As I write this post, today is the first full day of autumn. It is a time of change. We watch the leaves turn to colors that can brighten our days. We observe light gradually getting shorter and shorter. The temperature gets cooler as a general rule. Changes are truly in the air, literally and figuratively.

As I think about all the changes that are happening now, it gives me pause to meditate. This season is a reminder that things are always in flux in one way or another. The changes remind us that our addictions can get the better of us if or when we let our guard down. In our own personal recovery journeys, we have gained and continue to gain, as we work the steps, the tools that allow us to thrive during these times of change.

Another thing about autumn is that it is only one season. The seasons, like tides, ebb and flow. There is a regular cycle to the seasons. Our lives in many ways mimic the seasons. We live on a planet that is designed for cycles. So as we are in one cycle, let us move into positive cycles of life.

Maybe I am waxing poetic here. Maybe I am being a bit philosophical. I guess what my point is is that just as seasons change, we can also change. I know I feel blessed and grateful to have found new health and life in recovery. Recovery lives and so so I.

by Dale E – PSRC Member (SAA/COSA)

We have and continue to collect surveys for the retreat. At some point the survey will close. Although the survey may close, we always welcome your thoughts and comments. The retreat has been built on the comments and thoughts from the past, which is why we have continually been able to improve. Like recovery, building a retreat is always a work in progress. It is all about progress, not perfection. So, if you have comments, you may leave them here on the contact us page form. You may also leave longer form thoughts by sending an email to serenity.on.the.sound@gmail.com. Whatever way works for you will work for us.

As we move forward, our plan is to update with a regular blog post at least twice a month. The topics may vary some; however, they will always have something to do with either the retreat or recovery in general. So please come back and check out the site.

This site will likely morph slowly as we get more familiar with which technology works best for our purposes of service. You may or may not notice differences in this site’s appearance. No matter what, our focus will always be towards recovery and what works best towards that goal.

by Dale E – PSRC Member (SAA/COSA)

Our retreat for August 2020 has now come and gone. What a great event it was. This year’s retreat was put together quickly and well by a dedicated group of volunteers. Thank you to them. More importantly, it was well attended within the USA as well as internationally. How exciting! We thank you so much for being here and making this venture a true success.

You will be receiving a short survey soon, i.e. early September. Please fill it out and submit it when you see the link. We value and read all of the feedback provided. Your comments, suggestions, and ratings help your retreat committee, PSRC, to constantly tweak and improve the retreat.

Personally, I am so thankful for this past retreat. It was quite special being both our 31st annual retreat as well as our 1st virtual retreat. Hopefully we can bring the retreat back even stronger as Covid-19 restrictions slowly lift. What will our next retreat look like? Stay tuned. We look forward to the next, even better, retreat. And thank you again for being part of this special recovery event.

by Dale E – PSRC Member (SAA/COSA)

It is Friday, August 21 as I write this note. Our virtual retreat this year will start with an awesome Talent Show on Friday, August 28. It promises to be lots of fun. In year’s past, it has been amazing to see some of the performances that have been shared. I know this year will be similar. We have several people sharing as well as a wonderful host to MC this fun event.

On Saturday, August 29, you will be able to join one of several varying workshops. On both ends of the workshop schedule, we will have a speaker to share their story. This day will be a wonderful day to learn and grow in our recovery journeys.

I also have been notified that the PSRC has extended the guaranteed registration date to this Wednesday, August 26. That means any registrations received by Wednesday, August 26 will have a guaranteed spot at this year’s virtual retreat. That date has been set in order for us to be sure that the technology will be prepared to handle the number we are expecting. If you do register later than Wednesday, we will do our best to accommodate you. We just cannot guarantee your place ahead of time. Thank you for your understanding.

by Dale E – PSRC Member (SAA/COSA)

In less than two weeks time, the retreat will be live and online. Are you excited? I know I am. I only wish words could show the real excitement. This retreat will be an adventure. It will be unique. It will be a first of its kind. All of those make this event exciting.

Have you registered yet? The retreat starts with the online talent show on Friday, August 28. We are requesting all registrations be submitted by this Friday, August 21. We have set this date so we can plan accordingly to help ensure all of the technological resources are available and ready to handle our “crowd” of recovering addicts, co-addicts, and codependents.

Speaking of technology, do you have your Zoom app ready? Zoom is the primary technology we will be using. It is a video conferencing tool that allows for good connections, especially during this time of Covid. Go to your app store and signup for your free Zoom account. There is no cost on your end. The app may be used on a smartphone, tablet, or any other personal computer.

