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Dear Friends, 

We are back from our retreat!

The hopes we had for the retreat included: 

- To build spiritual community (a community that can be authentic, loving and comfortable in spiritual practice together).

- To provide a refresher and introduction to Christian contemplative practice, with a focus on centering prayer. 

On Friday night, we began our time together with a Rivendell-led prayer time, followed by delicious food prepared by our thoughtful and thorough caterer. After dinner, we gathered together to introduce the retreat, to introduce ourselves to each other and to experience a taste of centering prayer. 

The next day, we woke up bright and early for a hot and cold breakfast, followed by a prayer time and then a morning of practice, reflection and teaching on centering prayer.

After lunch, we gathered again, this time to touch on other mindfulness practices, including a walking meditation. The day was a weaving together of teaching, experience of prayer practices, reflection and sharing. We ended our time that afternoon with a happy hour, dinner and then another sit. The next morning we had some free time, we cleaned and then had a concluding reflection time and closing Eucharist. 

As one of the retreat organizers, I was surprised that my soul felt renewed and refreshed. Bowen island, the retreat centre, Gene's gentle instruction and guidance, and the gifts of the prayer practices themselves, all contributed to the spiritual renewal and refreshment I felt at the end of the weekend. 

We are planning follow up events. Christ Church Cathedral will be joining the Centre for Spiritual Renewal this fall as a new partner. As part of this Centre and its network, we are planning to continue to offer regular opportunities for deepening contemplative practice and spiritual community. Gene has offered to host a workshop followed by guided practice sessions at the Cathedral in the fall. Stay tuned if you are curious about centering prayer, or if you would like to be part of building this part of our community at the Cathedral. 

We look forward to continuing this journey with you. 

Peace and love, 

Areeta+

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Here is a prayer that Gene shared with us: 
Prayer of Julian of Norwich
In you beloved Father is our preservation and our bliss
In you Jesus is our restoring and our saving
You are our mother, brother and healer
In you Holy Spirit is marvelous and plenteous grace
You are our clothing. You wrap and embrace us with your love
You are our maker, our lover, our keeper
Teach us to believe that, by your grace, all shall be well
And all shall be well
And all manner of things shall be well
Amen.