken word, dance performance, short films, audience participatory games, skits,and short live music segments. All in all this allows us to see the immense talent and creative expression present amongst us. An excellent place to get in front of the audience too if it's always seemed daunting. You will rarely encounter as supportive an audience. This night also contains a several year running tradition known as The Fish Bowl which allows for up and coming dj's to get on the decks and give people a good dance before bed.

Dec.31 Continuing as the day before with concentrated activity (tho participants have the option of doing their own thing, spending time solo or with others, going out into nature, or into the meditation space or doing a project). As evening approaches final preparations are made for the evening New Year's Eve celebration and ceremony. A Tribal Market is opened allowing people to purchase wares made by the community which in turn supports our artisans. With a limited infusion of newcomers for the celebration we dance the night away with the intentions we have raised getting energized through movement and music which serves as a gateway to spirit to enter. We also have the opportunity to shed what no longer serves us as we dance and let in the new.

Jan.1 A less jam packed day leaving room for resting from the night before, integrating experiences, and continuing to nurture our aims while at the retreat. In the evening the Temple of Intention celebrates the final night of our being together, fortifying our intentions for the new year with sacred music on the chill tip. All participants are invited to partake in the biggest slumber/snuggle party of the year while visuals play images of the past year for us to reflect on where we've been and inspire where we are going.

Jan.2 A day of cleaning up, packing up and leaving no trace. A final closing ceremony allows for sharing of reflections and bringing closure although Intention never ends really!

Since its local inception Intention has galvanized local community networks in the 604 and assisted in the development of careers in areas covered in workshops, performances, and music sets by participants who got their feet wet here. It has been a place to check in with each other once a year and build new connections. It has also been a place to forgive each other for anything that holds us back from being a deeper integrated community. Intention has also become a focal point for the neotribal intentional dance network on an International scale. It welcomes the unification of dance tribes from all over to learn from each other and share the gifts each has been cultivating.

For more information on Intention go to: http://www.intentiongathering.org , For the archives of Intention look at http://www.tribalharmonix.org/intention/archive.php , and the intention 8 gallery.