About this Event
Touchstones for Authentic Living
Join us for a one-day, in-person retreat at The Sanctuary, an oasis of calm in a beautiful setting in Dublin city on Saturday 22 November from 10am to 5pm.
In a Circle of Trust® (and in life), the Courage & Renewal Touchstones https://couragerenewal.org/library/courage-renewal-touchstones/ act as guiding principles that foster safe and welcoming spaces where individuals feel empowered to be their authentic selves. They encourage generous listening, inviting us to engage with one another deeply and wholeheartedly, with compassion, respect, courage, and love.
In this one-day, in-person retreat, facilitators Patricia Hallahan and Martina Breen invite a deeper exploration of the Circle of Trust® Touchstones :
1) When the going gets rough, turn to wonder. Turn from reaction and judgment to wonder and compassionate inquiry. Ask yourself, “I wonder why s/he feels / thinks this way?” or “I wonder what my reaction teaches me about myself?” Set aside judgment to listen to others - and to yourself - more deeply.
2) Attend your own inner teacher. We learn from others, of course. But as we explore poems, stories, questions and silence in a circle of trust, we have a special opportunity to learn from within. So pay close attention to your own reactions and responses, to your most important teacher.
Touchstones for Authentic Living is a unique gathering where we come together to nourish our minds, bodies, and souls. We believe that finding connection and building a supportive community is essential.
Throughout the day, you'll have the opportunity to engage in activities that promote self-awareness and personal growth. From interactive sessions to 'Clarity Triads' and opportunities for being in nature, we'll explore different ways to find wisdom in our everyday lives.
Whether you're seeking a break from your usual routine or simply looking to connect with like-minded individuals, this event offers a safe and welcoming space for all. Our aim is to create an atmosphere where you can reflect, rejuvenate and forge meaningful connections with others.
So mark your calendars and join us for a day filled with nourishment, connection, and the power of listening to our inner teacher.
'Each Touchstone alone is an admirable idea. You could devote a day to noticing how it shows in your life or work. You could mediatate on each for a week or a month. The magic and mystery of this collection of practices come from how they combine to catalyse trust' - Shelly Francis in The Courage Way
What to expect
Courage and Renewal® retreats are based on the work of Dr. Parker J. Palmer and developed through the Center for Courage & Renewal. They nurture supportive communities of reflection and practice to help us come alive with a renewed sense of purpose and facilitate us to cultivate the courage to overcome challenges, thus making a difference both in ourselves and in our families and communities.
In this retreat, we will come together as individuals and as a community in a way that honours both our solitude and our togetherness. Our time together will be shaped by a distinctive set of principles and practices that help create gracious, trustworthy space for your individual reflection and which will guide our interactions as a group. We will maintain an intimate and confidential community with a small number of participants.
Everything is invitational in large and small group conversations, with time for journaling, reflection, listening, sharing and silence. We can draw on poems, stories, music and wisdom traditions to inspire our journey together towards wholeness.
The retreat will include 'Clarity Triads' - a unique process that supports individuals to listen deeply and in turn to be heard by 2 other people in a small and safe Circle of Trust ©
This retreat is suitable for anyone who would like time to reflect on their inner life and role in the world. If you are curious about or seek a more fully authentic life, then this retreat is for you!
What participants said about our previous Touchstones Circle of Trust retreat at the Sanctuary.
“A worthwhile day for thought and self-care in a calm, friendly atmosphere.”
“A very relaxed, safe space with lots of time for reflection. No pressure. Insightful and nourishing.”
“A gentle yet powerful day — beautifully guided, with space for reflection and sharing. I left feeling nourished and grateful to be part of the group.”
“The Sanctuary was the perfect venue — a supportive space to practise deep listening without judgement. The gentle pace and circle of trust made the experience truly meaningful.”
“A lovely, supportive environment that helped me reflect on my needs and listen more deeply to others.”
Dates and times
Start: Saturday 22 November 2025. Arrive by 09.45 for 10.00 start
End: Saturday 22 November 2025 17.00 hrs
Venue
The Sanctuary, is a not-for profit retreat centre located in a beautiful setting in Dublin City.
