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Testimonials
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An experience that lasts long after the weekend is over.
Full Circle twice a year energizes and inspires us.
Most meaningful to me has been the Rule of Acceptance.
She found the Medicine Man.
This gathering is an experience of heart and spirit.
Ancient wisdom remains unchanged, what really works.
Full Circle a wonderful experience.
A way to remain in balance and harmony.
My heart feels full of abundance after Full Circle.
Teacher will appear when the lessons need to be learned.
Nurtured my spirit and moved me to greater wholeness.
Everything about Full Circle makes you feel at home.
It has brought a whole new closeness in our relationship.
Thanks to the two of you I see things differently.
Mother-Daughter come together in Full Circle ways.
How to live in right relationship--with everything.
You teach in the most profound, simple & beautiful way.
Energizing of our Spirit.
Layers of experience available beyond our first sense.
Full Circle is about connection and celebration.
A serene place for healing, renewal, and restoration.
A Journey’s End, A Journey Begins.
An experience that lasts long after the weekend is over.
The Full Circle experience is a magical weekend that helps us to recognize our abilities as helpers of Mother Earth. It opens our senses to explore the relationship with our environment and with one another. Dr. Garrett facilitates life lessons as we gain the perspectives of the subtle & ancient wisdom of the Cherokee people. It is an experience that lasts long after the weekend is over. Dale Stacy, D.Div. & Jeanne Stacy, D.Div., EarthStar Spiritual Center, Greensboro, NC
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Full Circle twice a year energizes and inspires us.
Words can't possibly describe the richness that all of you have added to our lives. We so admire your courage and commitment to bring the wisdom of balance and harmony to others. Your work is deeply appreciated by all whose lives you have touched.
When we think of all the Full Circles that we've attended through the years, images come to mind. They are like snapshots in a photo album. Images such as:
* Sue's first ever Full Circle in Virginia ~ the color of the leaves and the sound of the
rain on Saturday and "sun-gathering" in a quiet woodland clearing on Sunday. Still
reeling from the effects of my cancer treatments, those exercises allowed me to open
up and feel the healing energy of Mother Earth. JT, you asked us to "listen" to the
message from a leaf. Mine was scarred and battered, but still beautiful and strong ~
that leaf gave me a strong affirmation to go on. I will never forget that day.
* Ben's first experience of seeing a double sunrise on the trail up Power Mountain.
Running up the mountain trail to beat the sunrise, and then with the mist below, seeing
two sunrises. It was a profound awakening for him and it began our journey together.
* The cemetery at the top of Mingus Mill Trail and the strong heartbeat vibration that
reverberated through our bodies. That experience connected us directly to the earth.
* For Ben, walking through streams and the sense of freedom it brought!
Our Full Circle experiences have given us much to think about over the years. The demands of contemporary life in America promote separation from the natural world. In losing that connection, we lose an invaluable piece of our humanity. This separation may well be the greatest threat of all to future generations.
Through the years you have given us the affirmation and support and boost that we need to continue to do our work. As we've said to Melissa, so often we feel like Frodo climbing Mt. Doom. At times the burden is so heavy we wonder how we'll ever continue. But coming to Full Circle twice a year energizes and inspires us. You hold a safe and sacred space where people of like minds can come together and heal and grow. I'm not sure you realize how much we appreciate that.
Through Full Circle, you have reconnected us, and we have worked to re-connect others and like ripples on a still pond, the effects cannot be measured. Your courage and commitment are such an inspiration to all who know you, and we hope Full Circle continues for many, many years to come. With Much Love & Deepest of Gratitude, Ben (Sky Seeker/Myst) & Sue (Grandmother Sunrise)
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Most meaningful to me has been the Rule of Acceptance.
One day, while browsing the internet for Native American books, I came upon Walking on the Wind. The title struck a cord with me and my journey to Full Circle began. Like any circle, the beginning and end are difficult to place.
The lesson that has been most meaningful to me has been the Rule of Acceptance. I had come a long way on my personal journey prior to coming to Full Circle and I thought I had already "accepted" many things. What I had to learn to accept is what happens at Full Circle under JT's direction. I can laugh now at how difficult this task was for me. I finally loosened my grip on control, settled in and let go of expectations. It is a much better way and the lesson is very useful in life.
