Journey Toward Wholeness: A Courage & Renewal® Retreat
Based on the work of activist and writer Parker J. Palmer, this Courage & Renewal® retreat explores issues of transition and vocation, relationships and aging, passion and purpose, and more. Through reflection and connection, we examine ways we can live in alignment with our deepest values and develop the courage to act with integrity and authenticity.
In a safe and confidential environment, we share periods of quiet self-reflection and group discussions, as well as laughter and lightness. Guided by the belief that everyone has an inner teacher and an inner source of truth, we engage in contemplative practices to support personal and societal transformation.
We use seasonal themes and metaphors to explore poetry, prose, music, gentle movement, videos, journaling, stories from wisdom traditions, mindfulness meditation practices, and the natural beauty of Omega’s campus. Clearness Committees, a Quaker process of discernment, is the capstone of the retreat.
What You’ll Learn in this Retreat…
Discover your ‘inner teacher’; and learn how to listen and trust this source of inner guidance
Identify your core values and the courage to act on them
Learn deep listening skills to transform you and your relationships
Discover deeper connection with life passion, purpose, and meaning
What People Are Saying…
“I learned nothing new and everything new.”
“It was deepwater…”
“I’m delighted – feel so much more cogent. Patience and love allowed me to go to a place of disclosing, feeling vulnerable, a place of delight… I really felt safe.”
“So much of my day is in front of a computer or device – but this was all about being in the present moment – our attention makes a difference.”
Cost and Registration:
Cost: $395 (Covers cost for the workshop and time spent in class.); Enrollment is limited for this program; register early.
Continuing Education Credits are available for $25.
About the Venue:
Located 90 minutes from New York City, Omega Institute, a serene haven, is a pioneer in holistic studies – helping people and organizations integrate personal growth and social change. Serving local, mostly organic, sustainable, nutrient-dense, artisanal, and whole-food meals, is a hallmark of the Omega experience. Recreational opportunities abound, including 80-acre, Long Pond.
Schedule:
| FRIDAY | |
|---|---|
| 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. | Check In (Rooms available after 5:00 p.m.) |
| 7:30 p.m.–7:50 p.m. | Welcome & Orientation |
| 8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. | Workshop |
| SATURDAY | |
| 9:00 a.m.–Noon | Workshop |
| 2:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Workshop |
| SUNDAY | |
| 9:00 a.m.–Noon | Workshop |
| 1:00 p.m. | Check Out |
The above schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the faculty.
The Children’s Program is generally available during standard workshop hours only. Contact Omega registration at 877-944-2002 for details.
Dining Hall Hours (Meals begin with dinner on arrival day and end with lunch on departure day.):
Breakfast: 7:00 a.m.–8:45 a.m.
Lunch: Noon–2:00 p.m.
Dinner: 6:00 p.m.–7:15 p.m.
Daily Open Classes in meditation, yoga, tai chi, or movement (subject to availability): 7:00–8:00 a.m., 12:15–1:00 p.m., 5:30–6:15 p.m., 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Meet the Teachers
Valerie Brown is an international retreat leader, writer, leadership coach, and chief learning officer of Lead Smart Coaching, LLC, specializing in application and integration of mindfulness and leadership. She is a Courage & Renewal® Facilitator trained by the Center and Parker J. Palmer, American Quaker and educator. She is author of The Mindful School Leader: Practices to Transform Your Leadership and School.
Brown transformed her high-pressure career as a lawyer-lobbyist to human-scale work with leaders and teams to foster trustworthy and authentic connections. She lead an annual pilgrimage to El Camino de Santiago, Spain to celebrate the power of place.
Chris Grygo is a leadership and organizational development practitioner, Gestalt-trained coach, and retreat facilitator prepared by the Center for Courage and Renewal. He works in social justice philanthropy and is passionate about partnering with others to create community, resilience, and reflective practice.
