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Seminars and Retreats

 

The Christine Center offers seminars and retreats on spirituality, transformational change and inner development. Franciscan theologians, Catholic contemplatives, meditation teachers from both eastern and western traditions, as well as other experienced guides offer many diverse and wide-ranging retreats and seminars.

To register for a seminar or connect with a group coming to the Christine Center, please call 715-267-7507 or e-mail the Christine Center at christinecenter@tds.net

Where a tuition is listed, meals and lodging are extra.


Retreats normally start with an optional supper at 5:30 p.m. Sessions begin at 7:00 p.m. and continue through the weekend, ending with a brunch at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday. Please call if more information is needed.

January

Abiding in the Holy: Solitude Days with Spiritual Direction

January 8-12, 2012

Facilitators: Christine Center Core Team

Tuition: none, meals and lodging, plus donation $25-$100 (sliding scale) for spiritual guidance

Rediscover balance in the snowy beauty of the woodlands of the Christine Center. Guests are invited to design their own retreat with individual suppport and guidance provided by the Christine Center Core Team. During these weekdays, allow stillness to speak, and let our wonderful vegetarian meals and meditation rhythm provide nourishment for body and soul. Come for a day or two, come for all 5 days, or consider these days an optional prelude or extension of the weekend retreats that are offered. Treat yourself and soul to a long, loving spiritual gift in response to winter's contemplative call.

Create to Live! Silence...

January 23-27, 2012

Solitude and reflection days: January 27-29, 2012

Weekend of Contemplative Reflection and Celebration

Coordinated by Gabriele Uhlein, OSF and offered by the Christine Center Core Team

Weekday cost: food and lodging plus voluntary donation for any Core Team facilitation and/or spiritual guidance (suggested $25-$150)

Weekend cost: $50-$150 (sliding scale), plus meals and lodging

Inspired by the book Silence, The Mystery of Wholeness by Robert Sardello, we will immerse ourselves in the creative well-spring of Silence. Alive and throbbing with possibility, we will listen deeply to its discipline, knowing it is a sure portal into mystery and transformation.

Yoga Nidra

January 27-29, 2012

Facilitator: Roberta Hodges

Yoga Nidra is the most powerful relaxation technique known. It means yogic sleep, conscious deep sleep. As simple as guided relaxation, it takes one into supreme relaxation of the body and the most profound stillness of the mind. That transformingly deep, blissful state of consciousness is the perfect condition for physical and emotional healing, and also brings one into a deep state of meditation. It is particularly successful in treating diseases and discomfort caused by stress and very effective for those suffering from physical, mental and emotional exhaustion. Tuition: $150, plus meals and lodging

February

Medicine Buddha for Healing

February 3-5, 2012

Facilitator: Venerable Khenpo Kalsang Gyaltsen

Medicine Buddha meditation is a traditional set of Indo-Tibetan practices for healing physical and mental health difficulties in oneself and others. The practices include prayer, visualization, offering, chanting, and mantra recitation. In Indo-Tibetan "deity" practices, the visualized figure is understood to be at the same time truly present and "empty" of being a real object. These figures are understood as aspects of one's own deepest nature, which is awakened through the practices. No previous experience with meditation, chanting or related practices is necessary.

Guided Relaxation and Cooking Classes

February 6-9, 2012

Facilitators: Cecilia Corcoran, FSPA and Marge Zulaski, OSF and Christine Center cooks

Enjoy the beauty of winter and relax in the cozy space of the Christine Center where Marge and Cecy will guide you in relaxation and reflective conversations. In the kitchen our cooks will be available to demonstrate and teach with tried and true recipes from our cook book. You will leave with ideas and recipes for wholesome food that will bring comfort and love to your home, your family and friends. Tuition: $50-$150 (sliding scale) plus meals and lodging

The Mandala Way: Retreat Days for Personal Mandala Work

February 6-9, 2012

Facilitator: Gabriele Uhlein, OSF

Designed for those who wish to explore using mandalas for growth and transformation, these days are an opportunity for in-depth individual work. Intended as an optional prelude to the following weekend's On Earth as in Heaven: Mandala anad the Art of Contemplative Transformation, they require no previous experience and are open to anyone interested in this form of prayer and inner reflection. The daily contemplative rhythm of the Christine Center is ideal for supporting the intuitive mandala-making process, and Sr. Gabriele is available for instruction and guidance. Supplies for individual mandala work are provided. Limit 10 participants. Tuition: $10 studio/materials; plus meals and lodging

