The Well announces Sabbatical 2012 . . .

Photo by Sr. Carmel O'Connor (Sabbatical participant 2007)

Awakening to Our Place in the Universe Story

May 7 - June 23, 2012


"We stand at a critical time in Earth's history, a time when humanity must choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise. To move forward we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we are one human family and one earth community with a common destiny." [Preamble, Earth Charter]

In keeping with our mission to affirm our communion with God and all creation and to participate in the sacred processes of healing and caring for Earth and her people, The Well Spirituality Center offers the 2012 Sabbatical for your consideration.

This sabbatical offers a contemplative experience that will nurture within each participant a sense of one-ness with all of creation and a renewed vision of life anchored in the Universe Story. The sabbatical will consist of a blend of education, contemplation, art, and ecological field trips. The Well is ideally located on woodland property west of Chicago with close access to many museums and other ecological and cultural resources, providing enriching field experiences during the sabbatical. It is also home to the Spiritearth library, one of the most comprehensive Sacred Universe libraries in the Heartland.

The sabbatical is coordinated by Bridget Sperduto, Director of The Well. She will be the primary teacher in the Universe Story classes. Other facilitators, including John Surette, SJ, Mary Southard CSJ, Pat Bergen, CSJ, Kathy Sherman, CSJ, and Anne Hillman will share their wisdom and gifts with sabbatical participants. Other presenters will include Bill Plotkin and John Ikherd.

"We are the first humans to look into the night sky and see the birth of stars, the birth of galaxies, the birth of the cosmos as a whole." [Brian Swimme]

It is no accident that the Universe Story has been given to us at this moment when the human is invited into a new consciousness: a deep and sacred awareness of our place in creation as planetary beings, co-participants in God's great work. It is the time of our great turning. 

Won't you join us?

 

General Overview of Sabbatical Experience

Week One

Sacred Universe I: Walking with God in Our Sacred Universe

Discoveries in science have led to the emergence of a new worldview that influences every aspect of our living. Discussion this week will bring this emerging worldview into conversation with the Christian tradition. You will discover implications and applications for prayer, justice, and everyday life activities.

Nature Journaling

Everywhere we look creation is alive with the glory of God. Let those who have eyes--see.This morning of journaling invites participants to focus on the beauty of nature and to express themselves through the experience of writing.

Journey to Wholeness

This is a weekly opportunity to deepen and integrate the sabbatical experience. Loosely based on the Exercises of St. Ignatius, the sessions will focus on becoming attuned to the Spirit of God in one's personal life and in the communion of life, and on finding God in all creation.

Awakening the Dreamer Symposium

And optional facilitator training - please visit the website for more information:

http://awakeningthedreamer.org/get-involved/the-symposium/

Week Two

Sacred Universe II: Finding our Place in Our Sacred Universe

Grounded in our place in the Universe Story, we will explore the planetary implications of the new story and the invitation for humanity to consciously enter into a wisdom and consciousness that matches our growing power and presence on the planet.

Come and Paint

This unique and popular experience will be facilitated by renowned artist and contemplative Mary Southard, CSJ. Painting and reflecting will be in the context of the Universe Story and its impact on and transformation

of our sense of meaning at nearly every level. Painting provides a way of more deeply and lovingly entering

into and experiencing an unfolding within our own souls. Painting is done in silence, providing a safe and

holy space for each one, and a heightened and shared energy. No artistic ability needed to fully participate

in this experience.

Week Three

Sacred Universe III: Empowered by Our Sacred Universe

The ten powers of the Universe - centration, attraction, creativity, maintaining achievement, destruction, working together, changing the self, changing the whole, care and magnificence - will be brought into dialogue with the Christian tradition resulting in new understandings of the role of humanity at this time in history.

            

Week Four

   

Sacred Universe III: Empowered by our Sacred Universe (continuation of Week Three)

Consciousness Evolving in Our Sacred Universe

Our consciousness is always evolving! As we grow we move into deeper levels of awareness of ourselves, others, our surroundings, our universe. Where are you on the spectrum? Are you red, blue, green or yellow?  Sr. Pat Bergen, CSJ, will help you discover the colors that best explain levels of consciousness and learn how to grow your own consiousness.

Week Five

Sacred Universe III: Empowered by our Sacred Universe (continuation of Week Four)

Songs of the Heart

Participants will enjoy an afternoon of a refreshing blend of song and prayer with Kathy Sherman, CSJ.

Seeing the Holy: Praying with and through Your Camera Lens

This photography retreat, facilitated by Christine Parks, CSJ, will help sabbatical participants experience the glory of God in all creation.

Week Six

            

Sacred Universe IV: Music of the Cosmos  

Everything in the universe works together in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of unity. We are all one. Discussions this week will address the question - What holds everything together? Revelations coming from our elegant and awesome universe will be explored in the light of our Christian tradition.

Exploring the Christ

How might we experience the Christ through our 13.7 billion year unfolding? How are we invited to participate in Christogenesis?

Summer Institute

In addition to Anne Hillman (below), presenters at the Summer Institute will be eco-psychologist Bill Plotkin who will speak on "Creating a Vital Human-Earth Partnership" and agricultural economist John Ikerd who will speak on "Finding Harmony among Economy, Society, and Nature."

Week Seven

Closing Retreat

Anne Hillman will be at The Well to facilitate a retreat opening on Sunday evening, June 17. Anne mentors groups and individuals who seek a mature spirituality. An author and educator, she has spent the last 30 years exploring the internal aspects of social change—an inquiry into the necessary interior and group development required to sustain fundamental cultural transformation. Her most recent book, Awakening the Energies of Love, is an experiential pathway into that necessary transformation and was inspired by Teilhard de Chardin. Teilhard’s biographer, Ursula King, cites Anne as one of four people who have given us new metaphors and ideas about love for our time. Anne is also author of The Dancing Animal Woman—A Celebration of Life. Both of her books were influenced by Thomas Berry, Brian Swimme, and Richard Moss, MD.

2012 CALENDAR of ACTIVITIES available on request
Bridget Sperduto is the sabbatical director and the primary teacher of the Sacred Universe classes.   About Bridget.

Cost and Registration

The cost of the sabbatical, including all program participation, room and board, and field trip expenses is $3,450.

Opportunities for Reiki, Yoga, Labyrinth and T'ai Chi Chih are available

on selected evenings at no additional cost.

Spiritual direction and private appointments for massage or individual reiki are available for an additional cost.

A non-refundable down-payment of $500 is due by February 15, 2012.

For additional information or questions, contact Bridget Sperduto at 708-482-5039.

Click HERE for Registration Form.