Kirkridge Retreat & Study Center

It's not to late to register for the first session of this series, which begins tomorrow! To learn more, and to register, visit https://kirkridge.org/events/black-womens-self-love-2022/

There is a Sanskrit phrase that translates to "The Guest is God." In this phrase, as in this poem, we are reminded to honor the experiences, feelings, and sensations that pass through us. They are our greatest teachers; our invitations to practice openness and acceptance. Do you have a favorite line or passage in this work? We would love to hear it in the comments The Guest House by Rumi

A beloved retreat facilitator, Denise Prance, with roots to Kirkridge is hosting a day long workshop on WEAVING THE WISDOM OF THE CELTS: The History, Myth, and Nature of Iona, Scotland. Check it out! https://www.1spirit.org/live-workshops/celts

We are just over two weeks away from Sharing, Caring, and Daring with Oxfam America CEO, Abby Maxman! With more than 30 years of experience in international humanitarian relief and development, Maxman brings a strategic focus on addressing the policies and systems that perpetuate global poverty. She has particular experience in gender and power in social change; humanitarian preparedness and response; and organizational development, behavior and culture. We are so excited to... host this discussion, which will include a facilitated Q&A and open forum for conversation! To learn more, and to register, visit https://kirkridge.org/events/abby-maxman/

Today's Moment on the Mountain "In the winter I am writing about, there was much darkness. Darkness of nature, darkness of event, darkness of the spirit. The sprawling darkness of not knowing. We speak of the light of reason. I would speak here of the darkness of the world, and the light of _____. But I don't know what to call it. Maybe hope. Maybe faith, but a shaped faith-- only, say, a gesture, or a continuum of gestures. But probably it is closer to hope, that is more active, and far messier than faith must be. Faith, as I imagine it, is tensile, and cool, and has no need of words. Hope, I know, is a fighter and a screamer." -Upstream, "Winter Hours" by Mary Oliver

Mary Oliver offers such beautiful words to forge a connection with nature. Here, she reminds us of the solace of the passage of time, and the perseverance of the world, even in times of despair. Do you have a favorite passage, or line from this poem? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments Wild Geese by Mary Oliver

Check out our January program offerings! For more information, or to register, visit https://kirkridge.org/programs/

We want to wish all of you a joyous New Year! 2022 is full of possibility, and we are excited to be present with you as we all embark on the adventures of a new year, together.

Happening tonight at 5pm EST! We hope to see you for our final program of 2021! No need to register, just drop on in.

This Friday (New Year's Eve!), drop in for our last program of 2021! We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate the end of this calendar year and welcome in the new one. We would love for you to join us

The first candle of the celebration of Kwanzaa is Unity. We, at Kirkridge, wish all of you who traditionally honor Kwanzaa, a wonderful seven day celebration, peace and togetherness. Together we join you in lighting a candle for Unity. Many Blessings.

Like so many others, we mourn the passing of Archbishop Desmond M. Tutu. We are grateful to him for his dedication to justice and honored he walked the land of Kirkridge. https://www.nytimes.com//wor/africa/desmond-tutu-dead.html

Merry Christmas. ...Listen to the long stillness: New life is stirring New dreams are on the wing... New hopes are being readied: [humanity] is fashioning a new heart ...forging a new mind. God is at work. By Howard Thurman

Interested in our upcoming Zentangle with Hilary Smith? There is still time to register! This virtual program will begin at 7:00 pm on Monday, April 26th. We welcome any one! What you’ll need for this activity is: A thick piece of paper (greeting card thickness is preferred) the size of 46 or 57. Black or colored pens, preferably gel pen, but any pen will work!... Black/dark magic marker or brush pen (not necessary but helpful). A comfortable desk chair at a table or desk. If you want a beverage or snack during this time, bring it in a covered container so it doesn’t spill (experience taught us that one!) Patience and a sense of humor! For more information and to register, please visit: https://kirkridge.org/events/zentangle/

Registration for our upcoming Sustaining the Soul that Teaches Mini-Retreat on this Saturday, April 24th will be closing soon. Don't forget to register if you are interested in joining this virtual program! For more information and to register, please visit: https://kirkridge.org/eve/sustaining-the-soul-that-teaches/

We have collectively come through a very difficult year, one that we could not have imagined 12 months ago. It has been filled with loss, sadness, disappointment and grief. We have each held this time differently in our lives. Check out our upcoming Circle of Trust: Faith, Hope and Grief virtual program that will begin at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, May 5th! Let's join together to remember that we are not alone! For more information and to register, please visit: https://kirkridge.org/events/faith-hope-and-grief/

Today is officially Earth Day, but we want to make every day a day where we pay attention to, love and act for nature! What are you doing today?! [image is of a cartoon drawing of the earth with the words "make every day earth day"]

Happy Tuesday from Kirkridge! Wishing you all a wonderful day! Enjoy the beautiful weather!

How can we access the gift of tree wisdom in this changing season? What do tree life phases and our own share in common? And how can we celebrate that partnership on the labyrinth? This embodied journey includes rituals, journal prompts, simple movement, chants, expanded imaginings and finger labyrinth walks interwoven into this 2-part series on Tuesdays, November 10 and 17th from 6-7:30 EDT. https://kirkridge.org/events/walking-like-trees-series/

Looking for something to do tonight to release election night nerves? https://www.npr.org//anxious-on-election-night-join-mo-wil

Wow! What an amazing showing of our community at our Fall Festival & Fundraiser. We had such an amazing time with our friends! We'll share more in the upcoming days, but just THANK YOU! www.kirkridge.org/give

We are getting ready and excited for our Fall festival & fundraiser!!! See you soon!

Thanks to Fetzer Institute for showcasing the beautiful and transformational work of retreat centers and the realities and opportunities for us in COVID-19.

Are you missing the mountain? Here is something to remember us by. Yep, that's snow!

We have over 100 people registered for our Fall Festival & Fundraiser on Sunday, November 1st. We'd love you to join us and our growing community, make sure to register: https://kirkridge.org/events/fall-festival-fundraiser/

Do you listen to On Being with Krista Tippett? She just had a slew of interviews with people who had transformational experiences at retreat centers.

Join us for a 2 part series in November on Labyrinths with the wonderful Barrie Carter Gibby! This is a no-cost experience for participants that includes rituals, journal prompts, simple movement, chants, expanded imaginings and finger labyrinth walks interwoven into this 2-part series on Tuesdays, November 10 and 17th from 6-7:30 EDT. More information is in the link: https://kirkridge.org/events/walking-like-trees-series/

Join Sally and Jean for a Circle of Trust on Wednesday, November 4th at 4:30pm EDT on The Courage to Live Divided No More: Seeking Wholeness in a Divided World https://docs.google.com//1FAIpQLScy7eculCatAfNvq3/viewform

Excerpt: I won’t interrupt you. I promise. I won’t interrupt your words or your thoughts. Imagine it. Imagine the relief, the possibilities, the dignity. You now have ground that is yours. Unassailably. This is for you. Time to think. To feel. To figure out what you really want to say. To say it, to consider it. To change it. To finish your sentences, to choose your own words. To become because you can trust the promise a bit bold, even eloquent. To become you. ... https://www.theguardian.com//let-me-finish-how-to-stop-int

Hazy October mornings are gorgeous! Here are the moments from the mountain for this week.

Coddiwomple with us! Forget your everyday worries and have fun with music and community! More information and to register: https://kirkridge.org/events/coddiwomple/

We're not sure where we, as a nation, and as individuals, will be the day after the election but join Sally Hare and Jean Richardson to be together. More info: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLScy7eculCatAf.../viewform