Attending my first Full Circle, I was sure I had found a gathering of kindred spirits. The group enfolds talent, fun, trials, learning, and spirit simultaneously. And there is always the beating of the drum moving us closer to the rhythm of Mother Earth. Full Circle holds the energy, the lessons, and the spirit shared.
Another element that is dear to me is the opportunity to learn about the Medicine. Previously, I have said that some of us at Full Circle have felt a deep need to search for knowledge of our Native heritage because it was denied to us. So, in true circle form, I am back to where I began this letter as I was searching for books about Native Americans.
There are many spirits on the wind. My gratitude for all of your efforts, considerations, and work.
Aho
Cindy Mantay
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She found the Medicine Man.
And the woman wandered, alone, in physical, mental and spiritual pain. She sought the help of Doctors, Psychologists, Ministers and healers. He knew she needed to change, but was afraid. Then, she found the Medicine Man.
A special thank you to J.T. Garrett for sharing his wisdom, to Phyllis Garrett for sharing her husband. To Michael Garrett for sharing his knowledge, to Melissa Garrett for sharing her insightful beauty and to Little Hawk for sharing his Mommy.
WADO
Cherenne Whiley
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This gathering is an experience of heart and spirit.
Explaining how you've touched my life is as difficult as trying to describe Full Circle. As we know, this gathering is an experience of heart and spirit. It certainly transcends my earthly vocabulary.
All I know is that you have made a difference in my life journey. I feel grateful and blessed that our paths have crossed.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom and energy. Thank you for sharing your gifts.
Wah-doh
Sandy Sandmeyer-Bryan
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Ancient wisdom remains unchanged, what really works.
If you understand "health" as walking in balance...
If you understand "medicine" as anything that goes into or on to your body...
If you understand "Spirit" as the first 'internet' connection...
...then spending time with JT and Michael to understand the wisdom of the ages is a welcome and worthwhile time-out to rejuvenate mind, body, and Spirit at once. Ironically, traditional scientific medicine often refers to this ancient wisdom as alternative. Sometimes, I can't help but wonder about how much we have lost our connection with our Sovereign God each time we come to believe that science has discovered something new. So if your bookshelf is too crowded, throw away any science books that are over ten years old. In all of the recorded years of history, ancient wisdom remains unchanged. Come and join Michael and JT for a refreshing look at what really works!
Dr. Tom Saunders
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Full Circle a wonderful experience.
I just want to thank you for all your planning and coordination in making each Full Circle a wonderful experience.
You, JT and your family have given so much of your time, energy and wisdom to each of us at each Full Circle.
Please know I appreciate you!
Blessings,
Sue Keith
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A way to remain in balance and harmony.
I don't know where to begin in my gratitude for having known y'all for the past years. How does one say all the things that one feels about their family, you have seen me go through so many changes and have been so supportive. Y'all have shown me a way to remain in balance and harmony, what greater gift could be given. This way of being has brought so much love into the world, it is the only way to fully participate in Creation without unduly interfering in others ways. The teachings that you have gifted me will be passed on to our children and hopefully on to their children. I can honestly say that y'all have changed the world for the better.
Wah Do,
Simon Ferguson
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My heart feels full of abundance after Full Circle.
My heart feels full of abundance after Full Circle. I felt such joy in your teachings, orchestration of events, and antics. In you I find such instructive, encouraging images and imprints to inform my path. I even find myself moving with different footsteps as I go about my daily rounds.
I delayed this expression of my thanks 'til after presenting a successful workshop at the annual Internal Family Systems (IFS) conference yesterday. Full Circle on so many levels, shall I say "dimensions", certainly informed the little circle I taught.
This trip I spent some time out at the Mother Town of the Cherokee. My heart beats a harmony and balance in belonging to the place and the prayer which it is.
Great Respect and Blessings,
Suzan McVicker
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Teacher will appear when the lessons need to be learned.
My first Full Circle gathering was in September, 2003 and I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Michael's book, "Walking on the Wind" had jumped out at me a few months earlier from a shelf in the Cherokee Museum's book store. After reading it I immediately felt a kinship and thought, "I know this boy."
