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A
Way of the Wolf Ranch
B&B / Retreats
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458 Wolf Way
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
(830) 997-0711 or toll free
(888) WAY-WOLF
e-mail: waywolf@ctesc.net |
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Retreat Options
And Information
Summary of Recent Seminars:
Fall Seminars 2002
1. Wisdom: Source and Praxis
Sept.-Oct.-Nov.
Completed
2.
2. Pathways
to Healing
October 27-28, 2002
Presenter: Elizabeth
Hodgkinson
Canadian Trained and
Certified Practitioner and Trainer
Completed
3. Gospel of Thomas January, March,
April 2003
Completed
4.
Seeing Rightly with the Heart--What is Invisible to the Eye
Making
Poems April 25-27, 2003
Completed
5.
Christian Spirituality: The Mystical Tradition
Fall,
2003 Completed
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6.
Christian Spirituality: The Mystical Tradition
II
Fall,
2003
Summary of the
Seminar:
Completed
“The Roots of Christian Mysticism” has been used as a text and it would be
essential for new
participants to be familiar with Chapters 1-7
to be reasonably current with these sessions.
While recommended, it is not necessary to attend all 3
sessions to benefit from the training.
Each session will start Friday
7:30PM –9:00 PM And continue Saturday. 9:00AM-4:00 PM
_________________________________________________________________
7.
Poetry — The Healing
Language of Community
Second Annual poem making workshop by Lianne
Mercer, RN, MSN, CPT
Stanley Kunitz has said, “Poetry is language surprised in the act of
changing into meaning.” Language resonates in our lives and connects us to
each other.” In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to experience
how making poems can help you reclaim your feelings and your truth in
community with others. No prior writing experience is necessary.
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8.
The
Sacred Feminine
Including
the Gospel of Mary Magdelene
Fall
2004
September
17-18 October 22-23 December 3-4
Offered
at Way of the Wolf
Fall
2004 Complete
Summary of the
Seminar:
At
the heart of the cosmos is a double manifestation which expresses itself as
divine feminine and divine masculine. Traditions have tended to high-light
one over the other, but always both are in play. Abrahamic traditions have
had a preference (some would say, prejudice) for the divine masculine forms
and metaphors, while the divine feminine has played a quieter role. Over the
period of this seminar in three sessions, we will explore and seek to raise
our awareness of the divine feminine. Consciousness of this often forgotten
aspect of divine Reality has left us in trouble and sometimes in chaos.
Forces at play in nature, society, history and spiritual consciousness are
raising this aspect to the fore. We want to be at the center of this
awareness.
Together
we will explore the cosmic foundations of this complimentarity and its
multiple manifestations across time and the sacred traditions. In addition,
we will read and study the newly discovered Gospel of Mary Magdalene and its implications for modern Christians as an early manifestation of the
divine feminine compliment in Christian teaching. More recent emphasis on
how this feature became lost to us and what its demise has meant for
humanity ancient and modern will also be a part of our work, as will be a
spiritual practice that balances these elements within our life and being.
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9.
Art
and the Sacred
“A
Spiritual Path of the Heart”
March
14-19, 2005
Way
of the Wolf B&B/Retreat
The Workshop is for Advanced as well as New Artists.
Because work is intuitive no previous painting
experience is necessary.
Only a beginners mind is required.
Completed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10.
Third
annual Poetry Workshop at
Way
of the Wolf Retreats May
20-22,
2005
By
Leanne Mercer RN, MSN, CPT
Poet
as Witness
And
so I appeal to a voice, to something shadowy,
A
remote important region in all who talk:
Though
we could fool each other, we should consider-
Lest
the parade of our mutual life get lost in the dark.
William
Stafford from A Ritual to Read to Each Other
In the fast pace
of our daily lives, we sometimes misplace what we want most to keep – fragile
moments of noticing and compassion. In
this workshop, we will use poetry, our own and others, to explore and honor what
we witness in our life.
No prior writing experience necessary.
Completed
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11.
Sufi
Tradition And Wisdom
An
Introduction to the
Mystical
Tradition of Islam
Summary of the Seminar:
World attention has put the religion of Islam at the center of our
attention. We have looked
at the Islamic faith necessarily through western and Christian eyes, but
this is not the only perspective, nor should it be.
Faithful women and men upon the spiritual path of Islam have
perspectives and sensitivities which can bring great light to our
western and Christian ways of seeing.
This seminar will explore the tradition of Islam and its spirituality
through the lens of the spirituality of Sufism: the mystical experience of
Islam. The
seminar will include a careful exploration of Sufism and the Islamic tradition
as well as give participants an opportunity to practice dzikr: the
invocation of the divine Name.
Pre
reading from a selected bibliography will prepare participants with an
initial perspective to enable a more rapid understanding of the seminar
materiel.