On Earth as in Heaven: Mandala and the "Art" of Contemplative Transformation

February 10-12, 2012

Facilitator: Gabriele Uhlein, OSF

The transformative deepening of our life is a creative art form that mirrors no less than the goodness of God at work in the world. Grounded in deep contemplative activity, this mandala weekend celebrates creativity and transformation. Each session begins and ends with silent meditation and special attention will be given to the capacity for creative "making" as an important spiritual skill. The intention of the retreat is to feast on beauty and to experience more deeply the ancient, cross-cultural form of mandalas. No previous mandala experience is required, and supplies for individual mandala work are provided. Limit 10 participants. Tuition: $50-$150 (sliding scale) plus meals and lodging. $10 studio/materials fee.

In the Company of Thomas Merton

February 10-12, 2012

Facilitators: Johanna Seubert, FSPA and Henrita Frost, SSND

Tuition: $50-$150 (sliding scale), plus meals and lodging

Praying is about becoming your authentic self in the world of family, friends, work and play. Begin or deepen your meditation practice under the inspiration of Thomas Merton whose spirituality is rooted in solitude and contemplation. Become familiar with Merton's life, practices, and inspiration.

Ongoing Dream Work 

February 10-12, 2012

Facilitator: Marge Zulaski, OSF

Tuition: $50-$150 (sliding scale), plus meals and lodging

Jungian Analyst Marge Zulaski offers this opportunity to tend to your dreams in a small group of people who value dreams. This method for group dream tending fully respects the dreamer as the one who can become conscious of what their dream means for them. The weekend will have a rhythm of time alone and time together in search of your dreams.

Create to Live! Spirituality ...

February 13-17, 2012: Solitude and Reflection Days

February 17-19, 2012: Weekend of contemplation, shared reflection and celebration

Coordinated by Gabriele Uhlein, OSF and offered by the Christine Center Core Team

Weekday cost: food and lodging plus voluntary donation for Core Team facilitation and/or spiritual guidance (suggested $25-$100) (sliding scale) plus meals and lodging

Weekend cost: $50-$150 (sliding scale) plus meals and lodging

Inspired by the book, The Artist's Rule by Christine Valters Painter, this week is an invitation to explore the shared joys and mutual horizons of creative practice and spiritual commitment. As artists we live equally in the boundary waters of both the mysterium and the mundane. Let us meet there and dive deep.

Yoga Retreat: Unleash Your Purpose and Create Your Best Life

February 17-19, 2012

Facilitator: Kathy O'Rourke

The truest path to happiness is living in alignment with your dharma -- your unique purpose in life. Yoga asanas, journaling, meditation, group support, personal attention and time in the winter silence will help you remember who you most genuinely are and long to BE more of in this world. Kathy assists her spiritual teacher, Yogarupa Rod Strlyker at workshops around the country based on his book The Four Desires, which we'll use in this retreat. Her website is www.tapestryyogacenter.com. $250, plus meals and lodging

Spiritual Guidance from Within

February 24-26, 2012

Facilitators: Marge Zulaski, OSF and Cecilia Corcoran, FSPA

Through meditation and guided imagery you will be led to create images of inner guides as a way of accessing energy to support you on your path in life. Cecy and Marge will offer meditation practices, creative expression, and stories that show how people have been guided from within to live their own unique lives. You will have the opportunity to create something to take home to remind you of your inner guidance. Tuition: $50-$150 (sliding scale), plus meals and lodging

Mind-Body Retreat: Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation 

February 24-26, 2012

Facilitators: Susan Mickel and Sue Twiggs

This weekend will offer instruction in two traditions: yoga postures and mindfulness meditation. The Buddhist mindfulness tradition originally assumed an awareness of yoga, but for centuries they have been practiced largely separately. This retreat takes the perspective that the two practices complement each other. The retreat will be silent, alternating periods of yoga, sitting meditation, and walking meditation. There will be instruction at all of the sessions, with opportunities to ask questions, group discussion, and talks integrating the two practices with day-to-day life. There will be sadhana for experienced yoga practitioners as well as yoga instruction for those new to the practice. Students will be introduced to the philosopphy as well as the postures of hatha yoga. The meditation instruction will include lovingkindness meditation. No prior knowledge of either tradition is necessary to attend. Tuition: $200, plus meals and lodging

March

By Women For Women

March 2-4, 2012

Guest presenters

Annual fest for women who want to weekend together. This exciting retreat will be given by women who come forward to share their expertise in wondrous and varied ways. Sessions will be focused by facilitators donating their talents and wisdom. Expect deepening and creative experiences. Treat yourself to a time enriched by sisters on the journey. Call to reserve your space or to discuss possibilities for the program. Tuition: None. Meals and lodging only.