Later, I discovered more books by Michael and J. T. which included "The Cherokee Full Circle." These books explained a lot to me, fulfilling the old adage that the 'teacher will appear when the lessons need to be learned.'
I was welcomed with open arms at Full Circle, knowing I was at home. At the end of the event, returning home, I tried to put into words what Full Circle was and I could not, my best explanation was, 'it was a happening.' It affected me in a private way and put me in a mood of celebration and reverence, not only for nature but myself and my devoted friends. It took me away from everyday cares that plague us all and let me fly for a couple of days.
As I write these words, I can hear the echo of the drum beats, flute music, J.T.'s guitar, the music of the river and remember how the weathered rocks felt under my feet as I looked at the tall reeds gently moving with the wind, and I smile.
I have made many new friends at Full Circle, including the whole Garrett family and I cherish each and every one of them, truly appreciating all the efforts made for us to come celebrate twice a year as each of us with great effort try daily to walk the RED ROAD.
In peace, harmony, balance and love,
Jessie Heffner
Sometimes known as the elder of the Wild Potato Clan
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Nurtured my spirit and moved me to greater wholeness.
When I first came to Full Circle, I brought a pen and note pad because I was determined to "get this stuff." In about 15 minutes, I realized that while there was a lot of stuff to get, pen and paper wasn't the way to get it. Full Circle was something to be experienced and internalized written on the heart and in the head.
Full Circle has been a transforming experience and continues to be a deeply meaningful spiritual experience. Reverence for life, the sacred seven, four directions, crossing over, plants as healers, gratitude, the love and grace of acceptance of others as they are, the wisdom of rocks, the rule of opposites, the principle of noninterference. These are just some of the things that have nurtured my spirit and moved me in the direction of greater wholeness. Individually, both of you are excellent teachers and together, complimentary. A dynamic duo!!!
Thank you for your willingness to share with others the ancient and timeless wisdom that helps people to live more fully in the present moment and in harmony & balance. Your kind and benevolent spirit have created a "Full Circle Family," a healthy family in which people are nurtured, cared for, inspired, encouraged. I am amazed at the lack of competition, rivalry, etc. within this family. You have created this atmosphere that is a safe place where people can feel at home without needing to "strive" with each other.
I hope there will be many more years of Full Circle. Thanks for all the time and energy you give us and may the Great One continue to bless you with all good things.
Wado!
In Gratitude & Love,
Don Ledbetter (Wood-Maker)
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Everything about Full Circle makes you feel at home.
Full Circle has been a real blessing in my life. I had read all of Michael & JT’s books while living in California and the books helped with my yearning to reconnect with my Cherokee Ancestors. When I moved to Knoxville Tennessee and was able to attend my first Full Circle I was really in seventh heaven! It was wonderful! Grandfather’s (JT) and Michael’s teachings were more than I could hope for and they really made me feel like one of the family. Speaking of that, when you attend a Full Circle you get the entire Garrett family and they are an amazingly loving clan! Everything about Full Circle makes you feel at home: the Drumming Circle, the teachings, the connecting with Nature, Melissa’s wonderful stone creations and meeting new friends. Please take the time to attend one and you will never want to miss one. Thank you to the entire Garrett Family! Aho, Peggy
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It has brought a whole new closeness in our relationship.
Words cannot express what an influence you both have had on my life. I feel that I have found my soul's home and you both have been the harbor masters to show me the way. I know that I have a long way yet to travel but I know that it is my path to explore and learn many lessons. I also am very grateful to you both for my husband's new opening of his soul, so we may have conductive paths. It has brought a whole new closeness in our relationship since we can share something so intimate. I wish you and your families, who are so much a part of the full circle, PEACE, and MANY BLESSINGS FROM THE GREAT ONE for all you are and all you do. WADO Mary Rose Kelty
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Thanks to the two of you I see things differently.
For some time now I have been looking for a way to get back to a time in my life that I cherished as a youngster. The path I chose to take in my life led me further and further from it. I consider myself very fortunate to have crossed your paths. In doing so my spirit has been re-awakened in a way that I did not think possible. Thanks to the two of you I see things differently than I have in the past, for the better according to Rose. Again...Wado. Humbly Your Friend, Daniel P. Kelty, Sr.