Website: https://sanctuary.ie
Fees and Bursaries
We are committed to making our programmes accessible to as wide a range of people as possible. Your fee covers:
- Skilled facilitation by qualified and experienced facilitators.
- Materials for the workshop.
- Coffee and Tea breaks.
- Eventbrite administration fee
We will have ample time for lunch and we encourage you to bring a picnic to eat and perhaps something to share. We will enjoy our lunch in the lovely garden area (weather permitting).
An early bird fee of €85 is available to the first 25% of people who register.
Bursaries
If you cannot afford the fee and wish to be considered for a bursary please let us know ([email protected]) as soon as possible and by latest Saturday 1 November 2025.
If you are in a position to provide a partial or full bursary, let us know. If so, it will be used to facilitate someone who otherwise would not be able to attend.
Registration and Refunds
Payment can be made by Apple Pay, credit or debit card or PayPal.
During registration we will request some information about you and your needs.
If you cancel on or before Saturday 1 November you will be given a refund, less the Eventbrite administration fee.
If you cancel on or after Sunday 2 November, we can only give a refund if someone takes your place and they register on or before Wednesday 19 November 2025 .
In the unlikely event that the retreat is cancelled by us, your full fee will be refunded. Our liability does not cover cancelled travel or other expenses.
Dates for your Diary
We are covering all of the Courage & Renewal Touchstones for Authentic Living in the Sanctuary in 4, one-day retreats. Each retreat stands alone. The following is the date for the final retreat in this series.
Saturday, 7 February 2026
Your Facilitators
Patricia (Pádraigín) Hallahan, is a Dublin based coach, mentor, group facilitator and educator in personal development, spirituality, healthcare and development. Most of her career has been in international development working and living in Asia and in Africa. Patricia has 30 years’ experience in senior management positions in public and not-for-profit organizations such as Concern, Trócaire, The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland and St James’s Hospital, Dublin.
She retired as Director of Education, Research and Training at Our Lady’s Hospice, Dublin and now divides her work time between the Centre for Courage and Renewal, where she is a qualified facilitator, and the Sacred Art of Living Community where she is on the leadership team for the International Anamcara Apprenticeship Programme.
Patricia is one of seven sisters, a grandmother and enjoys singing with The People's College Choir and hill walking with Na Cnocadóirí.
Martina Breen is a Gestalt psychotherapist, supervisor, spiritual companion, and Certified Sage-ing Leader (CSL).
As part of her work as a psychotherapist and integrative health specialist, Martina facilitates programs on conscious living, aging, dying, and life writing.
Journaling and life writing have been integral to Martina’s personal healing journey and her professional practice. Using the Ira Progoff Method of journaling, she leads numerous life writing workshops.
Beyond her professional endeavours, she enjoys traveling, participating in ritual retreats worldwide, and cherishing time with her four sons and six grandchildren.
And finally....
If you have any questions or wonderings about this retreat, e.g. Registration, the Circle of Trust approach, the Center for Courage & Renewal, Bursaries etc., contact Patricia at [email protected] or +353 (0) 87 6615 729
‘We long for more time and space to attend to what matters, to be able to have fresh insights and get perspective. Retreat offers us the chance to step back and take the time to listen honestly and gently to ourselves and to others, without the usual competing demands for our attention. It's a healing place where we can be, rest and be restored’.
- Henri Nouwen
Photo Credits Thanks to Shelly L. Francis (https://courageway.org), Olga Bast on and to The Sanctuary.
The Centre for Courage & Renewal
The Center for Courage & Renewal exists to nurture deep integrity and relational trust, building the foundation for a more loving, equitable, and healthy world.
If you are unfamiliar with the work of Parker Palmer and the Center for Courage & Renewal, you might like to look at some books, for example ‘A Hidden Wholeness’ and ‘Let Your Life Speak’. You will also find lots of information and resources on our website: https://courageandrenewal.org
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Sanctuary, Stanhope Street, Dublin 7, Ireland
EUR 85.00 to EUR 95.00
