2024 FALL Program Schedule
Each program at Springbank Retreat offers you the possibility of reflecting on and engaging with a different perspective of the world, your relationship with Earth, other beings and yourself. You can choose from a variety of programs….a sabbatical experience, eco-spiritual retreats, art and nature experiences, music, dance, poetry and much more!
Fall programs are organized below, by month. Please use the arrows to scroll right/left to see everything we have to offer. Select the ‘learn more’ button for full program descriptions, fees, and to register.
August & September Programs
Contemplating Our Sun
Reconnect and Rejuvenate
Discovering and Living the New Cosmology
Modern science reveals that we live in a universe far richer, more profound,
and more wonderful than anything we could have ever imagined. Join
Stephan Martin, astronomer and author to discover how the emerging New
Cosmology weaves together insights from modern science and traditional
wisdom to show that we live in a sacred reality that is personal, meaningful,
and radically inclusive. Together we’ll reflect on some of these insights and
their implications for our spirituality and how we might apply them in our daily
lives.
$435
Good News for Bad Times: Lessons from the Universe on Navigating Crisis, Change, and Transformation
Join astronomer and author Stephan Martin as we reflect on the universal nature of crisis, change, and transformation as well as the resources available for cultivating resilience and trust during difficult times. Drawing on insights from modern cosmology and the evolutionary perspective, we find sources of support, renewal, and guidance that can sustain us through the challenges we face personally, culturally, and globally at this critical time.
$435
A Mini Sabbatical
Why not consider making a ‘mini-sabbatical’ with Stephan Martin, astronomer, author and mystic from
September 20 – 26, journeying into the mystery and miracle of our place in an unfolding, evolving Universe while enjoying space and time for personal and group reflection, walking the trails of Springbank’s woods, the Labyrinth or spending time with Springbank’s 500-800 year old live Oak, fondly called ‘Grandmother tree’?
$795
A Mini Sabbatical
Join Stephan Martin, astronomer and author and Gillian Romano, artist and painter, to journey into the mystery and miracle of our place in an unfolding, evolving Universe. During the first half of the mini sabbatical, Stephan Martin, will share insights from modern cosmology and the evolutionary perspective, where we can find support, renewal and guidance that can sustain us through the challenges we face.
Gillian Romano, will facilitate participants to find expression of these insights and learnings through the medium of painting.
$1,025
Come and Paint Retreat
Enjoy three days of color expression through painting. This retreat is for artists and non artists, to experience three days of creative expression through painting. During this retreat you be provided the opportunity to meditate, grow and nurture your innate wisdom through the experience of painting. Some techniques will also be taught to help enhance the experience. This retreat is for artists and non-artists. No prior experience is needed.
$505
October Programs
Every Body’s Prayer: Expressing Faith Through Movement
If you have ever lifted your arms in wonder, tapped your feet to some inner song playing in your mind, held someone rocking with grief, then you understand how our bodies express what our soul knows to be true. Through a gentle, contemplative experience we will explore together the beauty of uniting heart, mind and body to express through movement what our souls are longing to share! Throughout our time together we will be stretching into our body’s marvellous ability for prayer in motion. All body types and/or physical limitations welcome.
$365
How Evolution is Changing our Faith in the 21st Century
In this workshop, we will explore the implications for faith and theology, particularly the newly expanded horizon we are asked to embrace at this challenging time in our history as a human species.
$435
Discover the Magic of Mindfulness and Embodiment: A Journey to Self-Love!
Are you ready to give yourself the ultimate gift of self-care and joy? Join this fun and transformative program where you will learn to embrace the present moment with kindness, curiosity, and a deep connection to your body. This is more than a mindfulness class – it’s a celebration of you!
Join us and learn how to live in the moment while letting go of worry and frustration. Feel your inner spirit shine as you dance to the tune of self-compassion, celebrate the amazing person you are, and find a true home in your body.
$365
Yoga Retreat Weekend with Yoga Joe
Yoga is an ancient practice that helps unite body, mind and spirit. On this yoga retreat, join Charleston yoga teacher, Joe Vinceguerra, for a Yoga, Breathing and Meditation Retreat. Each morning, afternoon and evening, yoga and meditation classes will be offered while providing time to explore the beautiful world of Springbank. You will leave refreshed, renewed, and re-grounded. Participants do not need to know yoga or be “yoga experts.”