Compassionate Acceptance: A Mindful Path to Healing Life's Wounds

March 9-11, 2012

Facilitator: Tom Roberts

We all carry with us a store of life's hurts, betrayals, and traumas. Much of the impact of these experiences resides deeply in the nerves and cells of our bodies, to be relived repeatedly throughout our lives. Too often, we develop a type of aversion to these hurts -- a kind of wishing they would go away. Deep healing occurs only when we soften our self aversion and begin to accept and relate wisely with deep compassion to that part of ourselves that needs healing. This retreat will provide a spacious and safe place to work on bringing mindful and compassionate acceptance to these difficulties. Through the exploration of Contemplative, Taoist, and Buddhist teachings and healing practices, you will finally be able to reach a kind of healing based on acceptance and compassion that is often overlooked. This depth of healing is integral to deepening the spiritual path. Tuition: $150, plus meals and lodging

Wisconsin Myofascial Weekend

March 9-11, 2012

Liaison Person: Laramee Paradise

This retreat is a feast of Myofascial Release Therapy -- for MFR therapists and by MFR therapists. All therapists must have taken at least one seminar by either John F. Barnes, PT, or Lori Zeltwanger, PT.

There is no tuition, since it is a for us/by us retreat. The only costs would be for any lodging and meals at the Christine Center, plus a small fee for use of the shared therapy space ($20). Some say we become who/what we spend our time with. If this is true, then participants in this MFR retreat could be assured of their continued growth toward optimal potential as MFR therapists and human beings released from their limitations.

Contact 715-267-7507 or email christinecenter@tds.net. Or call Laramee Paradise at 612-232-4669 or email ljparadise123@yahoo.com

Sacred Dance and Meditation Retreat

March 9-11, 2012

Facilitators: Johanna Seubert, FSPA and Henrita Frost, SSND

Sacred Dance is a way to elevate the consciousness and experience group unity. Through the combined efforts of singing, music, sacred phrases from many different traditions, and movement, participants are steeped in the life energy which opens the heart and leads to deeper meditative experience. The Dances are a joyous, multi-cultural way to touch the spiritual essence within ourselves and others, and will be coupled with times for silent meditation to help deepen the experience. The retreat is open to all. No previous music or dance or meditation experience is necessary. Tuition: $50-$150 (sliding scale) plus meals and lodging

Create to Live! Waking up ...

March 12-16, 2012. Solitude and Reflection Days

March 16-18, 22012. Weekend of contemplation, shared experience and celebration

Coordinated by Gabriele Uhlein, OSF and offered by the Christine Center Core Team

Weekday cost: food and lodging plus voluntary donation for Core Team facilitation and/or spiritual guidance (suggested $25-$150)

Weekend cost: $50-$100 (sliding scale) plus meals and lodging

This week celebrates and explores the many ways in which the simplest of thoughts can forever change a life. Using our lives as text, we will honor the awakenings that transformed us, the experiences that shape our creative voice and the stories that yet await our sharing.

Yoga and the Chakras: Discover the Hidden Forces Within You

March 16-18, 2012

Facilitator: Gigi Heinz

Your chakras are integral to every aspect of your being: mind, body, and spirit. They are the energy centers through which your life force flows, helping you to maintain mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual balance. We will practice yoga asanas that connect with each chakra, and meditation to help open each energy center. Tuition: $150, plus meals and lodging

Intuitive Painting Open Studio

March 19-23, 2012
March 26-30, 2012
June 18-22, 2012
June 25-29, 2012

Facilitator: Gabriele Uhlein, OSF

Imagine painting for the pure joy of self-expression in glorious colors and amazing spontaneous images. These open studio days are for anyone, artist or not, desiring extended intuitive painting time before and/or after the intensive weekend program March 23-25, 2011 and June 22-25. Freed from critique, product, or the need to please anyone else, reconnect with pure experience. Individual instruction and guidance is available, and all non-toxic artist quality materials are provided. Simply bring a smock or apron, and your readiness to let your soul speak! Limited to 10 participants. Weekday cost: meals and lodging; plus a $10 per day studio/materials fee

