Circle of Trust©: Summer Flourishing

Circle of Trust^© retreats offer participants an immersive experience of the Courage & Renewal^© approach founded by Parker J. Palmer and based on Palmer’s idea of a “hidden wholeness” within us.

In this day together, we will co-create trustworthy space to do our own inner work in community with others. Discovering who we authentically are and aligning our inner and outer lives—our “soul and role”—is an ongoing, life-long process that happens through discovering, listening to, and following our “inner source of truth,” named in various wisdom traditions as identity, true self, heart, spirit, or soul. This source of guidance and strength helps us find our way through life’s complexities and challenges. Poems, stories, songs, artworks, somatic activities—all drawn from diverse cultures and wisdom traditions—will offer opportunities to contemplate, reflect upon, and share insights regarding authentic relationships with society, nature, and spirit in order to inspire the soul to speak in a community of support and trust. As we listen to the wisdom of each person’s inner teacher, honor each person’s identity and integrity, and renew a courageous spirit, we journey toward personal and societal wholeness.

These one-day Circle of Trust retreats at Prairiewoods are offered on a quarterly basis. Each gathering will have a seasonal theme and will invite participants to engage in full-group, small-group, and individual reflection, discussion, and activity, including opportunities to connect with the beautiful natural grounds at Prairiewoods. These Circle of Trust retreats are open to all, regardless of background or belief. The goal is to deepen understanding of one’s deepest self—one’s soul—especially in relationship to community, society, Earth, and the spiritual realm as each circle member defines it. Participants are welcome to come to one, some, or all of our circle gatherings.