Our Mission

For 25 years we’ve been creating the unique resort/retreat community that is Highland Lake, informed by the persistent calling to help each other remember and reconnect with what gives our lives meaning.  As we pass the halfway point in completion of the overall vision, our focus behind the scenes has been expanding from creating models and demonstration projects in Sustainable Living, to exploring more of the inner workings of reconnecting and creating true Community. 

Einstein’s quote: “the level of thinking that created the problem will not be sufficient to solve it” pretty much sums up where we think we are today on the planet.  The question on our minds is this..."How do we access higher levels of connection, thinking together, and working together so that we can reach our full potential and make a difference in a rapidly changing world? "

To further pursue that question, we are teaming up with talent from many areas to create an Institute as a community-building resource and to create a series of workshops and events to explore these important topics in Community.  Below are the current tracks we’re exploring and some of the workshops and retreats we hope to present.

Please check Workshops & Events for the current schedule.

Thinking Together
o    World Café
o    Dialogue Circles
o    Open Space Technology
Opening to Other Ways of Knowing
o    Silent Retreats – Barbara Cordts
o    Self Discovery through the Peace, Power and Wisdom of the Horse – Karen Head
o    The Work of Byron Katie - Maureen McCarthy and Zelle Nelson
Deepening Connections in Community
o    Speaking Circles – Developing Relational Presence
o    Circles of Trust - Karen Jackson
o    State of Grace Document - Maureen McCarthy and Zelle Nelson
o    Non Violent Communication -  Jerry Donoghue
o    Understanding each other with the Enneagram - Melanie Moeller
Increasing Collaboration in Work Groups
o    Appreciative Inquiry – Sallie Lee
o    Kindling Group Magic – Sallie Lee and Cheri Torres
Community Organization
o    Dynamic Governance – John Buck
o    Open Space Technology – Maureen McCarthy & Zelle Nelson
Sustainable Living
o    Building a Tiny house - Highland Lake Staff
o    Creating community food systems - Highland Lake Staff
Creating Wellness
o    Yoga Retreats with Andre Lappa - Universal Yoga
o    Detox Retreats - Spa Staff
o    Wellness weekends - Spa Staff
Creating Real Places
o    Sacred Geometry – Robert Gilbert, Vesica Institute
o    Designing as if Community Matters - Randall Carlson  

If you'd like information on presenting at Highland Lake, please contact kerry@highlandlake.com