“Awareness of the divine begins with wonder” ~Rabbi Abraham Heschel
We live by the stories we tell ourselves of who we are and why we are here. But how many of us have explored the meaning of the big story – the story of the universe and how 13.8 billion years of cosmic unfolding have brought you into being?
Join Greg Morter, creator of the Universe Walk, John Watters, facilitator with the Center for Courage & Renewal and (Revd) Jane Bartlett, Co-Founders of the Centre for Spirituality, for a unique long weekend in Dorset where we will walk in embodied rhythm with the history of the universe—13.8km over two days. On the walk every metre is a million years in time. Woven into the days will be the fascinating science of the universe, which Greg brings to life in a way that informs and also fires the imagination. There’ll also be moments for quiet contemplation, conversation as we walk together, and time to pause, reflect and attune to the sacred creation story of the universe. The visceral experience of physical sensing this unfolding story in our bodies whilst we walk the history of the universe from the Big Bang, or the great flaring forth, as it is also known, to the current day, is what makes this weekend unique.
The retreat will unfold over four days as a gentle rhythm of walking, reflection, and listening—anchored by shared meals, contemplative pauses at Hilfield Friary, and spacious Circle of Trust work that invites each participant to sense how this sacred story lives within and through them.
We human beings are storytellers. Yet we live in a time between stories. We lack a coherent, believable, inspiring story of evolution that connects God, humans and the cosmos. The old religious stories that tell of a distant, all-powerful God, who is remote from the earth, no longer seems credible or life-giving. And the stories of scientific materialism which depict us as primarily selfish genes and the universe as having no ultimate meaning are equally unsatisfying. Attune to a sacred creation story grounded in the wonder of evolution. Reimagine how we belong in the 13.8 billion-year story of this mysterious, terrifyingly beautiful complex universe.
We will use a distinctive set of principles and practices to guide our reflections and interactions as a group. These Circle of Trust® ‘touchstones’ help create gracious, trustworthy space for individual and group exploration.
We will be based at Hilfield Franciscan Friary, a peaceful 50-acre oasis managed for conservation and biodiversity. There will be opportunities, for those who wish, to join the friars for early morning silent prayer/meditation and the Sunday service and also free time during the retreat to explore the extensive grounds of the Friary at your own pace. Accommodation will be in single room accommodation with shared showers and bathrooms. There is also an option to camp.
The walking part of the retreat is on the beautiful Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Please note you will need to be fit enough to walk 7 miles on a rugged coastal path.
We want to make our programs accessible to a wide range of people. Recognizing that economic circumstances vary greatly we offer a choice of retreat fees. Please choose the fee that fits your financial circumstances.
Supporters Fee: £569. Paying the supporters fee enables us, through your generosity, to offer reduced fee rates to individuals who are in need of further financial support.
Standard Fee: £469
Reduced Fee: £409. Please choose this fee if you are unable to afford the standard fee.
Camping fee: £369
To reserve your place, please email John Watters at info@centreforspirituality.org
What participants say about our previous Circle of Trust® retreats
“The Cosmic Walk is a gift for the mind, heart and soul. I came away fascinated by and finally understanding the story of the evolution of our universe, solar-system and all the species on our earth. This ‘knowing’ of deep time is life-changing and mind-bending!” Celine Mckeown
“I felt safely held, supported and free to roam with my inquiry and sense into my own rhythms and rhyme. This is powerful and heart-full work”. Rita McNulty
“Felt like my essence was seen, acknowledged and reinforced. Wasn’t expecting that. Felt like a blessing”. Salman Ahmad
