White Dove Release for Past, Present and Future in the River Arts District

Thanks to Mark-Ellis Bennett of the Biltmore Beacon for sharing this photograph

I just received this wonderful photograph of the Dove Release ritual honoring the transition of Richmond Hill Inn to Oshun Mountain Sanctuary several weeks ago.

Ceremonies for transitions in our community bring me so much joy because one of the most important places we connect in community is through our businesses, whether for-profit or non-profit.

The ritual was simple and short, but very moving and powerful.  I've included the text below.

What was really remarkable was that the dove we named Future flew up to the roof of the Carriage House and stayed there, even after the other two birds headed home!

Normally White Rock Doves circle around until all the birds are together before heading home.  But Future decided to stay a while, perhaps enjoying the feeling of all the good wishes and bright hopes for the future of the wonderful business.

Dove Release Ritual for the Past, Present and Future

Honoring the Transition of Richmond Hill Inn to Oshun Mountain Sanctuary

After offering our piece of the sand mandala to the land and waters we gathered in the gardens before the stone waterfall.  Two heart-shaped wicker baskets each held a single dove and Julia Gaunt held a dove gently in her hands.

In honor of the people who

loved the Richmond Hill Inn

those who preserved it, those who worked in it,

those who met here, married here, celebrated here

In honor of those who built it and those who called it home

In honor of grief and our joy

We name this dove Past and we release it.

In honor of this moment of transition,

the people gathered here, our community,

the French Broad River,

Shelly and Brad, the Dr. and Mrs. Michels,

Riverlink, the French Broad River community
the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe Co.
and everyone who made this day possible

I name this dove Present and let it take flight.

In honor of all the intentions and aspirations for

Oshun Mountain Sanctuary

I declare to those who have held the vision for this

Center of Retreat and Wellness,

“We are for you.  We support you

Your success adds to the success of our community”.

I invite you all to send your best wishes up to the heavens

on the wings of this dove

who I name Future.

Special thanks and appreciation to Julia Gaunt, who cares for and trains these lovely birds at Asheville White Dove Releases.  

My very best,

Michelle

Beautiful Sand Mandala -- created and released at Closure Ceremony for the Richmond Hill Inn

Using colored sand Mandala Facilitator, Martha Kiger created the basic form of a mandala for the Community Goodbye and Closure Ceremony for the Richmond Hill Inn yesterday.  Everyone who came through was invited to add to mandala by "painting" a symbol or design with the sand.

Master Percussionist, Layne Redmond drummed as people took turns brushing the sands of the mandala into a pile in the middle, integrating all the symbols, memories and intentions.


Then everyone was invited to take some of the sand and carry out it into the gardens or up to the site of the burned Pearson Mansion.

The sand mandala was a perfect symbolic ritual for this Big Moment in our community.

Julia and I topped it off with a White Dove Release for the Past, the Present and the Future.  The doves that fly in our dove releases are actually part of the Riverside community.  They live in Woodfin at Julia's home, just across the river from the land that we'll all soon be calling Oshun Mountain Sanctuary!