Have you ever wondered what a Waking Up Grey retreat is like? I don't share a lot of what takes place on a retreat because I want to preserve the surprises. Perhaps a snapshot, a little peek inside can give a bit more clarity. I can tell you that every retreat is different. Even in the process of creating one, and the way the hours play out. For myself and my team, the creative process is extremely important as well as listening and praying. It becomes a collaboration with the Spirit of God as we listen for each woman and tend to what we're hearing. There is always a creative project, such as these beautiful mosaics. Being young moms with small children, most of this group could not find a time where all participants could come away for a weekend, so we did an abbreviated retreat to meet the needs of this group. Even so, we were able to work on these mosaics and have moments of quiet and reflection. Though community plays a part on these days, the space in the silence and the focus of upward connection are really what a retreat is designed for.
Each person is known and prayed for by name weeks before the retreat ever begins. Those prayers and reflections inform what the retreat will be like.
Many volunteers and great attention to detail are required to create a backdrop of beauty for the weekend. Participants are asked to be in a posture of receiving. This is particularly difficult for women who are caregivers. The hope and prayer for retreats is that it will be a changing day. If we can receive gifts straight from the hand of God, what we are receiving is the truth that we are valued, deeply cared for and fiercely loved. This kind of love is the only thing that changes us, because then, we find that we can create our own ecosystem of compassion: upon ourselves first, and then to those around us.
To find out more about attending a retreat or bringing one to your community, click on the image above to email me. I'd love to chat.