In the mid 1980’s, we were living in Augusta, Georgia and decided that we needed to become enlightened. We reasoned that a good place to become enlightened was in the mountains. So we rented a cabin for the weekend somewhere off the Blue Ridge Parkway. We arrived at night in dense fog, found the cabin and checked in, only to find that the restaurant was closed and there was no TV! When we woke up the next morning we discovered that our window looked out over a graveyard! Nevertheless, we went out looking for our enlightenment. We hiked down a gravel road looking for a waterfall. After several hours of hiking, and only finding horse droppings, we returned to the cabin and called it a day. The second morning we decided to rent the horses that had obviously found the waterfall the day before. Neither one of us are experienced horse-riders but Charlie was put on Spitfire and I was put on Fireball. The horses took off and we went bouncing along with them. Somewhere during that ride we both finally relaxed into the realization that the horses were totally out of control and that at any moment we would be thrown off to our deaths! And then it happened. We had given up control, and were allowed to experience Truth. For a moment, or an eternity, we could not tell which and it does not matter, we became one with All. There was no separation, no difference, between ourselves and the horses, the grass, the trees, the horizon, the earth, the sky. We were All That Is and All That Is was us. Just as suddenly as it began, the experience ended. We were back on the horses riding towards the barn. We dismounted, got in the car, checked out of the cabin, and came home. We had experienced what we intended; though not how we intended it.
About the Mountain Valley Center
The Story of Jill and Charlie and Mountain Valley Center
Once upon a time and long ago the Founders of Mountain Valley Center got together to create a place of peace and harmony for others. Their greatest happiness was see others relaxing and finding their Self in music and teaching and learning.
From that moment on, our lives changed.
We had discovered Metaphysics!
Jill went on to complete her doctoral studies at the University of Georgia. The title of her dissertation was “Development and Learning for Transformation”. We opened Augusta, Georgia’s first metaphysical store, The Relaxation Station in 1989. The store grew from 2 rooms to 5 rooms to an entire house in Augusta. We sold metaphysical goods and held workshops, training sessions, community church groups and more. We continued to visit the Smoky Mountains again and again until one time went around with a realtor. When we stepped on our property, we knew we had to buy it and it was not for us alone. We told the realtor that we could afford the payments, but had no money down. Within 6 weeks the bank offered 80% and the broker offered 20% and we found ourselves signing the papers. Within 6 months we had an offer for our home in Augusta, GA (it was not on the market) and were offered jobs as physical therapists 7 miles away from our property. We “gave in” to the Universe and moved to Otto, NC in 1994.
Mountain Valley Center and the Otto Labyrinth Park were Born
It took us until 1998 to build the Labyrinth Park and open our store and website. Initially the store was on the main highway, but in 2008 we moved it onto our property next to the Labyrinth. Over the years we have met many wonderful people in the world of metaphysics. We have sold their creations in our store and attended their workshops. Jill has built on her physical therapist skills and is now offering Well Being Energy Sessons based on Polarity And CranioSacral Therapy! Charlie provides Life coaching by phone! Rod – our wonderful friend, beekeeper and builder is with us on the property, and Ann has joined us to focus on Social Media and Sales.
We are currently (summer 2019) building an Earth Bag pavilion to offer a natural space for larger workshops, events and concerts at the Labyrinth Park. In addition, this summer we have totally revised our website, making it lighter, more user friendly, more able to highlight and offer the wonderful metaphysical gifts we have collected over the years.
Come walk our rock labyrinth, stroll along paths through the forest and stream, or just sit by the ponds and watch the fish play. Visit the Welcome Center for restrooms, refreshments, and wonderful gifts.
Join us in exploring, facilitating, and advancing Well Being at Mountain Valley Center!
Joy and Blessings to you, always!
Jill & Charlie Henry
Note: Charlie made his transition into the Light on November 17, 2020. His energy of spirit remains as a vital part of our website, store and park. His physical presence is missed dearly.
Watch the videos above to see more of the Labyrinth Park and our Metaphysical Gifts!
Phone Toll Free: 1-888-773-2491
Local: 1-828-369-5698
Store Hours:
Noon to 4 pm Thursday and Friday, 10 to 4 Saturday
Labyrinth Park Hours: Dawn to dusk 7 days a week. Dogs must be on-leash or under control, no fires, Pack out what you pack in. Leave the Park more beautiful than it was when you arrived!
Directions
Mountain Valley Center, 43 Shambala Way, Otto, North Carolina 28763
Half way between Atlanta, GA and Asheville, NC, we are an easy drive from both! Just off US 441 3 miles north of Dillard, Georgia, and 7 miles south of Franklin, NC.