$435
Aquinas, Laudato Si and Care for All Creation
St. Thomas Aquinas, one of our earliest ecologists, offers a theology of creation which is relevant to the ecological concerns of today. Linking Aquinas with Pope Francis’ Laudato Si, Sr. Pam will offer valuable information and insights, time for personal reflection, conversation and prayer.
$95
The Healing Power of Dreams
Our inner dream-maker, known by many names, nudges us toward health and wholeness in ourselves, our relationships and environment. The nudging is often outside our awareness, but by attending to dreams we can access the wisdom, in and around us, that wants to be known. We will explore practical methods of connecting to this profound and renewable resource, experience the dynamic layers of meaning and practice translating insights into waking-life guidance and action.
$435
Embracing the 12 Steps: A Path to Healing and Growth for All
This program offers a compassionate exploration of the 12 Steps of Recovery, designed for anyone seeking personal growth, healing, or support—whether you are in recovery, supporting someone in recovery, or simply looking for deeper self-awareness.
$440
Living Our Viriditas: An Interactive Restorative Retreat for Women
Join inspirational circler Susan Lincoln as she guides us in awakening our viriditas: St. Hildegard of Bingen’s secret word for the greening power of life. In 1999 Susan was visiting the Abbey of St Hildegard in Eibingen, Germany, when she had a numinous life-changing experience with Hildegard that has taken her on a powerful journey of offering opportunities for women to find their voices and restore their spirits through awareness, breath, singing for love, movement, art, and creative expression. If you are the slightest bit concerned about your singing abilities, please let it go! You will be singing confidently and freely before you know it – Hildegard will see to it! There is the music of heaven in all things and we remember how to hear it when we sing.
St. Hildegard of Bingen, 1098-1179
To order Hildegard’s music recorded by Susan (and other songs of heart inspired by Hildegard) and to learn more about Susan ~ susanlincoln.com
$595
November Programs
Basketry: Weaving Balance and Beauty
Come and enjoy the contemplative art of basket making. Woven into the schedule will be time for personal reflection, ritual and communal prayer. Each participant will leave with the gifts of their own creation. No experience necessary; and materials are provided for the making of several unique baskets.
$530
Integral Ecology: Our Companionship with Creation
Life and death that gives rise to new life is part of the ongoing drama of the Universe at all levels, cosmic, planetary, and personal. Using the lens of Integral Ecology, we will explore our relationships to the Whole and to the life giving elements of the natural world that we encounter in our life each day. Integral Ecology calls us to recognise how interwoven our relationships with God, other people, all beings and our own hearts actually are. During this presentation, we will draw from Brian Thomas Swimme’s Powers of the Universe as we explore our relationship to and responsibility for the Whole in light of Integral Ecology.
$365
Indigenous Wisdom, Spirit Quest and Pottery
Enjoy a mini-sabbatical exploring the ancient wisdom of indigenous peoples, learning ways of relating to the natural world with greater reverence. A Spirit Quest in the natural world opens us to the inspiration of the Spirit. During this mini-sabbatical, you will create several, unique earthen vessels using a hand building technique. No previous experience of pottery necessary. Enjoy a time of solitude and companionship with other seekers.
$1,200
Spirit Quest & Sweat Lodge
Inspired by the traditional Vision Quest, and paying homage to the Seven Sacred Ceremonies of the Lakota, the Spirit Quest weekend has been described by many past participants as a deeply prayerful and insightful experience. The schedule includes significant time for solitude and reflection while immersed in the natural beauty of Springbank. Group activities usually include a “Sweat Lodge” on Saturday led in the Northern Cheyenne tradition, in keeping with Marya’s training and experience. Participation in any group activities is strongly encouraged for an optimal experience, but always optional.
$310
Healing Touch
Healing touch is a relaxing, nurturing, heart-centered energy therapy that uses gentle, intentional touch that assists in balancing physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. It uses noninvasive techniques that clear, energize and balance the human and environmental energy fields, strengthening the immune system, creating a sense of well-being. Participants will learn through hands on experience some basic modalities in healing touch.
$95
Growing One's Soul
This retreat is an invitation to ponder, pray and pay attention to the sacred impulses rising up in our hearts as we touch into other modes of understanding. We will nurture the heart, energize the mind and empower the spirit, hearing what lies deep within and expressing it through poetry, movement and music
$365