The Web of Life: A Retreat for Contemplative Solidarity

With Cynthia Bourgeault, Heather Ruce, and more…

Dates: November 20-23, 2023

Location: Lake Loon Retreat Centre, Maple Ridge, B.C.

In-Person Registration Here

Zoom Registration Here

How do contemplatives engage the world when forest fires, floods, and political uproar are happening in our own backyards? How do we stand in contemplative wisdom and be present in depth to the beauty and suffering inherent to the web of life on this blue-green planet?

We invite you to join The Contemplative Society board for three days as we learn from, and practice with, Cynthia Bourgeault, Heather Ruce, and each other. With an intention of stabilizing ourselves in compassion, discernment, forbearance, creativity, and spiritual strength and courage, we’ll take a deep dive into contemplative solidarity (tonglen, kything) and imaginal practices, as well as centering prayer, lectio divina, chant, movement, and silence.

The retreat and practices will be facilitated by TCS board members Therese DesCamp, Lorie Martin, Henri Lock, and Jesse Burson. Heather will be joining us in person for live teaching, chant, and movement. Cynthia will be joining us remotely to dialogue with retreat members about the questions and observations that emerge from our work together.

Please see Our Team page for more information about our facilitators, including Heather Ruce.

Event Details:

Join us in-person at Loon Lake in beautiful Maple Ridge, BC, or online via Zoom.

Zoom Option: Registration costs are $200 CAD.

In-Person Option: Registration costs include the program, food, and accommodation. Depending on the accommodation type selected, total costs range from $825 to $975 CAD. In-person room assignments are based on first-come-first-served registrations. Shared accommodations will be two people to a room until we run out, and then we will offer dorm accommodations (max. four people to a room). Check in will begin at 3pm on November 20, and check out will be by 1pm on November 23 (bag lunches will be provided).

Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available for both in-person and Zoom participants (max. 50% discount on shared accommodations or Zoom fees only). For enquiries, please contact us at admin@contemplative.org.

To register, please select either the in-person form or the Zoom form below: