Uncovering the Blessings of the Caregiver Journey – A Day of Retreat & Reflection
This September, spend some intentional time in sacred community 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 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 spiritual practices, such as storytelling, prayer/meditation, writing, and other exercises that validate respective experiences and provide therapeutic tools for the ongoing commitment of caregiving. Additional resources will be offered for ongoing caregiver support and nourishment. A journal is a great companion for this program. Wear comfortable clothes/shoes for optional time in nature. Lunch is included. Guided by Gordon Creamer.
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.