REGISTRATION CLOSES this Friday, January 2nd!
Keeping Our Joy (While the Dumpster Burns)
January 16-18, 2026
The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center, Highlands NC
Convener: Snowdancer (Jim Becker)
Register Now!
Dear Brothers and Siblings,
This is the “final call” for the 2026 Gay Spirit Visions’ Winter Meditation gathering. We are in the final stages of planning the weekend and we have a great weekend ahead of us. I hope those of you who feel called to be there will register soon. I know if you choose to join us, an entire community will be waiting to welcome you.
The Mountain is a magical place, and each season holds its own charms. Having been raised in the Upper Midwest, I come to this time of year with no reservations as to the cold, crisp air. It has been my pleasure over the years to call The Mountain my retreat center of choice. Through Gay Spirit Visions and my affiliation with the Unitarian Universalist tradition, I’ve spent many moons in this sanctuary. With what has transpired in our country over the last year, I know I have been torn any number of ways. With that in mind, it is time to be called back into right relationship with self and others that know and love us. Thus, the title and focus of our January 2026 gathering:
Keeping Our Joy (While the Dumpster Burns)
We will deepen into joy and pleasure for their own sake, but also because joy strengthens us for the generational work to liberate a society. And joy protects us from the slings and arrows of capitalism as it unleashes creative vision and problem-solving.
During our time together, we will experience joy in six different modes:
• Permission: We will practice allowing ourselves to experience joy and begin healing from negative words and messages that tell us our joy is frivolous, unnecessary, or selfish.
• Presence: We will learn what it is to show up for ourselves, to not abandon ourselves to the rages of despair.
• Play: We will play! Who knows what we will do? Let’s be creative! Perhaps practice laughing yoga? Bring your favorite arts/crafts/writing elements. Crayons and markers are enthusiastically welcome.
• Pleasure: We will explore the opportunities pleasure offers us every day.
• Power: We will stretch our joy muscles and see how they help us make change in ourselves and the world.
• Purpose: We will play with the idea that joy can lead us to a sense of lighthearted, caring, compassionate purpose.
I hope you will join us as we choose to enlighten each sojourner.
Warmly,
Snowdancer Shadowshield (Jim Becker)
Convener, GSV 2026 Winter Meditation
Registration
Registration for the GSV 2026 Winter Meditation gathering is now open. Please begin the registration process from the Register Nowpage. All questions about registration should be directed to The Mountain – gsoffice@themountainrlc.org – Phone: (828)-526-5838. Registration closes on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Participants needing accessible accommodations are encouraged to register early.
Accomadations
3 Day/2 Night Package (Friday through Sunday)
All pricing is per person
Lodge or Duplex Cabin (double occupancy) $240 + tax
Single Occupancy (private room) $380 + tax
Bunkhouse $200 + tax
For All Rooms Add Required GSV Program Fee $35.00 per person
Scholarship Information and Application Deadline
Financial assistance in the form of scholarships is available. The financial assistance application submission deadline is Friday, January 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. We hope that anyone who resonates with our mission and community, and who has the desire to attend, can join us at our gatherings. To that end we offer financial assistance through the Raven Wolfdancer Financial Assistance Fund. Please go to the Financial Assistance page on the Gay Spirit Visions website for more information and for a link to the GSV financial assistance application form. Remember, the financial assistance application submission deadline is Friday, January 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Getting to The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center
The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center is located west of the town of Highlands, NC. For detailed driving information and transportation options, visit The Mountain Getting Here page. Note: If your transportation plans include flying, the closest and easiest airport to fly in and out of is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) located in Fletcher, NC, just south of Asheville, NC.
Please note that there are no public transportation options from AVL that service The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center. You may wish to consider rental car services at AVL. The drive from AVL to The Mountain is approximately 2 hours, or longer if you are not accustomed to mountain driving conditions.