This retreat is designed to help refill the reserves of people suffering from burn-out that results from compassion fatigue, overwork, or (as is often the case) a confluence of the two. We will explore gratefulness as a way of life with specific practices that restore our sense of sufficiency and wonder in the present moment - the only moment fully given to us - thus easing our anxiety about whether we have enough money, friendship, and other resources to get by. Through guided meditation, journaling, dialogue, life review, music, quiet space to breathe, and other tools, we will reconnect with what most inspires us. This is a non-judgmental retreat in which it is okay to be ungrateful, which is sometimes a necessary step in peeling off layers to a fundamental gratitude that springs from simply being alive.
We will be offering this retreat at Rolling Ridge from dinner on the evening of Friday, September 2 through lunch on Sunday, September 4, 2011. Healthy meals made with simple, fresh ngredients - including vegetarian options - will be served. A cost of $125 covers the entire weekend: teachings, lodging (mostly dorm-style), and meals.
To register and reserve your place at the retreat, send $50 made out to “RRSR” and mail to Lindsay McLaughlin, Rolling Ridge Study Retreat, 120 Jubilee Lane, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. Please include a note indicating your intention to attend this retreat and with your name and contact information. To contact Lindsay with any questions: call 304-724-1069, or email lindsay@rollingridge.net. This retreat is designed for not many more than 20 persons and will likely fill up quickly. Late registrations will be placed on a waiting list.
Workshop leaders:
Patricia Campbell Carlson serves as Executive Director of A Network for Grateful Living (ANG*L), a nonprofit offering education and support for the practice of grateful living as a global ethic. Her ardent interest in inter-religious dialogue and appreciation for the work of Br. David Steindl-Rast led her to Gratefulness.org.
Margaret Wakeley wears many hats at ANG*L as Community Development Coordinator: administrator, designer, researcher, and first contact for visitors. She has worked extensively as a vocalist and offers her voice to fundraisers for and including Hospicare & Palliative Care Services, the Community School of Music and Arts, Cancer Relay-for-Life, the Unitarian Universalist Church and Guiding Eyes for the Blind.