Pathways Rhythms October 2022 Men’s Desert Spirituality Retreat On September 27, 10 men converged at the Sand Island Recreation Area on the banks of the San Juan river in south east Utah. Coming from as far away as Baltimore and Washington DC, the men, ages 39 to 73, prepared to embark on an eight day wilderness pilgrimage. Led by Todd Wynward (Taos Initiative for Life Together) and hosted by Evan Miller from Pathways, the trip was divided into two phases. The first 5 nights we camped on the San Juan river, and used five rubber duckies (two-man inflatable kayaks) and a large inflatable river raft to float 27 miles down the San Juan. We carried everything we needed for primitive camping in the canyons. We passed through wide and narrow canyons, rapids, and endured quicksand. We visited ancient pueblo cliff dwellings, and passed by many examples of ancient petroglyphs. After we left the river at Mexican Hat, we journeyed a few miles into the desert, and set up a base camp in the Valley of the Gods. From the base camp, each participant chose a site for a 24 hour silent solo. As Todd put it when we sent us off for our solos: “This time is your gift to yourself. Permission has already been given for this time to be whatever you need. Some might use this time to write and frame a grand manifesto; others might take this time to feel and reflect deeply on long-standing love and the loss that inevitably comes from loving as a mortal; and still others might turn off the individualized brain and seek communion with the river and immerse into this incredible landscape. Something shy yet powerful can often emerge beyond our professed intentions, beyond the anxiety, beyond the boredom. It can only emerge when we let our roles, personalities, and activities fall away.” Throughout the trip we had both group and individual conversations about life, friendship, purpose, and meaning. Existing bonds were strengthened, and new friendships created. We braved strong thunderstorms, desert heat, cool nights, and even a scorpion. We also witnessed the nightly rise of Jupiter, and gazed at the Milky Way. As one person put it after sleeping out under stars: “When I went to bed the sky was a bit cloudy. When I woke up in the early hours of the morning the sky was perfectly clear. In five to ten minutes of star gazing I saw four shooting stars. It made me grateful for the opportunity to be here.” Volunteer Survey Pathways Retreat exists thanks to the generosity of our community. While financial support is essential, it isn't the only way you can be involved. Pathways has many opportunities for volunteers to participate in the life of the community. Consider contributing your time and talents to support the mission of Pathways Retreat. In these days of polarization, pandemic, stress, and uncertainty, Pathways offers rest, reflection and renewal. One of our guests recently said: "As always, when I come here I experience God's presence and refreshment. There is so much peace on the property. I am able to come as I am and be with God." We're building a database of people who might be willing to help. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey . This doesn't obligate you to do anything. We'll use this to send out specific requests as needs arise. For example, occasionally we'll have a storm come through and take down a tree in the woods. We'd love to know who in our community has a chain saw and might come out to aid in cleaning up the downed tree. We also imagine there are people who care about removing invasive species and would find it satisfying to spend a few hours pulling hairy vetch before it goes to seed in the summer. There are also less strenuous opportunities to help and things to do indoors. The survey lets you share your interests and availability so that we're better able to match you with tasks that connect to your interests, and perhaps with others who share your interests. Thanks for considering. Volunteer survey October Rest, Reflect, Renew Retreat Deep rest for body, mind and spirit was experienced at Pathways October Rest, Reflect, Renew Retreat. We gathered around the reflecting pool for blessing. O God of Rest, Rest my thinking (touch head). Rest my loving (touch heart). Rest my creating (touch core). Rest, Reflect, Renew Retreat - Engaging Advent in a “Soul Seeing” Way November 19, 9:30am-2:30pm The season of Advent is nearly upon us. Advent invites us to rest, reflect and renew in Divine Love Incarnate is us. Ilia Delio writes, “When divine love becomes incarnate in us , Christ is born anew.” This retreat offers space to ponder how we might engage Advent in a “soul seeing” way. Space is provided for Advent practice and ritual, silence and solitude, and communal reflection. Come explore how you might be more attentive to Love revealed in the coming Advent days. Retreat is limited to 6 participants to ensure private retreat room space. Bring your own sack lunch. Facilitator: Julie Stegelmann Cost: $60 learn more Register For retreat Saint Francis of Assisi Animal Blessing Precious creatures were blessed at Pathways Animal Blessing. Our hearts joined in communion and blessing! Be praised, O God through all your creatures . St. Francis Calendar Iona Healing Prayer Online 3rd Mondays, Noon October 17 Prayer of Commitment In person and online Tuesdays, 8-8:30am with optional conversation following prayer Lectio Divina In person and online Wednesdays, 8-8:30am with optional conversation following prayer Centering Prayer In person and online Thursdays, 8-8:30am Creation Prayer In person Fridays, 8-8:45am Pathways is on Facebook & Instagram Like Pathways Retreat on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to stay up to date with announcements and events. Visit pathwaysretreat.org Pathways Retreat is a spiritual retreat center for Rest, Reflection and Renewal. Co-Directors Linda Lehman Thomas Evan Miller Julie Stegelmann
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