Because this business of becoming conscious, of being a writer, is ultimately about asking yourself, how alive am I willing to be?
~ Anne Lamott
Practicing wonder, or at least noticing surprises in our daily living, begins to form us as people open to nuances of delight. To move into the world curious, and dare we say hopeful, is to participate with Spirit in the work of resurrection.
There is saving power in words– creative energy in naming what is previously unknown or unrecognized. From the beginning of scripture we witness the power of words to bring all manner of things into being including the entire cosmos!
And as we tell our own stories we will notice how each moment has within it an invitation to come alive to wonder—to participate in Love.
Our day will be punctuated by silence and prayer. We will move from silence into pondering and then writing. We will share with each other as we are led. There will be time for conversation over lunch and time for solitude on the grounds of the Center. Debra looks forward to the wonder of what we will create.
Debra Donnelly-Barton, MA, is the Executive Director of the Center for Spiritual Development and is a seminary trained Spiritual Director with over 25 years of experience. She has studied at Stillpoint, Sewanee, University of the South and General Theological Seminary in New York. Her Master’s degree in Theology is from the Ecumenical Institute, St. Mary’s Seminary and University. Debra has led pilgrimages, workshops and retreats across the country, in many Episcopal dioceses, and for several Christian denominations. Debra has a private practice in Spiritual Direction, which informs all her ministries, emphasizing deep listening with others for whispers of the Spirit. Debra has written for the journal Presence, and recorded guided meditations Souls Illuminated by Light with a printed leader’s guide for Morehouse Publishing. Her website is CSDOnline.org.