The Spirituality of Gardening
Wisdom Circle
with Mary Anne La Torre
"There is no separation between the garden and the gardener."
Ark Redwood, The Art of Mindful Gardening
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Thursdays, May 13 - 27
1:00 - 2:00 pm
In-person - May 13
Via Zoom - May 20 and 27
Time in the garden can become a healing and nourishing experience, a place for us to find presence and peace. In this wisdom circle, we will learn how to slow down the mind and body to find that quiet calm, being with the garden in a gentle and intentional way.
All are welcome - gardening skills not required!
~ explore meditative practices designed to help us experience the earth and the energy of the plants
~ notice how setting this intention brings a more aware state and peace to both us and the plants in our midst
~ reflect with others upon some of the life lessons we can learn from gardening
We will begin this wisdom circle on the grounds of the Retreat House in Hillsboro and continue practicing our techniques throughout the weeks to come in our home garden and environment. Our second and third sessions will be from home via Zoom.
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Creative Spirit
with Heather Hall
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Retreat Day
Saturday, May 15
9:30am - 3:00pm
Our souls speak many languages: words, sights, sounds, textures, rhythms and movement, to name just a few. While writers, composers, artists and performers may speak these languages more eloquently, we all have a Creative Spirit. Learn to access your Creative Spirit and discover the message God is sharing with you!
Let’s release expectations, play and be curious for a day. This retreat is a safe space to come together as we embrace the Creative Spirit within each of us. During this retreat, we will explore: storytelling, visual arts, lyrics & poetry, music & voice, and the body in motion. No experience needed!
Creative Spirit will take place inside the Retreat House and on the beautiful grounds (weather depending), following Covid safe practices. Please bring your own lunch and your mask. Tea, coffee and water provided. A suggested donation of $40 will be gratefully accepted; however, please don’t let finances keep you from attending. Please register online below or by email by Wednesday, May 12th: [email protected]
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Seasonal Quiet Days are very dear to me now. It used to be that I would feel a bit anxious at the thought of silent time or contemplation. Until I attended one, I didn’t know that this was just another way of resting, taking a break from the pace and pressures in my life. And it only took a few minutes to feel the relief.
The Spring Quiet Day was beautiful and sunny. Trees and flowers were budding and birds were chirping in a soft breeze as seven of us made our way into St. Paul’s Church. The morning light was shining through the stained glass windows and we beheld the dignity and peace of the sanctuary. A sense of belonging came over me.
With her gentle friendliness, Julia Morris Myers guided us into our first moments of silence with a lovely reading. Closing my eyes, I felt my body soften and relax with every breath. And so began a much-needed day of calm reflection.
We read and listened, wrote a few lines, and said a few words all while slow-walking in the new grass, under the pines, and through the labyrinth. I sat on 2 or 3 different benches throughout the day and the views were so different and lovely. I felt my mind and heart opening as God revealed herself through the natural beauty of the land and the people around me.
~ Meg Gallagher
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The Art of Mindful Gardening
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Ark Redwood's The Art of Mindful Gardening is not a gardening textbook, but a wonderfully unique exploration of ways to enhance our enjoyment in the garden by being more present, quiet and aware. Within its pages are a number of meditative exercises whereby the activity itself becomes more than just a task. It becomes a way to experience a fuller deeper sense of well-being that can serve us in many areas of our life. The book follows the seasons with practices for mindful gardening throughout the year. I fully recommend this book as a great tool to deepen your gardening practice! Find this book in a neighborhood bookstore.
~ Mary Anne La Torre
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Enjoy perusing our Book Shop selections here or use the search bar for books that may not be on our "shelves" yet! |
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Day's End
Evening Meditation
Weekdays 5:15 - 5:45 p.m
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Listen, breathe, be still.
A peaceful way
to move into your evening.
Feel free to log in to hear a beautiful prayer or poem followed by just the right amount of quiet meditation time.
Meeting ID: 212 677 840
Password: 944568
Call in/audio only: 301 715 8592
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Wisdom Café
Mondays
from 12:00-1:00 p.m.
on Zoom
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Please feel free to join us for this "time out" at the Café! We usually begin with an inspirational reading, enjoy a bit of quiet time, and then take turns listening to what rises up. It's an hour of friendly companionship--no commitment, no charge. Click here to enjoy this week's reading!
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MAY
Thursdays, May 13, 20, 27
Wisdom Circle: The Spirituality of Gardening
with Mary Anne La Torre
The first session is in person at the Retreat House. The second and third sessions are via Zoom.
Saturday, May 15th
9:30am - 3:00pm
Creative Spirit Retreat Day
with Heather Hall
In-person at the Retreat House
WEEKLY OFFERINGS
AA meetings are in-person and via Zoom.
Fridays: 7:30 pm, AA Big Book - in St. Paul's Church
Saturdays: 7:00 pm, AA Women's Candlelight - in the Retreat House
Sundays: 5:30 pm, AA Step - in St. Paul's Church
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The Retreat House gates
are always open.
Please visit us soon!
All are welcome at The Retreat House to take quiet walks among the beautiful old trees, to visit historic St. Paul's Cemetery, or enjoy a labyrinth meditation.
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