The wildness of creation forever unfolds—and tells—its story. Wildness is also within us as members of the wider “We”—the web of existence that binds us to the squirrel in our backyard, the bluestem of our prairies, the flowing waters of our streams, the towering trees of our forests, the generativity of our soil’s microorganisms, and the flaring forth of stars and galaxies. But are we hearing the stories of wildness? Are we understanding our part in the great conversation? In this time of nature’s distress, creation is speaking. How are we listening? This weekend retreat will be led by Thomas Dean at Prairiewoods (120 East Boyson Road in Hiawatha). Through stories, poetry, music and art—others’ and our own—we are invited to answer creation’s alluring call, to listen closely to the languages of our creature kin and arbor elders, to sense deeply the harmony of our interbeing, and to respond with our unique expression and spirit. Winter’s darkness and the new year are times for rekindling our stories, our commitments, our vocations and avocations, our spirituality—all of our relationships with the web of creation. Join us for a weekend of contemplation, creativity, dreaming and sharing as we reweave our individual and collective wild souls into nature’s story and the unfolding universe’s song. Thomas Dean is a writer and teacher from Iowa City. He is senior presidential writer/editor at the University of Iowa, where he also teaches interdisciplinary and writing courses. He has given numerous presentations and conducted workshops and retreats on writing, our relationships with the natural world and the inner teacher. His books include Under a Midland Sky and Tallgrass Conversations: In Search of the Prairie Spirit (co-authored with Cindy Crosby), both from Ice Cube Press. He is currently in the process of becoming a Circle of Trust facilitator with the Center for Courage and Renewal. The cost of this weekend retreat is $230 and includes sessions, lodging and all meals. The commuter fee is $180 and includes sessions, Saturday lunch and dinner, and Sunday lunch.

For more information or to register, contact Prairiewoods at www.Prairiewoods.org or 319-395-6700.