A Journey into Soul: Daring to Paint from the Source

March 23-25, 2012

Facilitator: Gabriele Uhlein, OSF

An intensive weekend of painting meditation for anyone eager to deepen their connection to their truest and most creative self. In the company of a supportive painting community, dare to find yourself again, and draw inspiration from each other and from the soul's own mysterious, creative source. Learn to simply trust again in your original capacity for pure spontaneous soul-expression. All non-toxic artist quality materials are provided. Simply bring a smock or apron, and your readiness to let your soul speak. Brushes and paint were never so eloquent! Limited to 10 participants.Tuition:  $50-$150 (sliding scale) plus meals and lodging. $10 studio/materials fee.

Shining Through the Living Light: The Spiritual Vision of Hildegard of Bingen

March 30-April 1, 2012

Facilitator: Gabriele Uhlein, OSF

Meet Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), a woman remarkable in any age. Advisor to popes and emperors, she produced profound theological works and visionary writings. She wrote healing treatises, was the first composer whose biography is known, founded her own vibrant convent and as an old woman, undertook strenuous  preaching tours to reform the church. Overcoming social, physical, and cultural barriers to achieve timeless transcendence, she is a compelling model. Following her example, and incorporating contemplative personal work, this weekend is an invitation to heed your own true inner voice. The living light you find will be your own! Tuition: $50-$150 (sliding scale) plus meals and lodging

The Creative Spirit

Facilitator: Teresa Van Lanen

March 30-April 1, 2012

We are all creative beings and that creativity feeds our spirit. Creativity can be a catalyst for positive change in your life.

Leave the world behind and join the group at this workshop being held on sacred ground of the Christine Center. Participants will learn how to build a creative practice for themselves to connect with their authentic true nature of joy and love.

Tuition: $150, plus meals and lodging

Feel free to check out the website, which lists more courses, blogs and biographical background: www.makingartoflife.com.

Get Inspired! Yoga Immersion Weekend

March 30 to April 1, 2012

Facilitator: Rob Schultz

In the West, we often think of yoga as a series of physical exercises. But the art and science of yoga expands self awareness and offers liberation on all levels -- body, mind, and spirit. Join us for a weekend of yoga asana (postures), pranayama (breath mastery exercises), meditation, and contemplation. Additionally, Rob Schultz will provide time-honored yogic "maps" (e.g. chakras, koshas, kleshas) as well as offer an introduction to Tantra Yoga, the Yoga of Body as Sacred Temple. While 6 months yoga experience is recommended, all are welcome to attend this event.

April

Holy Week Retreat

April 2-8, 2012

Facilitators: Core Team

Tuition: $500 (includes tuition, meals and lodging)

A Heart Wide Open

Facilitator: Jenifer Ebel

April 27-29, 2012

What does it mean to live with your heart wide open? Will that make you more vulnerable? There are many situations where the heart shuts down in reactivity. We close our hearts in defense, in confusion, in sorrow, in fear.

In this weekend seminar, I will show you ways to live with an open heart and to recognize when it shuts down and why. We will explore postures and pranayama to help open the heart. We will look at hindrances and beliefs that may be holding you hostage and keeping you from living authentically, from the heart.

Spirituality and the Creative Series. Theme: Depth

April 30-May 3, 2012; May 4-6, 2012

Facilitators: Gabriele Uhlein, OSF and Core Team, as needed

Embodiment: Inspired by the book, Becoming Animal by David Abram, these days celebrate the natural, the wild and the earthy. We will consider flesh and bone, our amazing poly-sensory incarnation, and our precious inheritance as living, lucid, planet creatures.

Tuition: $50-$100 (sliding scale) plus meals and lodging

May

Silent Retreat: Awakening to your Inner Truth

May 4-6, 2012

Facilitators: Henrita Frost, SSND and Johanna Seubert, FSPA

Tuition: $50-150, plus meals and lodging

Journey of the Universe:
Where Contemporary Science and Spirituality Meet!

