This retreat invites you to envision a second half of life that calls forth your truest self and unique purpose and to consider what it means to be an “elder” in the deepest sense: when our lived years contribute to a special wisdom, vision and wholeness of self that are shared for the benefit of… Continue Reading Becoming the Elder Tree: Purpose in the Second Half of Life Retreat at Prairiewoods (in person)

Using the theme of St. Francis’ Canticle of Creation, you are invited to a walk of gratitude within nature. Following St. Clare’s teaching, you will have an opportunity to develop a closer relationship with your natural surroundings through gazing upon a natural element, considering the expression of beauty through nature, contemplating how that beauty is… Continue Reading A Nature Walk With Francis and Clare

Harvest is just beginning! Nurturing body and spirit, autumn harvest foods play a significant role in fostering peace at personal, community and global levels. Drawing on wisdom of mystics, saints and poets, let’s honor the abundance of nature and how these foods provide an opportunity to transform our relationship with food at the individual, community… Continue Reading Pathways of Peace: Food as Relationship—Autumn Table Retreat at Prairiewoods (in person)

Depending on the data source, Americans spend between 4–7 HOURS daily on their phones. This doesn't account for time in front of computers and other devices. We invite you to cut the cord for a weekend. Reconnect to your inner thoughts and your Divine Nature. Join facilitator Leslie Schwarting and others in peaceful silence at… Continue Reading Digital Detox: An Unplugged Experience at Prairiewoods (in person)

Perhaps you’ve participated for years in Prairiewoods’ Silent Directed Retreats. Or maybe you have seen these advertised and considered scheduling one for yourself, but aren’t sure what a Silent Directed Retreat is. If you’ve participated in a Silent Directed Retreat, we welcome you back. If you’ve never participated in a retreat like this, we invite… Continue Reading The Power of Silence: October Silent Directed Retreat at Prairiewoods (in person)

Change is rumbling in the ground beneath our feet. Growing conflicts, major elections and shifting weather patterns—as well as turns in our personal lives—all remind us that we are living in stormy transformative times of uncertainty. We need one another in new ways, and we need renewed capacities for love and trust. This weekend retreat… Continue Reading Cultivating Love & Trust in Times of Change Retreat at Prairiewoods (in person)

As we enter into the colder months, the earth retreats and rests to prepare for a new cycle. We, too, need this time of restoration. And while much of the land and its inhabitants slumber, a few crops including resilient greens (e.g., kale, spinach, arugula) and root vegetables (e.g., turnips, beets and parsnips) thrive in… Continue Reading Pathways of Peace: Food as Relationship—Winter Table Retreat at Prairiewoods (in person)

How do you find your cup of life these days? Empty? Overflowing? Somewhere in between? Cups come in all colors, styles and sizes, and we invite you to bring a favorite cup from home as we learn together and experience what it might be like to take time to refill our own cup of life.… Continue Reading The Cup of Our Life Retreat at Prairiewoods (in person)