As the busyness of summer segues into the autumnal season, many of us experience this transition in profoundly paradoxical ways; the excitement of upcoming holiday gatherings and the colorful ways nature begins her release of green along with trepidation around and the return of darker skies and colder temperatures, which can bring isolation and depressive moods. Whatever your personal experiences of this transition time, it is an opportunity to slow down and honor what “once was”, becoming present to “what is”, while maintaining hope and curiosity of what “may be.”
“In the visible world of nature, a great truth is concealed in plain sight.
Diminishment and beauty, darkness and light, death and life are not opposites:
they are held together in the paradox of the “hidden wholeness.”
In paradox, opposites do not negate each other –
they cohabit and cocreate in mysterious unity at the heart of reality.”
~Parker J. Palmer, On the Brink of Everything
This 3 night retreat will be held in the beautiful and sacred place called Pendle Hill in Wallingford, PA, where Parker Palmer spent over a decade living and working. Within this retreat we will co-create a trustworthy haven for introspection, embarking on a deeply personal yet profoundly communal inward journey. Through reflective practices, deep listening, & gentle movement we will explore the paradox in our lives to empower and challenge our ability to be more present for oneself. Reconnect with the voice of your inner wisdom, a guide toward finding your own personal wholeness – and taking that self to engage more fully with others and the world around you.
This retreat is for you if:
- You are curious about integrating your lived experiences into greater understanding of self.
- You are seeking to transform past challenges into seedbeds of hope and renewed purpose.
- You have had profound realizations from psychedelic medicines, NDE’s (near death experiences), life transitions, or spontaneous flashes of insight or support from people who have had these realizations.
- You yearn to discover the wholeness you carry within you and express it authentically in your life and work
- You desire to learn and grow alongside others in a supportive, safe community.
- You have a commitment to embodying courage that leads to individual & social change in the world.
Together we will:
- Cultivate deep listening and self awareness.
- Explore paradox, including “being alone together”
- Discover the courage to live more authentically
- Reconnect to your inner wisdom
- Design a path towards embodying a “hidden wholeness” in daily life
Of Special Note:
This retreat will feature Clearness Committees. In your application to the retreat, you will be able to designate whether you desire to be a “focus person,” someone who explores an issue deeply – transitional, vocational, relational, or spiritual – while a small group of your peers support your exploration, asking open honest questions for 90 minutes. Participants have commented on the profound experience of the Clearness Committee – both as “focus person” and “committee members” attributed to the structure and preparation for “the soul to manifest.” Participants will be guided to ready themselves for the experience of Clearness Committee during the retreat; however you may read and watch more about the practice here.
Please note that in the event we have too many persons who signed up to be a Clearness Committee focus person, we will meet on the initial day of the retreat to discern peoples’ needs.
The cost of the retreat includes all programming, & materials, 3 night’s accommodations, all meals, snacks & beverages. Transportation to & from Pendle Hill is not included. The Philadelphia airport is only a 15 minute drive from Pendle Hill. Check in for the retreat begins at 3pm on Wednesday, October 3, with the welcome dinner at 6pm. The retreat concludes on Sunday, October 6 after lunch.
Space is limited! Please register early by completing this form and process payment here.
The Center for Courage & Renewal and its facilitators do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, and marital status.