May 25-27, 2012

Presenter: Gabriele Uhlein, OSF

Using an amazing full-length feature film by Brian Swimme and Mary Evelyn Tucker as a starting point, this soul-size weekend celebrates the resonance between the latest cosmology and the best of the great religious traditions. Through simple language and stunning images, come be inspired by a new understanding of what it means to be human, to be spiritually engaged, and to be awed by the mystery, complexity and connectivity that permeates Earth and Universe from the very beginning. Your experience of life, of the night sky and of spiritual practice will never be the same again. (To view the trailer of the film, visit www.journeyoftheuniverse.org). Tuition: $50-$150 (sliding scale) plus meals and lodging

Watercolor Painting as Spiritual Practice

May 25-27, 2012

Facilitator: John Jerry-Anthony Parente

An exploration of the "wet-on-wet" method of watercolor painting as engagement with Mystery, revealing the Unconscious, blending work and play, giving over to the Flow. All are welcome, whether they are new to exploring watercolor/spiritual practice or already deeply disciplined in either of these modes. A supply list will be mailed upon receipt of your registration.

Tuition: $225, plus meals and lodging

Artist Practicum

May 28-31, 2012

Facilitator: John Jerry-Anthony Parente

Practicum: one-on-one daily hour with John: critique and suggestions in Art Studio space

Have you ever imagined having your own studio in the woods, creating for hours undisturbed or coming and going as you wish? Having one-on-one daily consultations and critiques with a widely exhibited artist whose art is in college/university and religious institutions' collections as well as numerous private collections around the world and has shown in museums/corporate spaces/NYC and galleries across the USA. Here is your opportunity to do just that! Come and be among a small group of artists, working in waterolor painting or drawing medium and having a personal daily hour critique with John Jerry-Anthony Parente. Tuition: $200, plus meals and lodging

June

Symbols of the Inner Self and Soul

June 1-3, 2012

Facilitator: Marge Zulaski, OSF

Tuition: $50-$150 (sliding scale), plus meals and lodging

Art as Personal Exploration and Mystic Empowerment

Facilitator: John Jerry-Anthony Parente 

June 1-3, 2012

This retreat/workshop will be an exploration of the authentic Self through art experiences. When the process of SEEing is undertaken, we can tap into our mystic Self, allow the flow of Wisdom and grace, and experience transformation. The focus will be on the creative process, giving form to feeling so that it may be examined and shared beyond the person. The conditions necessary for creativity will be identified and experienced. For professional artists and those with no prior art experience. A supply list will be mailed upon receipt of your registration.

Inner Body Focusing: Tapping into Inner Wisdom

June 1-3, 2012

Facilitators: Beth O'Brien and Jacquelyn Titus

"Within us lies something incomparably more precious than what we see outside ourselves. Let's not imagine that we are hollow inside." --Teresa of Avila

Flowing out of the eloquent words of St.Teresa, we will explore the inner landscape of our bodies with compassion, without assumptions, honoring the wisdom that arises from within. Through this guided practice of noticing and nurturing our feelings, the weekend will allow us to be drawn experientially into the query, "How deeply do I trust Holy Presence?"

While Inner-Body Focusing is often viewed as a tool for spiritual guides and therapists, anyone who desires to deepen awareness of their embodied spirituality can benefit from this process.

Tuition: $150, plus meals and lodging

Relaxation and Solitude

June 3-7, 2012

Facilitators: Henrita Frost, SSND and Johanna Seubert, FSPA

Tuition: $50-$150 (sliding scale), plus meals and lodging

Mike Ward Retreat

June 8-10, 22012

Facilitator: Mike Ward

Wisconsin Myofascial Weekend

June 8-10, 2012

Liaison Person: Laramee Paradise

This retreat is a feast of Myofascial Release Therapy -- for MFR therapists and by MFR therapists. All therapists must have taken at least one seminar by either John F. Barnes, PT, or Lori Zeltwanger, PT.

There is no tuition, since it is a for us/by us retreat. The only costs would be for any lodging and meals at the Christine Center, plus a small fee for use of the shared therapy space ($20). Some say we become who/what we spend our time with. If this is true, then participants in this MFR retreat could be assured of their continued growth toward optimal potential as MFR therapists and human beings released from their limitations.

Contact 715-267-7507 or email christinecenter@tds.net. Or call Laramee Paradise at 612-232-4669 or email ljparadise123@yahoo.com

Spirituality and the Creative Series. Theme: Beauty

June 11-14, 2012; June 14-16, 2012

Facilitator: Gabriele Uhlein, OSF, and Core Team, as needed

Beauty: The intention of this time together is to feast on beauty, to experience its transformative power and to more deeply appreciate the splendor of our own creative lives, in all their awesome, difficult, stupendous, ordinary and gorgeous detail.