If you do not have access to Zoom, let us know. There is also a way to connect at the retreat using a regular phone. You may attend via the app or via phone. If you are able to use and install Zoom directly on your phone or computer, that is recommended as the experience will be fuller and more vibrant.

What are you waiting for? Registrations keep rolling in. Get your registration in by this Friday, August 21 to ensure your spot at this year’s retreat. We look forward to seeing you.

by Dale E – PSRC Member (SAA/COSA)

The PSRC met the other day to keep all things for the retreat coming along well.  It is so exciting to watch and be a part of this upcoming event.  The workshops are strong.  The speakers will share their great stories. I am pumped and psyched.  How do you feel?  Can you almost taste some of the excitement?

Without a doubt this will be an event for the ages.  Since it is our first virtual retreat, it is guaranteed to be special.  Are you ready to join us?  If not, what is holding you back?  Download the updated schedule on the main page.  Share the flyer with others in the fellowship.  Register on the registration page. Let’s make this an event to remember!

Are you ready? Are you excited? I know I am. This is going to be different and exciting. We are only 3 weeks away from the start of this year’s Retreat. Although this is our 31st Annual Retreat, it is also our 1st Retreat. I always think new things are fresh and exciting. I believe this event will be fresh and exciting. I can’t wait for everything to start rolling.

As with every retreat the Puget Sound Retreat Committee, PSRC, has hosted, this will be filled with time for each of us to enjoy some new peace and serenity. We can and will strengthen our own personal recovery. We will help others on their road of recovery. We will enjoy some camaraderie, learning, and fun.

I welcome any comments below. This is not my retreat nor the PSRC’s retreat, this is your retreat. If you haven’t signed up yet, there is still time. Just click on the Registration Page tab above.

by Dale E – PSRC Member (SAA/COSA)

Thank you to those of you who have registered for the special retreat in 2020. Although we are going virtual this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we hope to make this at least as special as previous retreats. With over 30 years of experience to draw upon, things are setting up quite nicely.

We are excited to have several special workshops planned which can help solidify your personal recovery path. Watch on the main page for several of their descriptions to be published in the very near future. I can say that they include a couple of round tables, a workshop focused on steps 10-12, meditation, and more. There promises to be something for everyone.

I do wish to remind you that we are actively seeking registrations to help us in our planning. In order to guarantee your spot, please register by August 21, which is only a week before the event. This will allow us to effectively plan our needs for support on the platforms we are using. To register go to our registration page at https://www.soundretreat.org/registration-page/. We look forward to seeing you all at this year’s retreat. If you have not received your registration confirmation via phone or email within 3 days or 72 hours, please contact us so we can correct any issue.

by Dale E – PSRC Member (SAA/COSA)

Today as I write this it is the first day of August. That means the retreat is only 27 days away. Time sure flies by.

Personally I am getting excited. We have two great speakers committed to sharing their personal story. We have at least five solid workshops set to run. The choices will be and are great. Keep an eye on our main page which will have the most current schedule available as well as a e-brochure you can share. Let’s get the word out.

In order to better plan for our workshops as well as the technology we will provide, we ask that you get your registrations in by August 21. If you can do that, we can guarantee your place at this year’s retreat. Save the date and make your plans now.

Also be on the lookout on this blog page. We will be posting updates more than once a week as we get close to this awesome recovery event. We look forward to seeing you in less than 4 weeks.

by Dale E – PSRC Member (SAA/COSA)

The Serenity on the Sound Retreat began 30 years ago. This will be the 31st annual retreat. It was birthed from an idea by members of both SAA and COSA. This group of addicts, co-addicts, and codependents thought about getting together and working our recovery in a safe retreat location and setting. As the years have progressed, the retreat has grown and evolved. We are also unique in that we promote cooperation in the fellowships to further everyone’s personal recovery.

The biggest change in the retreat this year is that we are going virtual. Using Zoom as a platform for workshops and meetings seems to work quite well. It is not the same as being able to be next to one another; however, we can still connect via chat and video. If you are not familiar with Zoom, ask one of your friends in the fellowship to review it with you. Phone calls and texts can be a very appropriate means for talking, learning, and growing.

As with all of our retreats, we are an adults only retreat hence 18 and over. This allows us to provide better safety for all. As with any addiction(s), safety and mutual healthy support are keys to our personal recovery. We will strive to offer a safe and spiritually rewarding retreat for all.

I invite anyone to make comments on past retreats or even this retreat. We welcome your ideas. Our goal is to bring us together, have a fun time, learn a lot, and grow in our own personal recovery program. Stay tuned as I will discuss some of the retreat workshops you can look forward to enjoying in an upcoming blog entry. Thank you for reading.