The retreats and workshops in this area are intended for spirituality groups both outside and within congregational settings. Any of them would be interesting for groups of friends who simply want to explore living more intentionally and attentively. This list is only a sample of the kind of work I do with groups; these specific retreats and workshops are available, but my joy is to create something that brings your particular group into a thin place. Please contact me if you would like to discuss other options or to schedule one of these retreats. Approximate fees are available on the Retreat home page.
The Begging Bowl
All I knew about a begging bowl was that each day a monk goes out with his empty bowl in his hands. Whatever is placed in the bowl will be his nourishment for the day. —Every Day Sacred (Sue Bender)
This retreat begins by creating a small bowl from polymer clay and then explores the bowl as womb of creation, cauldron of rebirth, and quaich of refreshment. We are asked to consider how we are nourished by the abundance of the universe. Do we notice abundance? Is our life sustainable? How do we surrender what is in order to receive blessing and gift?
This retreat workshop invites each participant to work with paper, fabric, canvas, paint, and found objects as the media to create a personal icon as a window into deeper discernment around the central spiritual question in his or her life. We seek to trust the power of images to draw us deeper, and to open the channels between head and heart.
Depending on the specific situation and the interests of the group, we may create in two dimensions or in three.
Spiritual Life Maps
This is a one- or two-day retreat which helps participates explore their own life story through the lens of the sacred. It includes times of silence, reflection, guiding questions, the opportunity to journal and to draw a “map” which highlights turning points and life-changing experiences.
It is intended that participants will continue to work on their life maps during the month following the retreat, as an opportunity to become more aware of the holy in every moment.