Contact
Way of the Wolf for this bibliography
Sufi Tradition And Wisdom
COMPLETED
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Fourth Annual Poetry Workshop at
Way
of the Wolf Retreats
July
21-22, 2006
By
Leanne Mercer RN, MSN, CPT
Stanley
Kunitz has said, “Poetry is language surprised in the act of changing into
meaning.” Language resonates in our lives and connects us to each
other.” In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to experience how
making poems can help you reclaim your feelings and your truth in community
with others. No prior writing experience is necessary.
Lianne Mercer, RN, MSN, CPT, is a certified poetry therapist, writer,
and nurse. She has been published in numerous journals and anthologies, most
recently in Windhover and in The American Journal of Nursing (December
2002). One of her short stories, “For Sale,” was nominated for a
PushCart Prize in 2001. She publishes and edits the annual Texas Poetry
Calendar.
COMPLETED
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An Encounter With Meister Eckhart
Fall 2006 Sept 8-9, Oct 6-7, Nov 3-4,
2006
An
Introduction to the
Mystical
Teachings of
the13th Century Spiritual Master
Summary of the Seminar:
Meister Eckhart is often considered one of history's greatest
spiritual masters Born
in Germany in
1260 (1260-1328) he became a Dominican Monk at an early age. His
writings provided new insights into the wonders of the human heart but
sparked considerable concern in the existing church leadership. His
writings were clear and concise and offered hope to his countrymen that they
had not experienced before. While his writings are more accepted
today, much of his work was considered heretical during his
lifetime.
To See As God Sees
It is
your destiny to see as God sees.
to
know as God knows , to feel as God feels.
How
is this possible? How? Because Divine love cannot defy itself.
Divine
love will be eternally true to its own being and its being is giving all it
can at the perfect moment.
And
the greatest gift God can give is his own experience.
Every
object, every creature, every man, woman and child has a soul and it is the
destiny of all,
to
see as God sees, to know as God knows,
to
feel as God feels,
to Be
as God Is.
Meister
Eckhart as translated by Daniel Ladinsky, Love Poems from
God
During
this seminar/ retreat will will study a few of the major concepts of this
remarkable theology and participate in practices that express the wonder and
delight of a living relationship with the creator the confirms that we
are all sons and daughters of the Source and all shall be gathered into his
love.
COMPLETED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fifth Annual Poetry Workshop at
Way
of the Wolf Retreats
May
4-6, 2007
Fifth Annual poem-making workshop by Lianne Mercer, RN,
MSN, CPT
Poetry – Traveling Light
Light, n. A source of illumination, such as the sun or a candle.
Something that admits light, as a window. Something that emits light, as a
person. A way of regarding something, seeing the situation in a different
light. An area of pronounced light, as rendered in a painting and, as
combined with shadow, called chiaroscuro. Light, adj. Unencumbered. Having
low weight or density. Loose and porous. *The American
Heritage Dictionary of the English Language
Curious about what light has to do with poetry? Wonder how shadow and
paradox visit language? Come join us on this journey of discovery. We’ll
be traveling light – just pen, paper, and imagination No
previous writing experience is necessary.
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Fall 2007 The Book of Ephesians:
A Study of Paul and his Visionary
Letter to the Ephesians
Sept 7-8,
2007
Oct. 12-13, 2007 Nov. 9-10, 2007
Summary of the Seminar:
One of the small
letters said to be a part of the Pauline tradition is the Epistle to the
Ephesians. This text is a jewel, for it tells of the early visionary seeing of a
strange, interesting and powerful follower of Yeshua, Paul. Who was this man,
and what is his contribution to Christianity? Why is his teaching both visionary
and problematic? In this three part seminar we will explore the inner tradition
and mystical teaching of the letter to the Ephesians and seek to get acquainted
with its author or inspirer, the Apostle Paul.
Our understanding of how western Christianity developed will depend upon
a clear understanding of what inspired this man and what he saw.
While recommended, it is
not necessary to attend all 3 sessions to benefit from
the training.
Each session will start
Friday 7:30PM –9:00
PM And continue Saturday. 9:00AM-4:00 PM
Location:
Way of the Wolf Ranch Fredericksburg,TX
Cost:
$45
per person per weekend session
And a $15 conference facility fee Total $60
(
Accommodations not included
but
check for avail
__________________________________________________________________________
Related
Seminar in San Marcos
Spring
Seminar 2008
Dreams
Dreaming and the Inner Life
Follow
this Link
____________________________________________________________
Kenosis: the
Prayer of Self-Emptying
Summary of the Seminar: June 8-14,
2008
Complete
Continuing
an early Christian tradition of students gathering to study and practice the
wisdom given to us by the teachings and life of Yeshua (Jesus), Way of the
Wolf Retreat Center is offering a
one week Wisdom School centering on the practice of the prayer of
self emptying.
Contemplative
Intensive Retreat
This retreat is based upon the basic spiritual
tools that Jesus patterned for us, that when fully lived result in us fully
realizing our spiritual-human potential. Foremost
and foundational to all other practices is the prayer forms that lead to
self-emptying (kenosis).