Tuition: $50-$150 (sliding scale), plus meals and lodging

Volunteer Weekend

June 15-17, 2012

Women's Healing the Hurt Retreat

June 15-17, 2012

Facilitators: Marilyn Kile and Jude Christensen

This workshop will offer participants the opportunity to spend a weekend learning about and experiencing strategies to help them heal from any emotional pain they currently have. This will not be a time to talk about one's painful experiences and reinjure oneself. Rather this will be a weekend away from the demands of daily life dedicated to nurturing and healing oneself emotionally, spiritually and physically in the company of other women.

This workshop is appropriate for women of all spiritual beliefs. A wide variety of healing exercises will be offered over the course of the weekend using scent, sound, movement, words, and touch to aid the healing. Participants will be able to continue to heal after the retreat using those strategies that they learned that are helpful for them.

Open Art Studio

June 18-22, 2012

Facilitator: Gabriele Uhlein, OSF

Imagine painting for the pure joy of self-expression in glorious colors and amazing spontaneous images. These open studio days are for anyone, artist or not, desiring extended intuitive painting time before and/or after the intensive weekend program June 22-25. Freed from critique, product, or the need to please anyone else, reconnect with pure experience. Individual instruction and guidance is available, and all non-toxic artist quality materials are provided. Simply bring a smock or apron, and your readiness to let your soul speak! Limited to 10 participants. Weekday cost: meals and lodging; plus a $10 per day studio/materials fee

Intuitive Painting

June 22-24, 2012

Facilitator: Gabriele Uhlein, OSF

An intensive weekend of painting meditation for anyone eager to deepen their connection to their truest and most creative self. In the company of a supportive painting community, dare to find yourself again, and draw inspiration from each other and from the soul's own mysterious, creative source. Learn to simply trust again in your original capacity for pure spontaneous soul-expression. All non-toxic artist quality materials are provided. Simply bring a smock or apron, and your readiness to let your soul speak. Brushes and paint were never so eloquent! Limited to 10 participants.Tuition:  $50-$150 (sliding scale) plus meals and lodging. $10 studio/materials fee.

Rebecca Connor Women's Retreat

June 22-24, 2012

Ongoing Dream Tending

June 22-24, 2012

Facilitator: Marge Zulaski, OSF

Jungian Analyst Marge Zulaski offers this opportunity to tend to your dreams in a small group of people who value dreams. This method for group dream tending fully respects the dreamer as the one who can become conscious of what their dream means for them. The weekend will have a rhythm of time alone and time together in search of your dreams. Tuition: $50-$150 (sliding scale) plus meals and lodging

Open Art Studio

June 25-28, 2012

Facilitator: Gabriele Uhlein, OSF

Herbalist Retreat

June 29 to July 1, 2012

Facilitator: Linda Conroy

July

Artful Intelligent Meditation

July 6-8, 2012

Facilitator: Santikaro 

Meditation involves arts and skills that enable us to wisely meet life's needs and challenges. A mature meditator cultivates such a "bag of tricks," including various practices. In this retreat we will explore mindfulness with breathing for calm and clarity, kindness and compassion practice, walking meditation for body awareness, and reflections on aging, illness, and death. Santikaro will offer some Buddhist teachings on why these are valuable and collectively we will discuss how to integrate these and other contemplative practices. In addition to group sessions, there will be time for personal reflection and interviews.Tuition: $150, plus meals and lodging

Mystics

July 6-8, 2012

Facilitator: Gabriele Uhlein, OSF

Fourth Interfaith Retreat

July 13-15, 2012

Finding your Inner Compass with SoulCollage(R) and Musical Soul Journeying

July 27-29, 2012

Facilitator: Audrey Chowdhury

During these times of transition, it can be a challenge to focus, and to remember who you are in your heart of hearts. This retreat is designed to help you find your authentic Self, put the pieces together, and go forth with a renewed sense of purpose, direction, and joy. You will have the optional opportunity to expand your awareness through musical soul journeying (Integrative Breathwork). You will be invited to create a mandala (circle drawing) about your experience. You will learn about and practice SoulCollage(R), a very simple yet powerful collage process where you create your own deck of inner guidance cards based on the many parts of your Self. You will have the option of individual sessions with Audrey during this retreat as well.

This retreat is suitable for those who are new to SoulCollage, as well as very helpful for those who have been making cards for some time and would like to explore the meaning that awaits them in this wonderful guidance tool.

