Program

November 9-15, 2008 at St. Andrew’s Retreat House in Union, WA on the Hood Canal!

A weeklong experiential intensive exploring tools for integrating the arts and imagination into spiritual direction ministry.

Our encounters with the holy are rooted in symbol and image and speak the language of dreams. Spiritual direction tends to these encounters and can be deeply enhanced by tools that invite listening to and engaging the inner symbolic life. The focus of this program is on developing the skills of working with the arts and imagination to deepen the work of spiritual direction.

Together we will explore how the healing power of such tools as guided imagery, body awareness, dream work, ritual, poetry, journal writing, visual art, movement, song, and storytelling enrich our own spiritual lives and our work in spiritual direction by giving us access to another language with which to encounter the divine presence within. Participants will develop comfort and skills in using these tools. The program consists of didactic input and time for discussion and reflection on how we see using the arts concretely in our work as spiritual directors.  Also appropriate for counselors and chaplains who want to integrate the arts into their work one-on-one.

Absolutely no previous art experience necessary — only a willingness to awaken the creative spirit within!