Uncovering the Blessings of the Caregiver Journey – A Day of Retreat & Reflection
This spring, spend some intentional time in sacred community with fellow caregivers, being reaffirmed and supported as a caregiver for someone with a long-term illness or condition. This retreat utilizes a lens for understanding and naming the spiritual dimension of the caregiver role and its myriad emotions and experiences and is tailored to uplift participants who may or may not provide hands-on care for their loved one, but who are involved in their lives. Topics that will be explored are intrinsic to the caregiver journey, especially the necessity of self-care and compassion, burnout, family dynamics, grief, and the often-conflicting emotions that accompany this reality.
Throughout the program, participants will be invited to engage in storytelling, prayer/meditation, writing, and other contemplative exercises that validate the caregiver’s experience and provide therapeutic tools for the ongoing commitment of caregiving. The morning and afternoon sessions will envelop the themes of caregiver grief, healing, and hope within each participant’s respective circumstances, while also envisioning endurance and renewal. Resources will be offered related to what is examined and for ongoing nourishment on the journey. A journal is a great companion for this program in addition to comfortable walking shoes for optional times of healing in nature. Lunch is included.
We also offer a bi-monthly support group for caregivers on Zoom in January, March, May, July, September, and November.
Gordon Creamer, MA, creator of the Mission Bridge, currently serves as Program Director at Well for the Journey, a spiritual wellness center in Lutherville, MD. As a creative and contemplative builder, he has held leadership roles in healthcare programming and operations since 2001 at various assisted living, skilled nursing, and hospice communities. He earned a Master of Arts in Spiritual & Pastoral Care from Loyola University and a Master of Arts in Theology from the Ecumenical Institute of St. Mary’s Seminary & University. Currently, he is a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry Program at the Ecumenical Institute. Gordon has facilitated numerous retreats and workshops that focus on creating opportunities for participants to explore and enhance their spirituality and well-being through various media and formats. He also participates as a peer group leader in the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation’s Transforming Community Program. His passions include uplifting the journey of adults, individuals with memory impairment, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as fostering support groups and programs for caregivers and those who are grieving losses. Trained as a spiritual director/companion, end-of-life doula, and Reiki practitioner, Gordon welcomes all in discovering the spiritual life as a means of healing, expanding, and flourishing. For more information, visit TheMissionBridge.com.
Want to extend your retreat experience? With at least 48 hours’ notice (and subject to availability), Bon Secours offers “private retreats” with lodging and meals. Register for two back-to-back retreats and add an overnight stay as a private retreatant for the night between. Call the Welcome Center at 410-442-3120 to inquire about booking a private retreat.