RETREATS

"STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT: Astronomy and Spirituality in Our Daily Lives" -- a 4-day retreat in Amherst, Massacuhsetts, Summer 2008

Program description: The richness of each of our lives depends on how intimately connected we feel to the fabric of the Universe. We can deepen our connection to the Universe through our entire being -- mind, body & spirit -- with an intellectual understanding of astronomy and by engaging our full attention as we experience the world around us. In this workshop, we will integrate the educational and experiential to enrich and celebrate our connections to Earth, Sky, Universe, Self and Other.

The scientific teachings will cycle through the seasons, as we examine the astronomical origin of the seasons, of calendars, and of stone circles. We will learn about and then visit the U.Mass. Sunwheel, a stone circle calendar which is located on the U.Mass. Amherst campus and which was created by Judy. Through the Sunwheel, we will explore the ways that stone circles can enhance our experience of the days, seasons, and years of our lives. Through the seasons, we will look at the metaphorical significance of the light and dark of summer and winter and the balance of equinox as guidance in our life journeys. Maintaining our gaze skyward, we will explore the astronomical teachings on the cycle of the phases of the Moon, and also examine the Moon's lessons on change and creativity. We will connect with the stars through stories of the constellations, as well as teachings on the zodiac and the origins of astrology. Turning our attention to the Earth, we will connect with the physical world and the space around us through an astronomical understanding of the Four Directions, and we will connect this to our lives and our life journeys with a metaphorical discussion of the Four Directions from a Native American Indian perspective.

The spiritual teachings of this workshop will be woven throughout our days, as we engage in mindful movement, eating, speaking, and listening. We will connect with our Selves as we sit in silence and experience our inner landscapes; we will connect with others through mindful listening and sharing of the joys in our lives and our love of All That Is. We will deepen our connection to the Sky through watching the Sun and Moon rise and set, and through gazing at the stars. And finally, we will step into an experience of time and space in the Now through a pilgrimage to the U.Mass. Sunwheel where we will play, pray, and know what it feels like in a deep way to connect with the Universe.

I am creating a 1-2 week camp on "Astronomy and Spirituality in Our Daily Lives" to be held at the Blacktail Ranch in Montana, which is the site of the Sunwheel which inspired me to build the one at U.Mass. These camps will enable transformational experiences of both the astronomical and spiritual Universes, including:

• observing sunrise and sunset from the Blacktail Sunwheel
• feeling the Earth and landscape come alive with the light of dawn
• daily yoga sessions in the out-of-doors
• living mindfully and prayerfully throughout our days
• observing the Milky Way and night sky from the Sunwheel as we camp out under the stars
• meditation for relaxation, balancing, health, and vitality
• wandering as spiritual practice
• observing the changing phases of the Moon from day to day, and linking the lunar phases to our creative pursuits
• engaging in creative activities that nurture our spirits
• learning to build stone circle calendars with astronomical alignments at home