“Like billowing clouds, Like the incessant gurgle of the brook, The longing of the spirit can never be stilled.” —Hildegard von Bingen

For many women, the second half of life can often feel like a mapless space that has few markers indicating which direction to go to lead a purposeful, engaged life. In this retreat, we will explore this terrain with Hildegard of Bingen, a medieval Benedictine abbess and mystic whose prolific work in theological writing, musical compositions, letters, and preaching tours all came in the second half of her life. Her theology of the feminine nature of God and the greening of the spirit throughout a lifetime can be a beautiful invitation and accompaniment for women who are seeking to be creative and courageous while looking at life from new perspectives and discerning their own faithful path of flourishing. This retreat will involve presentations, time for reflection and creative expression, and small group sharing. It is open to anyone who wants to explore and support women and the divine feminine in this stage of life.

Please register no later than November 5. Once we have received your registration, we will send you an invoice for the retreat. Please know we have scholarships available; if you would like to make a request, email S. Carol Ann at sophia@mountosb.org. We strongly encourage you to add sophia@mountosb.org to your email contacts to ensure the delivery of emails regarding your retreat.

Renee Bhatia is a spiritual director and expressive arts facilitator with an interest in spirituality and creative expression. Her work explores contemplative spaces and practices that support healing, growth, and transformation. She also is involved in the formation of spiritual directors and expressive arts facilitators through teaching, supervision, and mentoring. Renee believes creativity is an inherent part of being human and that we make the world a better place when we allow it to flourish in everyone. www.temenosarts.com