Images and Words: The Wisdom of Nature Every season has its own gifts — both in the natural world and in our own lives. In this workshop, we will use guided meditation, journaling, and an outdoor contemplative photography walk to explore the gifts we are being offered in this moment. A small journal for you to keep will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. You will also need a camera — your cell phone…
Images and Words: The Wisdom of Nature Every season has its own gifts — both in the natural world and in our own lives. In this workshop, we will use guided meditation, journaling, and an outdoor contemplative photography walk to explore the gifts we are being offered in this moment. A small journal for you to keep will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. You will also need a camera — your cell phone…
Women are the nurturers of the world, but it can be our biggest challenge to demonstrate as much love, care, and compassion to ourselves as we do to others. In Chinese medicine, “late summer” is seen as a fifth season: a time to return to center; a transition time between the expansive growth of spring and summer and the inward energy of fall and winter. But for many of us, autumn signals a new beginning of sorts as our days…
This week we are recognizing and celebrating Spiritual/Pastoral Care Week. Have you be touched by the gifts of a spiritual director/companion, pastor or chaplain? These special individuals offer hope and healing so we pause to offer this blessing for continued connection to God's presence in all that they do. A Blessing for Presence May you awaken to the mystery of being here And enter the quiet immensity of your own presence. May you have joy and peace in the temple…
We Are Connected Although everyone is an individual, we are all connected Having a living body on earth at this time makes us accountable to each other When things happen in the universe collectively it affects everyone singularly “Am I my brother’s keeper?” is not just a question the answer is a truth I’m responsible for you as well as you are for me No matter how much we may deny it We all came to…
The guests of our retreats are not the only ones who are blessed by the care and wisdom of our presenters. Working with these presenters, the staff of our Center often receive unexpected blessings from these spiritual guides too. Sr. Ann Belmonte is always so intentional about her gratitude for being able to guide our of directed retreats. She left a beautiful scroll with this blessing on it for a few of our staff members after her Winter Directed Retreat.…
How do you show that you care by listening? Share with us. Just Listen I suspect that the most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention. And especially if it is given from the heart. When people are talking, there is no need to do anything but receive them. Just take them in. Listen to what they are saying. Care…
During our weekly planning meeting at the Retreat & Conference Center, we take turns volunteering to read a short reflection or prayer, setting the tone for our time together. Rainey Taylor, our Sales Manager, offered a beautiful reflection this week and we thought you all would enjoy it as well. Friends, we wish you enough. I wish you enough... Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport as the daughter’s departure had been…
Fr. Michael Schleuper offers another reflection in his series about Pope Francis. Are you familiar with Laudato Si? Fr. Michael shares his thoughts on this letter and and easy way for us to apply these insights to our daily lives. Pope Francis - 4 Dear Friends, In 2015, Pope Francis wrote an encyclical on the earth, our environment – the first encyclical ever written on this topic. (By the way, an encyclical is a long letter that popes write on…
Oftentimes when we're catching up with friends or family members, we hear that their hearts are heavy with all that is going on in the world. Sometimes it's difficult to find words of comfort when the pandemic is so stressful for everyone. Today, we offer this poetic prayer, a blessing, that you can share with others. May it offer care and comfort to those with whom you share it. What is a blessing but a rain of grace falling…
