Next Retreat

August 2021

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Special Guest: Rev. Sharon H. Edwards and Carolyn Foster, M.A.

When: August 11-14, 2021

Where: via Zoom

Theme:

Human beings encounter change and transition in three predictable stages, from an ending of the old reality, through a time of liminality where nothing feels settled, finally emerging to a new beginning.  In all these stages, but especially in the in-between times, spiritual and creative practices that engage the body can help with disorientation, strengthening resilience and emotional balance.  In this retreat, Rev. Sharon Holt Edwards will guide us through an exploration of neurobiology, body wisdom, and healing work, while Carolyn Foster will offer us creative practices that ease transitions, even welcome ones such as the waning of the pandemic.

During the retreat we will listen and gather in large and small groups to:

  • Learn how our neurophysiology influences all aspects of our health, decision-making, beliefs and perspectives, and experiences of God
  • Engage in ancient and new spiritual practices that increase bodily well-being, including moving meditation, gentle yoga, chanting, and prayer.
  • Clarify our paths forward out of this liminal time with creative writing exercises

Our rhythm will be evening gatherings Wednesday, August 11, Thursday, August 12, and Friday, August 13, with recorded portions available during the day for personal viewing, and a closing session the morning of Saturday, August 14.

 
Cost:

$85, payable via online donation here.

 

Registration:

Click Here to secure your spot in the retreat!

 

Rev. Sharon H. Edwards is a Presbyterian pastor, spiritual director, retreat leader, and yoga and meditation instructor.  Over the last 6 months, she has facilitated a PCUSA Mental Health Grant program for pastors and chaplains around embodied practices for health.  She is Spiritual Integration Faculty with Companions on the Inner Way and has served as spiritual faculty on PCUSA’s Clergy Wellness Program CREDO, Summer Chaplain at Ghost Ranch Retreat and Conference Center and Workshop/Worship Leader at Synod and National Presbyterian Women events. She has a Music Therapy degree, (University of Kansas), an M.Div.from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, a certificate in Spiritual Direction Stillpoint Center for Christian Spirituality, and is completing a certificate in Neuro-Meditation and Yoga. She is a passionate hiker, singer and dancer who enjoys time with her young adult children, Hannah and Bennett in addition to serving as Associate Pastors at First Presbyterian church, Corvallis, Oregon.

 

Carolyn Foster, M.A.  has been leading contemplative retreats for over 40 years, mixing the spiritual practice of silence with solitary and shared writing exercises.  Since 2012, she has been the Director of Companions on the Inner Way, working with core staff to create twice-yearly retreats in northern and southern California. Author of the national bestseller, The Family Patterns Workbook, Carolyn specializes in creating writing exercises for awareness and change and appeared on Oprah and other media.  She has served on the faculties of Bay Area graduate schools and their extension programs, including Stanford, University of California, California Institute of Integral Studies, where she headed the East-West Psychology program, and Institute of Transpersonal Psychology.  She also taught for many years at the School of Applied Theology, a sabbatical program for religious professionals from around the world.  She holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the American Academy of Family Studies and co-founded a community counseling center in San Jose.