Poetry, Prayer, and Inner Peace

RETREAT BY INVITED PRESENTER

Words have energy—and the power to stir something deep within us. So does the profound peace that comes from wordless silence. This retreat will explore the yin/yang of both, combining “spiritual listening” with Noble Silence. There will be meditations and journaling, woods walks and mindful eating, and daily explorations of the weight of the written word, all within the embrace of silence.

“Anne was nothing short of extraordinary—insightful, authentic, and approachable (and funny). Her gentle guidance helped us navigate the inner journey with wisdom and care. Each day was beautifully structured, yet spacious enough to allow for personal reflection. By the end of the retreat, I felt a profound sense of renewal, clarity, and inner peace.  It was a revelatory experience.  I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking stillness, self-discovery, and a deeper connection to the present moment.”

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

What inspires you? What are your daily spiritual practices? How do those practices move you closer to who you want to be? For Anne Sussman, the answer has been a combination of meditation, silence and reading poetry and prayers.

Beginning in the 12th century, Lectio Divina became a central practice of monastic life, a practice followed by monks who also observed silence. We will use it as a organizing principle for this retreat, a way to access a place of “spiritual listening”, a means of connecting with the deepest part of who you are—and with something greater.

Twice a day we will gather to explore poems and non denominational spiritual writings, using the framework: Read, Reflect, Respond, Rest. After sharing what has moved us deeply we will re-enter silence.

You will have the opportunity to go deeply inward, to connect to the inner knowing and discover the eternal nature of who you really are, a spiritual being with a physical experience.

Find the peace and stillness that you may be searching for outside yourself and realize it is and always has been within!

RETREAT CENTER HIGHLIGHTS

• Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
• Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
• Shamatha and guided meditations
• Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
• Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
• Extensive library of dharma books
• Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful paths, flora and fauna

OPEN TO ALL

There are no prerequisites for this program; it is appropriate for all.

SCHEDULE

(subject to change)

Thursday, October 30

Friday, October 31-Saturday, November 1

Sunday, November 2