Participants find that they leave the retreat feeling reconnected, inspired, rejuvenated, ready to bring their wisdom and enthusiasm back into their daily lives. "From this retreat I am taking renewal, challenge, gratitude, excitement, strength, courage, commitment ... it was a great balance of activity and quiet time; fabulous leader, wonderful space. Who needs more?" Jan J., participant in 2011

To register for this event, please go to www.creativespiritguide.com and click on July 27-29 retreat. You may contact Audrey Chowdhury directly at acsunprairie@aol.com.

BIOS

Cecilia Corcoran, FSPA, Ph.D.
Now well into the second half of life, Cecilia enjoys being part of the team and community at the Christine Center where she dedicates herself to the mission and vision of the Center. She brings doctoral work in Women’s Religious Studies and international experience leading immersion and pilgrimages that touched into women’s lives, their faith and their struggles.

Henrita Frost, SSND, MS
Henrita Frost, SSND is a School Sister of Notre Dame from Wilton, CT. For over fifty years, she has been seeking spiritual deepening for personal and global transformation. Henrita received her education for Spiritual Direction at the Center for Spirituality and Justice in the Bronx, NY. Henrita has been meditating for many years and is currently studying in the Majamudra teachings.

Johanna Seubert, FSPA, DMA
Johanna Seubert, FSPA, has been at the Christine Center since 1987 where she is currently on the Administrative Team and gives retreats and seminars on various Spiritual topics. She is also a trained spiritual director, a certified teacher of the Diamond Approach, and a member of the Ridhwan spiritual school. Her passion is the study and practice of mystical spirituality from many spiritual traditions. Johanna has a doctorate in music from the Catholic University in Washington, D.C. and did additional studies in scripture, religious formation and spiritual direction at Aquinas Institute. She also has training and experience in liturgical music from Notre Dame University. Johanna taught music at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin where she also chaired the music department.

Gabriele Uhlein, OSF, Ph.D.
Gabriele has a doctorate in process theology and Jungian-oriented psychology. Internationally known for her practical Franciscan perspectives, she offers seminars grounded in the wisdom of the Christian mystics as well as contemporary eco-spiritual thought. A long-time student of meditation in both Centering Prayer and Vipassana traditions, Gabriele is also trained in the contemplative practice of mandala-making and the intuitive painting method of Michele Cassou’s Point Zero.

Marge Zulaski, OSF, Psy.D
Marge is a Jungian analyst with a special interest in dream work. She is available to meet with individuals for personal growth and spiritual\ guidance. As a clinical psychologist she worked in hospital settings and in private practice for twenty years. She also provides group facilitation and ongoing leadership consultation for religious organizations and other groups interested in collective deepening through transformational soul-work.

Guest Presenters

The Christine Center is pleased to offer programs by these skillful and inspiring presenters.

Gary Egeberg
GARY EGEBERG is an author, educator, and former California state prison chaplain. With an extensive background in recovery, addiction studies, and interfaith spirituality, he works with individuals who are struggling to break free from past hurts and regrets so that they can create a new path in life. A popular speaker, his retreats blend wisdom from several spiritual traditions, neurobiology, and psychology.

Delmarie Gibney, FSPA, M. Div.
Del is the director of WomanWell. She believes “we are the ones we have been waiting for” at this critical time in our evolutionary journey. It is crucial to the survival of the Earth Community that we awaken to the divine beings that we are.

Gigi Heinz
Gigi is a certified Yoga Instructor, RYT, with Yoga Alliance. Gigi has been teaching and practicing yoga for 9 years, and has been a business owner and operator for “be well yoga” for the past 7 years. Her teaching style integrates Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Vini yoga. (www.bewellyoga.biz)

Roberta Hodges
Roberta has been studying, practicing and teaching yoga in the Himalaya tradition for 25 years, including Raja  Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and more recently, Tantra Yoga. She has made several trips to India for study, practice and inspiration. She is also a practicing massage therapist and energy worker.

Venerable Khenpo Kalsang Gyaltsen
Venerable Khenpo Kalsang Gyaltsen is an accomplished teacher and translator of Tibetan Buddhism. He received ordination and advanced religious training, including long periods in meditation retreat, with Sakya Tradition leaders, including His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche and His Holiness the Sakya Trizin. Active in bringing Tibetan Buddhism to the West, he founded the Sakya Phuntsok Ling Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, in 1986; Tsechen Kunchab Ling Temple in Orange County, New York, the Seat or the Sakya Order in the United States, in 2001; and the International Buddhist Committee of the Washington, D.C. area, which he cochairs, in 1987.

