The theme for the September 29-October 1 retreat, to be held at the Yasodhara Ashram on Kootenay Lake, will be “Mystical Optimism.” Our focus will be on the work of Julian of Norwich and Beatrice Bruteau. The retreat will be a combination of meditation (Centering Prayer), lectio divina, several short presentations/discussions, and lots of silence.

Please plan to arrive Friday, September 29^th, in the morning before lunch: sessions begin Friday afternoon.  We’ll be meeting again on Saturday, with breaks for swimming (don’t forget your suit) and walking. On Sunday morning, we’ll need to be out of our rooms after breakfast.  Those who wish to stay on for lunch are welcome to do so: lunch will be an additional $13. (Just let them know when you register.)

Now, the homework! So that we are all ready for our discussions together, please prepare by reading at least some of Julian of Norwich’s Showings and Beatrice Butreau’s Radical Optimism.  I’d recommend the new translation of Julian of Norwich’s Showings by Mirabai Starr.  Also, DJ has (in the lending library at the Garden Graces store in New Denver) a multi-CD set on Julian.  YOU DON’T HAVE TO READ (or listen to) IT ALL; YOU DON’T HAVE TO READ ANY PARTICULAR TRANSLATION; BUT PLEASE PREPARE BY STARTING TO EXPLORE THIS MATERIAL.  It will make our time together so much richer.

The retreat is limited to 20 people. The Ashram’s food and room cost depends on the number of folks: if we’re less than ten, room and board are $270; if we have 11 or more participants, it will be $240. There is a separate donation to the teacher, as each person can afford.  When you register, you’ll be asked to pay $100 deposit; the rest will be due when you arrive.  If you want to stay for lunch on Sunday, it will be an additional $13.

This is the link to register: http://www.yasodhara.org/online-store/group-registration-with-deposit/ PLEASE NOTE THESE TWO THINGS: Our group name is “Contemplative in the Kootenays, Mystical Optimism,” and that while the link shows standard times for arriving and leaving, our check in time is before 12:30 on Friday, and check out is by 10 am on Sunday. We are unfortunately not able to stay over Sunday night as there is a retreat right after us using the same space.

If you have trouble affording this weekend, some funds have been donated by a member of the group to help defray expenses.  So let me know if you’d like some financial help.  If, on the other hand, you want to donate to support those with limited resources, please let me know by writing to descamp(at)heartsrest(dot)com.

Do remember that the only way to get to the Ashram from the west is via the Kootenay Bay ferry, so check ferry times and plan accordingly!

You’ll want to bring—a journal, your resource books on Julian and B. Bruteau, comfortable clothes and shoes, a swim suit, towel and swim shoes (rocky beach!), rain gear (planning for all eventualities).