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Mother-Daughter come together in Full Circle ways.
Full Circle experiential weekends are life-supporting in ways that can not be fully expressed with only the language of words. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to experience ancient Cherokee wisdom while spiraling along a learning path to better understand myself, and relationships with others, nature and thoughts and attitudes needing release, renewal and expansion. I gained a closeness and new appreciation for one so dear to me having experienced Full Circle with my mother. Real, Live, Love to all the Garretts. Tamara Stuchlak.
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How to live in right relationship--with everything.
The lessons that have come to me through all of my Full Circle experiences have shown me a powerful path to walk, and how to walk it the best way I can. I consider each person in the Full Circle family a gift to me, and that's what makes the Circle so awesome--and safe--and supportive. It's a very special community of people that creates a safe place for me to discover and celebrate who I am. It is my "grounding time," where I go to get my cup filled, where I can learn how to live in right relationship--with everything. Myself included. JT and Michael both are incredible teachers and very special people. Plus, it's a downright fun reason to get together with people who make me laugh, and don't think I'm loopy.
Merri Revan
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You teach in the most profound, simple & beautiful way.
It is with deep gratitude and great joy that I take pen to this paper to express my sincere appreciation for the experiences and teachings you have been so kind to share in the Full Circle gatherings over the many years. You teach in the most profound, simple and beautiful way, so that my heart has taken in gifts far too numerable to list. So today I give my heartfelt thanks for seven of them:
1. The gift of being authentic,
2. The gift of being fully present,
3. The gift of hearing what my heart has to say,
4. The gift of knowing thoughts have great power,
5. The gift of honoring water as a life force,
6. The gift of playfulness,
7. The gift of appreciating, loving and honoring our Mother Earth.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Elaine Lang
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Energizing of our Spirit.
To Experience Full Circle is the Coming Home Within, the Energizing of our Spirit Connection with The Great One. It is to find that we have not lost along the way, but rather we have come to the realization that every step we have taken has brought us closer Home; Home to what we had merely forgotten was in our Heart.
Nancy Long Walker
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Layers of experience available beyond our first sense.
I cannot begin to express the impact of your spirit in my life. The assurance and awareness that our hearts are connected to a dimension of time and space different from this one. That each moment has layers of experience available beyond our first sense.You have honored us by sharing so many glimpses into that realm of Spirit. And now we live to honor this connection. With gratitude, Debi Duke
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Full Circle is about connection and celebration.
Full Circle is about connection and celebration. I always gain something-a new acquaintance, new rock/crystal/ jewerly, a new insight into myself. Besides, it is so much fun!!! Vikki Melvin
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A serene place for healing, renewal, and restoration.
Many years ago I was told a story about a very special place in western North Carolina near Cherokee. It is said that there was a serene lake hidden in the mountains that was only known to the animals. If an animal was sick or wounded and could find its way to this magical lake and get into the water, it would be healed. Many hunters and other curious folks tried to find this beautiful healing lake, but it remains a secret place only for the animals. Full Circle is near these healing waters. It is a serene place for sick or wounded humans to find healing, renewal, and restoration. Marty Giltinan
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A Journey’s End, A Journey Begins.
When I first came to Full Circle, I felt like I had found the place, that magical sojourn on my adventure I had sought for so long. I had finally found the journey’s end, my destination. Then with each lesson, I also understood that my journey had just begun. And through the lessons and experiences and relationships, the trip is that the journey to magical places never ends. And the treasure I have found is the Full Circle family. . . And the way home. That place of love and warmth and caring, genuine regard and a sense of belonging. A place of comfort and peace, where you feel safe to explore and take risks, seek and listen, learn and share, and just be. And when you are away, the family is there, wishing you well and looking forward to your return. And when you come home, it’s a tender and joyful reunion. And you carry that feeling so close in your heart until you are together again. With heartfelt love and gratitude to JT, Phyllis, Michael and Melissa~ And to the rest of the Full Circle family, wishing you beautiful, magical places along the way~ Tammy
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