Name: Becoming the Elder Tree: Purpose in the Second Half of Life Retreat at Prairiewoods (in person)
Start: 2024-08-16T17:30:00-06:00
End: 2024-08-18T12:00:00-06:00
Location: 120 E Boyson Rd, Hiawatha, IA, United States, Iowa 52233

Becoming the Elder Tree: Purpose in the Second Half of Life Retreat at Prairiewoods (in person)

Friday, Aug. 16, 6:30 p.m.–Sunday, Aug. 18, 1 p.m. U.S. Central Time
This retreat invites you to envision a second half of life that calls forth your truest self and unique purpose and to consider what it means to be an “elder” in the deepest sense: when our lived years contribute to a special wisdom, vision and wholeness of self that are shared for the benefit of the community and society. We will place the development of elderhood in the context of our interdependent relationships with the more-than-human world, from nature outside our window all the way out through our entire solar system, the world soul and the greater universe story. Inspired by ecologist Suzanne Simard’s revelations about how forests are communities that are cooperative, collaborative, communicative and reciprocal, we will consider how we can be the elder trees that nurture, support and pass wisdom to others for the health and wellbeing of the entire community. Prairiewoods’ revered Grandmother Oak will thus be our touchstone and inspiration for the weekend. This retreat at Prairiewoods (120 East Boyson Road in Hiawatha) will be facilitated by Thomas Dean and Chris Johnson. It follows the Circle of Trust® approach developed by Parker Palmer and the organization he cofounded, the Center for Courage and Renewal. A Circle of Trust invites the individual soul, or inner teacher, to show up in a safe, welcoming, hospitable space, where it can be heard and supported by a trustworthy community. For more on the approach’s core values, touchstones, and principles and practices, visit couragerenewal.org/courage-renewal-approach/. This retreat will welcome participants of all ages and at any stage of life. The cost is $255 and includes presentations, Friday and Saturday lodging, and Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch. The commuter fee is $180 and includes Saturday lunch and dinner and Sunday lunch. For more information or to register, contact Prairiewoods at www.Prairiewoods.org or 319-395-6700.