TheBurg

01.22 | THEBURGNEWS.COM | 23 Women's circles, another popular offering, take place each month around the new moon time. Miner explained that her involvement with Amethyst grew from her attendance at these events, eventually expanding to include grant writing and even leading the monthly women's circles. "e women's circles have been a big piece of my spiritual journey and really helped me, so I wanted to offer that to others," she said. "It has been such a rewarding experience to be able to do this. Especially the past year or so—considering all the chaos and uncertainty—these events have meant a lot for the women who keep coming." For those looking to get involved with Amethyst and meet like-minded people, community service days happen each Wednesday. Work ranges from painting to weeding to any number of manageable, maintenance and upkeep activities. "We have a meal together in the late afternoon, and then sometimes there's meditation, music or anything we might want to do as a group," Kovacs said. Amethyst also offers opportunities for rejuvenation and contemplation. roughout the spring, summer and fall, rest and relaxation weekends are popular and can be enjoyed as a solo experience or as something to share with a friend or partner. Registration includes room rental, vegetarian meals and optional yoga and meditation classes. Forest walks and holistic therapies are also available. Silent retreats and winter retreats are offered, as well, and the center can be booked for personal retreats with a few close friends or to host a larger event. DREAM BIG Erica Jo Shaffer often attends events at Amethyst, but also has hosted events and contributed to the land. Among her many gifts, she is a Reiki master and gifted horticulturist. Shaffer spoke of the land and feel of the property as significant draws, as well as Amethyst's culture of openness and creativity. She helped create a meditation garden, which was designed with consideration of the seasons, deer population and overall environment, and, in October, organized a Samhain (pronounced "SAH-win") celebration for the community. "Amethyst draws a group of people who all share ideas from whatever space of creativity we're in," she said. "We all get together and dream big." Amethyst Retreat Center has no political or spiritual affiliations, Kovacs explained. Community events are alcohol- and drug-free in order to support wellness and ensure that everyone feels welcome. "We're interested in creating the conditions for people to come together to find themselves, exchange ideas, to learn, to grow, and to create a life and world that has meaning to them," she said. Amethyst Retreat Center is located at 44 Buffalo Creek Road, Duncannon. For more information, visit www.amethystretreatcenter.org or their Facebook and Instagram pages.

• Cover