At River Rock Treatment, we believe that recovery is more than just breaking free from addiction—it’s about healing, growth, and community. That’s why we’re excited to invite our alumni to a special Fire Ceremony led by Jae Bowman and Tim Walsh, founder of Adventure Recovery.

Whether you’ve participated in a fire ceremony before or this will be your first time, this powerful event is an opportunity to come together, release the past, and set new intentions for your recovery journey.

Event Details

Location: Red Barn Gardens – 8939 Williston Rd, Williston, VT
Date: Thursday, February 6th 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30/8:45 PM

Where Will It Be Held?

  • If the weather permits, we will gather outside in the field, sitting around a large fire with chairs.
  • If it’s too cold or wet, we’ll move to a heated greenhouse and use a smaller, smokeless solo stove.

Rain or shine, this ceremony will take place! Dress warmly and prepare for a powerful evening of reflection and renewal.

Why Should You Attend?

Recovery is not a solitary journey—it’s one that thrives on support, connection, and shared experiences. This event is a chance to:

  • Reconnect with fellow River Rock alumni
  • Strengthen your recovery community
  • Release emotional weight and set fresh goals
  • Find inspiration and support, no matter where you are on your journey
  • Let go of what no longer serves you.
  • Set powerful intentions for the future.
  • Reignite your inner strength and commitment to recovery.

We hope to see as many of you there as possible. This is your community, your journey, and your chance to reconnect in a meaningful way.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us. We can’t wait to gather around the fire with you.

What Is a Fire Ceremony?

A fire ceremony is an ancient ritual used by cultures across the world to mark transitions, let go of what no longer serves us, and invite renewal. Fire has long been seen as a symbol of transformation, offering warmth, light, and the ability to cleanse and purify.

In the context of addiction recovery, a fire ceremony is an opportunity to:

  • Release negative emotions and past burdens – Write down thoughts, fears, or regrets on paper and burn them in the fire as a symbolic act of letting go.
  • Set new intentions and commitments – Reflect on your recovery journey and use the fire as a catalyst for personal growth and change.
  • Reignite your strength and resilience – Fire represents the power within each of us to transform and rise from challenges.

As Adventure Recovery explains in their article, “The Magic of the Fire Ceremony,”, these ceremonies provide an emotional and spiritual reset, allowing participants to embrace healing, connection, and renewal

The Message Behind the Fire Ceremony: Transformation & Letting Go

The fire ceremony isn’t just about burning paper or watching flames rise—it’s about embracing change. Fire reminds us that while destruction can be painful, it is often necessary for new growth. Just as fire clears a forest to make way for fresh life, we must sometimes release old habits, toxic thoughts, and self-doubt to make space for healing.

The ceremony teaches us that:

  • Holding onto past pain keeps us stuck, but letting go creates freedom.
  • Every ending is also a new beginning.
  • Transformation is an ongoing process—just like recovery.

By actively choosing to release negativity and set new goals, we reinforce our commitment to self-improvement and emotional well-being.

Bringing the Fire Ceremony Into Everyday Life

You don’t need an actual fire to embrace the lessons of the ceremony. Here are ways you can incorporate its meaning into your daily life:

  • Daily Reflection: Take a moment each day to acknowledge what’s weighing you down and consciously choose to let it go.
  • Journaling: Write down your fears, regrets, or challenges, and then rip up or discard the paper to symbolize release.
  • Meditation & Visualization: Imagine placing your burdens into a fire and watching them dissolve, leaving behind light and peace.
  • Symbolic Acts: Engage in activities that help you feel renewed—like deep breathing, taking a walk in nature, or speaking affirmations.

The fire ceremony is a reminder that healing is a journey, not a destination. Letting go is something we can practice every day, and each time we do, we create more space for growth, joy, and resilience.

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