Navigating the River of Whole-Heartedness: A Courage to Teach® Retreat

“The human heart is the source of good teaching.”
~ Parker J. Palmer

Whether a teacher in an education or healthcare setting we are called to this work for reasons of the heart, by deep compassion for the growth of others. But navigating these waters of unprecedented stress and change, we may find ourselves losing heart. How do we sustain ourselves amidst all these twists and turns of the “river”?

While the forces that challenge us are largely external, much of what can help us may be found within. Come join others like yourself to explore new ways of navigating the river of change while sustaining our courage to do our work. Discover a unique kind of professional development, a Circle of Trust Ⓡ — that offers time for contemplative self-reflection with a supportive community of congruence.

Courage to Teach® retreats model skills and practices in community for exploring how we may sustain wholehearted engagement in one’s work, employing deeper listening and building trustworthy relationships.  Through such practices, you can find renewed clarity and commitment to your profession along with the courage to act with integrity on what matters most to you.

What to expect:

Based on the principles and practices of the Center for Courage & Renewal and guided by Circle of Trust Touchstones®, through conversation, creative process, and deep listening, we will create an accepting and protected space together where we can navigate authenticity in our role and in our relationships with those we teach.

The sessions will draw upon the Courage to Teach® by Parker J. Palmer, a writer, teacher, and activist whose numerous publications explore issues of education, community, leadership, spirituality, and social change.  Like Parker Palmer, we believe “Good teaching cannot be reduced to technique; good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher.”

The Retreat focus is on renewing heart, mind, and spirit through the exploration of the inner landscape of one’s life by:

• Creating a context for careful listening and deep connection that also acknowledges diversity in person and profession.
• Reconnecting to one’s identity and integrity.
• Identifying and honouring gifts and strengths and acknowledging our limits.
• Helping participants create trustworthy spaces for teaching, leading, and working.
• Renewing vocational vitality and deepening professional practice.

Who Should Attend?

All those involved in teaching who are seeking opportunities for reflection and renewal as a means of enhancing their own leadership and teaching practice.

During registration we will request some information about you and your needs:

• How you learned about this retreat
• Your role and work setting
• A question you are holding about your role
• What you hope to get from the retreat
• Anything else you would like us to be aware of