Comments from Participants about the 5-day "Astronomy, Spirituality & the Mayan Prophecy" Retreats:
"Judy -- thank you! I loved your beautiful, gentle, loving, patient, receptive presence with us.
You are an excellent teacher -- completely enamored and passionate about your topic -- and you
convey the excitement of new learning. You bring and share important knowledge and wisdom
to help us all connect more deeply with ourselves, each other, and the universe itself. I
felt filled with the poetry and poems and ritual, enriched by the
combination of teachings and your unique
and positive view of being and staying present in our lives. You are a star, shining brightly,
reminding us that we are all one, we are truly connected and that what we do and say
and how we act makes a difference. You helped us all feel welcomed and unique, and to me in
particular, I felt completely comfortable in my "Harriet-ness". That is wonderful for me. Thank you, Joyous Judy!!" (Harriet H., Aug. 2009)
"This retreat has been full of great information and I feel more confident in my sky
gazing -- I can't wait to point out Andromeda and the moons of Jupiter
to others, and enjoy the "wow's" we heard
here. Judy, you are so kind and GENTLE. This has been a safe and comfortable environment to
spend time and feel close with my sisters. I see more Sunwheels in my future. I will
look to the sky with more awe and curiosity knowing how many peoples have done the same for
years and years and years... feeling more connection to Everything. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
So much love." (Mandy N., Aug. 2009)
"You are a great leader, and the best teacher I have ever had." (Gene S., Aug. 2009)
"I have appreciated my entire time spent here at the Heart View Center. I am so
glad I came -- the venue in the most beautiful setting, with mountains and blue sky,
and the facilities good. The food was excellent, nourishing, colorful, and plentiful -- thanks
to Gene and the helpers. And thank you for considering the needs of the vegetarians.
The teachings were interesting and you presented well. Your skills, knowledge, and
professionalism came through, and I am very grateful to have the folder with information.
I have a lot of admiration for your strength and ability to put this retreat together,
Joyous Judy. I look forward to seeing you again at another retreat -- in 2012."
(Vivvy A-B., Aug. 2009)
"I have been to many retreats in my life, and I have had a number of different
experiences, some very wonderful. Every moment of this retreat was not only enlightening
but also full of joy and laughter. It was the most incredibly beautiful, life-affirming,
and life-changing retreat that I have ever attended. Many of your teachings are imprinted on my
memory for all my life, and others I will remember because of your brilliant mind
and way of speaking. I cherish the booklets of information you provided us,
and I have continued to read mine and find new teachings every day. Also, your
love and respect for me as the elder surpasses any I have received. Mahalo a nui loa,
my dear friend." (Anuhea M., Aug. 2009)
"I loved hearing the teachings and having time to be present with such a deep and
amazing group of women. I especially LOVED stargazing as a group and discovering the beauty
of the stars, the moon, and the sun with new understanding. I loved the common meals & helping create
them & clean up. The group energy was delightful -- especially the releasing ceremony.
with the fire. I also loved watching the movie "Contact", which I know was obvious,
but it was so fun!!
I received so much healing, love, wisdom, and joy from this time. Thank you!"
(Erin Gael C., Aug. 2009)
"I have gained a new understanding of sky phenomena, and appreciated that the teachings were
presented in the context of personal experience that relates to ancient peoples. It is
mind-stretching to realize how much ancient peoples understood -- and that we
could access that understanding with observation and paying attention.
The presentations were paced well, with time to absorb new information, and good
use was made of physical representations so that we could understand the teachings. The
setting was wonderful --
with the mountains, big sky, and good weather -- and the meals were also wonderful. I
feel individually connected to the other women, and I would love to maintain that
and reconnect another time. THANK YOU!!" (Ellen B., Aug. 2009)
"My dearest Joyous Judy -- I am filled with gratitude for you, your knowledge and
teachings, and for the passion you share from your love of what you teach. You
are an outstanding teacher. And, dear friend, I have learned much more from you than the astronomy
and cultural experience that you came to teach. I have shared (your have shared with me) your
journey as you have brought this retreat to fruition. Your strength, courage, and
determination have been an incredible inspiration for me. You are an example of a good
human being, well along in your journey on the good red road. I aspire to
follow your footsteps." (KB J., Aug. 2009)
"I have been healing in the past several months, and I gained more strength to further
healing myself during this retreat. The lessons, both about astronomy and spirituality,
were meaningful and clear. I am in awe of the women you have included, and honored to have
gotten such respect and acceptance from them. The food -- so perfect, so healthy and so much
fun to share with my new friends. Hugs to Gene. I loved everything -- I am blessed, and
angels are singing." (Ginny N., Aug. 2009)
"I have learned many new things about Astronomy, Spirituality, and the Mayan
Prophecies and it is hard to put into words the wonderful experience I have had. What stands
out most is the enthusiasm that Dr. Judy Young has for her teachings
and her ability to teach very complicated subjects so that everyone can understand. Also, the
food was excellent and nourishing." (Peggy Doe W., Aug. 2009)
"A dynamic and engaging presentation of a fantastic body of information! Judy Young
led us to the water where we drank the science of Astronomy, the introspection of
Spirituality, and a better understanding of the ancient Mayan Culture. I
came away with food for my mind, body and soul, and sustenance I will draw
from for a lifetime." (Marcia R., May and Aug. 2009)