Praying with the Senses: A Spring Inspiration Retreat

Location Update: This retreat will be held in the Saragossa Room at the Bergamo Center at Mount St. John.

As earth awakens from her winter slumber, old and new for a short period co-exist and our spirits find peace in the promise that all things can be transformed. Nathaniel Hawthorne called this the "periodical infusion of the primal spirit." We’ll explore spiritual practices for encountering the Sacred Spirit in spring’s fecundity. We’ll use the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina, expanding our understanding of this ancient monastic practice of awakening to the divine by meditating with scripture as well as the elements of nature and sacred art.

This half-day retreat will include a presentation on the art of Lectio Divina and transforming words, images and sounds into heart-centered prayer.  We’ll review the four movements of Lectio Divina: awakening to the divine through listening; savoring and welcoming with the senses, summoning your true self to the call of the spirit, and resting in stillness and silence. Workshop facilitators will help us explore the practical applications of Lectio through writing, art and outdoor exploration.

Registration opens at 11:45. Refreshments and materials provided.