A Spirituality of Imperfection: Nurturing the Courage to Be Imperfect
“No matter what gets done, no matter how it gets done, I am enough.” ~Brene Brown
We women often think we need to do it all, do it flawlessly and effortlessly. We want to feel loved, connected to others, and we want to matter. But we run aground trying to be perfect. What we really need is the courage to be imperfect, the courage to care for ourselves and be our authentic selves.
Our weekend retreat will feature multimedia presentations that illuminate insights from neuroscience and positive psychology, showcasing self-care and spiritual practices that nurture gentleness, kindness, and patience towards ourselves. Far from being self-centered or selfish, these practices also generate a deeper understanding of others and aid in reducing stress and inflammation while slowing aging in our cells and our brains. Small group discussions and a creative activity will be included.
This early arrival option begins with check-in as early as 4pm on Thursday, so that you can have an extra day to unwind. We will have a prayer gathering after dinner on Thursday. On Friday during the day, you’ll have free time to walk around the Center’s beautiful grounds, shop in the bookstore, or stop by one of our guest vendors that afternoon.
Friday-Sunday:
The retreat begins with dinner, and then we’ll have a fun, social time of games and laughter. Saturday begins with a feature presentation, followed by a choice of workshops to attend throughout the afternoon. You will be emailed a list of choices a few weeks before the retreat. Saturday evening will be a time of socializing, crafts, and a movie. On Sunday, the presenter will close the weekend with a special presentation. Guests will depart after lunch.
You won’t want to miss this special annual retreat. Many guests return year after year, and we welcome new guests too!
About the Presenter
Anne Kertz Kernion is the owner/artist of Cards by Anne, an inspirational greeting card company founded in 1986. Anne’s cards, hand-designed in calligraphy and ink, are available online (cardsbyanne.com) and in hundreds of stores. She holds a bachelors in Environmental Engineering, masters in Theology, and certificates in Happiness and Positive Psychology. Anne has taught Cross-Cultural Understanding of Religious Meaning at Carlow University and courses ranging from Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Nutrition, to World Religions and Ethics at a local community college.
Anne is the award-winning author of A Year of Spiritual Companionship and Spiritual Practices for the Brain: Caring for Mind, Body and Soul. She is a frequent lecturer and retreat leader, presenting topics that combine neuroscience, positive psychology, and spirituality across the US and Australia. She also teaches a weekly yoga class and enjoys biking and hiking. Anne and her husband Jack have three grown children and six grandchildren.