Join us in the Desert for...
Silence as Presence:
A Silent Wisdom Retreat with Cynthia Bourgeault
Redemptorist Renewal Center, Tucson, AZ
Thursday, February 20th @ 7:15pm – Tuesday, February 25th @ 12pm, 2025
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“One might say, then, that contemplation happens when interior silence morphs into presence.”
– Thomas Keating, From the Mind to the Heart
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In this Silent Wisdom Retreat, Cynthia Bourgeault will focus on what contemplation needs in order to mature to the next step where it is pointing, beyond a lifestyle that favors silence, toward a capacity to directly encounter silence as a presence. Drawing on the teachings from her new book, Thomas Keating: The Making of a Modern Christian Mystic, we will explore this capacity which Keating was talking about so much in the final five years of his life. We are invited to take contemplation beyond going quietly into the silence and emptying our minds to vaguely sense the presence of God for self-calming and self-righting. And instead to cultivate the capacity to encounter a more subtle communication in which we are directly face to face with the assistance we receive from the imaginal realm, from the Great Chain of Being. As we begin to taste for ourselves a whole sensation of silence as subtle presence, we can learn to become proficient navigating the streams and currents of the information that gets contained in these transformations.
Join us on the sacred desert grounds of the Redemptorist Center in Tucson. Together we will engage a daily rhythm with centering prayer or silent meditation, chanting, teaching, time to be in the desert, optional yoga, Lectio Divina, and Sacred Movements, all in the container of the Great Silence.
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​​Once you are registered, if you are looking to share a ride with others or if you are local and can offer rides, please fill out the transportation sheet here Shared Transportation Spreadsheet
Wisdom Retreat Details
Place:
Redemptorist Renewal Center 7101 W. Picture Rocks Rd., Tucson, AZ 85743
Dates:
For those joining in person, we will begin with dinner on February 20th at 6:00pm and lunch is available on February 25th for those who wish to stay. For those on Zoom, there will be an orientation at 6:45pm on February 20th. *NOTE: All Times are in MOUNTAIN Time Zone
All-inclusive Rates (to be selected below):
Rates are per person and include accommodations, meals, and program fee. Check-in time will be after 3 p.m. Thursday. Meals include Thursday supper through Sunday lunch.
1. Single Occupancy Standard (Private Room & Bathroom): $1,400
2. Double Occupancy Standard (Shared Room-Two Beds & Bathroom): $1,100
3. Single Occupancy Suite Handicap Access (Private Room & Bathroom): $1,500
4. Double Occupancy Suite (Shared Room for couples, One Bed & Bathroom): $1,300
5. Single Occupancy Courtyard (Private Room & Bathroom): $1,600
6. Single / Double Occupancy Courtyard (One Bed & Bathroom): $1,600 / $1,300
7. Single / Double Occupancy Hermitage (One Bed & Bathroom): $1,600 / $1,300
8. Single Occupancy Hermitage Across the Street (Private Room & Bathroom): $1,600
9. Virtual via Zoom (includes all sessions, plus all companion resource materials): $250
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Payments:
Because these Wisdom Retreats fill up so quickly, your non-refundable deposit of $100 is due upon registration in order to secure your spot. Deposits may be made by Zelle (619-252-9452) Note: Desert Wisdom Retreat Deposit or Check ONLY.
Checks made out to: Heather Ruce Wisdom SD
Subject line: Desert Wisdom Retreat Deposit
Mail payment to: Heather Ruce
6791 Alamo Way
La Mesa, CA 91942
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Please do not send payment any other way without first contacting Heather at wisdomschoolsouthwest@gmail.com. All registrations are subject to confirmation and will be accepted in the order in which deposits are received.
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*The remainder of your payment is due December 1st, 2024 by Zelle or Check.
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In Person Cancellation Policy:
Written notice of cancellation must be submitted by email to wisdomschoolsouthwest@gmail.com.
If you must cancel, and you have paid more than your non-refundable deposit, you will be refunded amounts paid less the following cancellation fees, dependent on the time of cancellation:
• 2 months before the event (December 20th, 2024) - $250 cancellation fee
• 1 month before the event (January 20th, 2024) no refunds can be offered unless your spot can be filled
• No shows will not receive a refund
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If you must cancel but are able to refer someone to take your place (they must make note of this when they register) who registers and attends at the same accommodations level, you will be refunded your cancellation fees (minus non-refundable deposit) post event.
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Zoom Cancellation Policy:
Written notice of cancellation must be submitted by email to wisdomschoolsouthwest@gmail.com.
If you must cancel, and you have paid more than your deposit, you will be refunded amounts paid less a $25 processing fee. No refunds will be offered for cancellations and/or no shows after Thursday, February 20th, 2025.
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Financial Assistance:
Due to the rising cost of the retreat facility, tuition for this offering may seem higher than usual. If you are in need of financial assistance, please Apply for Financial Assistance below. Once your request is approved it will be applied to your balance due and you will be notified via email. Note that payment plans are also available.
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Anyone wishing to donate to the scholarship fund can do so by Zelle or Check.
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Questions:
If you have questions please email wisdomschoolsouthwest@gmail.com.
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Tentative Schedule (subject to change):
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Thursday Evening, February 20th
3:00 Registration
6:00 Dinner
7:15 Introducing Silence as Presence
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Friday, February 21st — Monday, February 24th
6:50 Optional Yoga
7:30 Meditation
8:00 Silent Breakfast followed by time to be in the desert
9:30 Teaching
10:45 Break
11:00 Teaching
12:00 Silent Lunch followed by contemplative free time
2:30 Optional Lectio Divina Small Groups OR Gurdjieff Movements
3:30 Break
3:45 Meditation
4:15 Break
4:30 Afternoon Teaching
6:00 Silent Dinner
7:30 Questions and Reflections ending in Meditation
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Tuesday, February 25th
6:50 Optional Yoga
7:30 Contemplative Prayer & Chanting
8:00 Silent Breakfast, Room Check Out
9:30 Final Teaching
10:45 Break
11:00 Eucharist Celebration
12:00 Lunch & Departure
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