The path of mystics, the path of depth, is always the result of love and suffering. Love itself draws us into suffering, because if we open ourselves to the vulnerability of love, we will inevitably suffer.

So we’re going to explore this most incarnate, blessed and painful way of life together.

Our retreat will include multiple sits of Centering Prayer, a few talks, lectio divina on the selected texts, and of course some time to just be with each other. We will focus on the article “Suffering” by Helen Luke (found in her book “Old Age” as well as in “The Way of Woman”).  Contact Therese (descamp at heartsrest dot com) for a copy if you can’t find this article.

The Fall Retreat meets at the Yasodhara Ashram, beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, September 27th and ending at noon on Sunday, September 29th.  Please plan on taking either the 1:10 or the 2:50 ferry from Balfour on Friday; they will be on the “winter” sailing schedule which means reduced sailings.

Yasodhara can accommodate a maximum of 12 to 15 people for this retreat. Each of us will pay a charge to the Ashram that includes both accommodations and food: if there are less than 12 of us, it will be $290 per person. More than 12 reduces the rate to $260. Private rooms are extra. If you wish to stay over Sunday evening and leave on the ferry after breakfast, it will cost another $75.

There will also be a free-will offering for the teacher.

If you need special gear for sitting, please note that the Ashram has mats and blankets as well as chairs–but bring other stuff if you need it.

To register, please call the Ashram at 250-227-9224, or use this online link to register: https://www.yasodhara.org/online-store/group-registration/There is a place on the form to write the name of the group (Contemplative in the Kootenays). You will need to “add your registration to the cart” and “proceed to checkout”; at checkout they will want your billing address even though you do not have to make a deposit. PLEASE FOLLOW ALL THESE STEPS IN ORDER TO REGISTER! Then you can bring your payment along when you come.