• 20 - 23 Sep 2026
  • Stoneville, North Carolina

Embracing the Mystery: A Soul of Aging Retreat

“I don’t want to fight the gravity of aging. It’s nature’s way. I want to collaborate with it as best I can, in hopes of going down with something like the grace of that setting sun.” ~Parker Palmer

Embracing the Mystery is a retreat inspired by Parker Palmer’s book, “On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity and Getting Old” (2018). Parker writes, “There’s no antidote for the gravity that takes us to the grave. But there is a countervailing force called “levity.”” Together, we wish to explore the “mystery” of our many-layered  life. How might we embrace the joys, challenges, and gifts of aging; to surrender to, and be transformed by the aging process? This is a time to come together to listen, share, and hold space for each other as we deepen our connection to ourselves; honoring the known and embracing the unknown.  Join us for an opportunity for reflection, renewal & gracious harvesting.

A Circle of Trust retreat offers: 

  • a space to renew the heart, mind, and spirit through the exploration of the inner landscape of one’s life
  • time to reconnect to one’s identity and integrity & renew our courage to live from a place of wholeness
  • a process to strengthen one’s self-awareness
  • a trustworthy space for inner work in community
  • an opportunity to practice deep listening and respectful speaking – strengthening one’s life beyond the retreat

 

September 20-23, 2026
Sunday, 4pm – Wednesday, 1pm

The retreat begins Thursday afternoon with “check-in” anytime after 3:00 p.m. Our first gathering starts at 4:00 p.m.

  • Registrations will be taken until the retreat fills.
  • Refunds for cancellations (less a $100 administrative fee) will be made up to 6/15/2026.  No refunds can be made after that time, unless we are able to fill your spot.
  • Minimum Enrollment is 15 and expected to fill.

Inspired by the charism (spiritual gifts) of St. Francis and St. Clare, the mission of St. Francis Springs Prayer Center is to nurture and nourish the contemplative dimension of our life which leads us to experience God’s love and inspires us to promote justice and peace.  We seek to offer a comfortable, peaceful environment where all can experience the beauty of nature, the sanctity of silence, and the joy of Franciscan hospitality.

Accommodations: All rooms are in the Main Lodge, each with its own private en suite bathroom. Each bedroom has its own unique setup, with either a window view into the woods or French doors that overlook the property and lead out to a small patio. Each room has 2 beds so sharing is an option.

Standing at the Edge: A Soul of Aging Retreat. At Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. May 24-27, 2026. See this Program Calendar link for information and registration link:  https://couragerenewal.org/programs/standing-at-the-edge-of-life-a-soul-of-aging-retreat/

 

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