This retreat represents our central ministry in spiritual formation and
is particularly geared for anyone who has already been grounded in Christian
contemplative practices and feels ready to take further
steps into knowing oneself and the fullness of God through deeper prayer and
honest reflection.
The retreat is an emersion in deep silence and
contemplative practice. There will be one teaching session a day and four
contemplative practice sessions, with other
supportive practices as well.
Practices will include chant, meditative walking, journaling. This
is not for the dabbler, but for those who are ready for the deep work of living
in the "shear silence of God."
______________________________________________________________________________________________
SIXTH
ANNUAL POETRY RETREAT JULY 18-20, 2008
WORDS WITH WINGS
Workshop
leader, Lianne Mercer
Where
do the words of your own poetry take you? Come spend an intensive weekend
writing poems at Way of the Wolf B&B Retreat Center and find out. No
previous writing experience necessary. Bring a willingness to be present
to the muse and let your heart and mind soar.
Lianne Mercer, RN, MSN,
CPT, is a certified poetry therapist, writer,
and nurse. She has been published in numerous journals and anthologies, most
recently in Windhover and in The American Journal of Nursing (December
2002). One of her short stories, “For Sale,” was nominated for a
PushCart Prize in 2001. She publishes and edits the annual Texas Poetry
Calendar. Lianne's compelling book "Compassionate Witness:"
Before We Say Good-bye was published in 2005
Tuition:
Entire retreat including two nights accommodations: double occupancy and
meals $180. Deposit of $50
will hold your space for this special retreat. Contact Karen Poidevin at
Way of the Wolf, 458 Wolf Way, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 e-mail:waywolf@ctesc.net
or phone 830-997-0711 for more information regarding one night stay or commuter
rates. Also may contact Lianne Mercer at
830-997-6467.
___________________________________________________________________________
"The
Garden of Truth" and the influence of
Seyyed
Hossein Nasr on the path of Spiritual Wisdom
Sept 12-13
--Oct 10-11 --Nov 7-8
This
seminar will be offered over 3 separate weekends. Each weekend will offer
new materiel but it is not required that all 3 weekends be attended. Rates
are $45 per person each weekend plus $15 for conference space: includes Friday
night accommodations, double occupancy ( total $60).
Please
contact Way of the Wolf for further information and reservations.
Those of us drawn to the inner work of spiritual life
have been influenced by forces far beyond the normal boundaries of
conventional religion. We have been touched by a Spirit that is universal
and present everywhere across the world. One of those important forces has
come, in the century, through the teachings of Seyyed Hossein Nasr, an early
teacher of Lynn Bauman's in the Middle East. Professor Nasr is one of the
most immanent, modern-day teachers of traditional wisdom, but he is also a
living saint, an authentic representative of Sufism, and a visionary. During
the months that we gather in the Fall we will learn of his influence, come
under his teaching, and read something of his voluminous library of texts.
At the heart of our study together will be his most recent volume, The
Garden of Truth which speaks not only of the history and teaching of
spiritual life within Islam, but also of our own personal journey through
through space and time not matter what our religious tradition may be.
Please read this text, as you can, before the Fall's work.
________________________________________________________________________________
A Way of the Wolf Ranch L invites you
to use our beautiful facility for individual or small group retreats. You may provide your
own material or we will work with you to specifically design a program around your
interests. This setting lends itself to meditation, contemplation, reflection and re-creation while
meandering across the sixty-one acres, sitting next to a trickling stream (somewhat more
assertive during wet weather) or just sitting on the screened porches.
Your hosts, Ron & Karen, have formal training in spiritual direction from the Shalem
Institute of Spiritual Formation in Bethesda, Maryland, and have led several groups
introducing contemplative prayer forms. They both have attended a number of workshops in
spiritual formation and attended classes at the Anglican School of Theology in Dallas.
They have also been active in the renewal movement within the Episcopal Church for over
22 years.
In 1995, they attended a Celtic Exploration workshop in Oxford, England, with
Esther deWaal, Internationally known author and follower of the Benedictine Way. This
experience resulted in their affiliation with the International Quiet Garden Trust in
Stoke Poges, England. Instructed quiet days are offered periodically using the Quiet
Garden format.
Ron and Karen participated in and continue
as active members of the Oriental Orthodox Order in the West to teach and
practice a contemplative life of awareness and compassion.
 The Garden Pond is a special spot for meditation or any
reflective activity.
"This was an ideal place for our silent
retreat --lots of comfortable, peaceful spaces to read, write, contemplate, walk etc.
It seemed that everything we needed was here......your breakfasts were delicious
and your cooperation and understanding in keeping with our silence was great." ---Bizy
The next time you are looking for a special setting for a
conference or retreat for individuals or up to 12 -18 people, call Ron & Karen to discuss options at
Way of the Wolf Ranch.
Be sure to visit the Prayer Center here on the Web ( see the index)
Another Texas Location for
retreats & contemplative living:
Visit Praxis
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