Susan Mickel, M.D.
Susan has been meditating for twenty years, first in the Christian tradition, then in the Burmese mindfulness tradition, and for seven years now in the Tibetan Mahamudra and Dzogchen traditions. She also has a certificate in ecumenically oriented Christian spiritual guidance from Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. Her personal practice and orientation is Buddhist, and she is interested in interfaith discussion and exploration. (
www.pointingoutway.org)

Kathy O’Rourke
Kathy O’Rourke teaches yoga based on the Anusara and Para yoga methods. An initiated student of master teacher Yogarupa Rod Stryker (Para Yoga), she is dedicated to seeing grace in the totality of experience and skillfully teaches with patience, enthusiasm and a good sense of humor. (www. tapestryyogacenter.com)

Sue Twiggs
Susan holds a 200-hour certification from the Kripalu Yoga Teacher Training in Lenox, Massachusetts. She returns yearly to Kripalu for advanced training in teaching breathwork and postures. She is a published poet, a trained meditator, and as a social worker has practiced outpatient psychotherapy for 20 years. She is the owner of The Karuna Yoga Studio. (www. karunayogastudio.com)

Teresa Van Lanen
Teresa has worked for over 30 years with individuals, groups, couples and families to connect with their authentic true nature of joy and love. She assists clients to identify and cope with their own healing process, and to break through barriers and blocks to personal growth, happiness and creativity. Her articles can be found in Nature’s Pathways magazine and at the SelfGrowth.com website. (www. makingartoflife.com)

Thomas Roberts LCSW 
Thomas is a Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist in private practice (Innerchange Counseling) in Onalaska, Wisconsin. He has over 35 years of experience in clinical psychotherapy and his own personal Zen Buddhist practice. He holds licenses as an Independent Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, certifications as a Fellow with the National Board of Clinical Hypnotherapists, a Diplomate with the American Psychotherapy Association, and as an Addictions Counselor in the state of Wisconsin. Tom is adjunct professor in the Department of Psychology at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin where he teaches Mindfulness and Recovery, and Positive Psychology classes. He is also adjunct professor at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud Minnesota Community Counseling and Community Psychology Program where he teaches courses in mindful approaches to mind-body healing.

Rob Schultz
Rob is a professional-level Kripalu yoga teacher and a Reiki Master. He began practicing yoga in the 1990's to alleviate chronic back pain. He delights in making the more "spiritual" yogic teachings accessible and relevant to a contemporary audience and blends guided imagery and grounded alignment cues while teaching yoga on the mat. His undergraduate studies were in religion.
www.pointyoga.com

Santikaro
Santikaro, along with wife Jo Marie and various critters, are nurturing Liberation Park in a small coulee about 90 minutes south of the Christine Center. For many years, he studied as a Buddhist monk in Thailand. He emphasizes digging deep into the roots of early Buddhism and connecting them with our modern (and not so modern) realities. He teaches in Wisconsin and neighboring states, as well as other parts of the USA and world. In 2011, he underwent chemotherapy for an aggressive lymphoma and continues to recover from that strange experience.

Beth O'Brien
Beth O'Brien, MA Education, MA Religious Studies, is a Benedictine oblate, spiritual guide, meditation teacher and staff member at Wisdom's Well Interfaith Spirituality Center in Madison, Wisconsin. As a Christian contemplative, her interests include the Christian mystical tradition, interfaith dialogue, and carrying compassion into the world.

Jacquelyn Titus
Jacquelyn Titus, B.S. Ed. is a spiritual guide and meditation teacher. Her interest in mind-body work has led her to serve as Reiki Master, chakra teacher, and as an Inner Body Focusing guide. She also enjoys leading individual rereats and facilitating ongoing women's discussion groups.

Audrey Chowhdury
Audrey Chowhdury, MS, ATR-BC, is a board certified art therapist, a SoulCollage Facilitator/Trainer, and a certified practitioner of Integrative Breathwork by Jacquelyn Small of Austin, Texas. She has been presenting retreats and workshops for several years in Wisconsin, the Midwest, and beyond. She loves witnessing the unfolding of wisdom, beauty, and deeply felt connections that occur during transformational inner work. Her style has been described as intuitive, warm, encouraging, open, and inviting.

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