The Power of Story and the Courage to Change the World

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS RETREAT HAS BEEN CANCELED.

WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENCIENCE, AND HOPE YOU'LL JOIN US FOR A RETREAT AT PRAIRIE OAKS INSTITUTE ANOTHER TIME.

We are the stories of our lives; story helps us to understand who we are and how we should live. In this retreat we’ll explore the power of story to:

• illuminate our relationships with others – especially across differences or divisions that seem to separate us
• shape our identity and how we see the world
• fuel our work on behalf of the common good, and
• create and sustain a more just and peaceful world.

In our increasingly tumultuous world this retreat offers the rare gifts of time and space, big questions and deep listening, rich laughter and quiet solitude. It invites you to explore the vibrant intersections of “creativity, calling, and composing a life.” It evokes a more expansive imagination for the future of our increasingly fractious world. And it shines light on Thich Nhat Hanh’s insight that “understanding is the beginning of compassion.”

Some additional details:

We’ll begin with dinner Thursday evening, April 14 and end shortly after lunch on Saturday, April 16. We will gather in the beauty of the spring landscapes at Prairie Oaks Institute, at the edge of Belle Plaine, Minnesota, just southwest of the Twin Cities. Please let us know well in advance if you have any dietary restrictions. You'll receive further details about what to bring, how to prepare, and so on, from the facilitators in early April.

The retreat will be facilitated by:

Visual artist, photographer, and author John Noltner (www.apeaceofmymind.net)

Musical artist, coach/educator, and singer/songwriter Neal Hagberg (www.nealhagberg.com)

Listening artist, traveling teacher, and Courage and Renewal® facilitator Chris Johnson (www.milkweedgroup.com)

We are able to make this life-giving opportunity available for a “set your own investment” sliding-scale suggested donation of only $195 - $255, which includes lodging, meals, materials, and program.

Space is limited to 15 participants, so please register early (by April 6 at the latest) at www.POIstory2016.eventbrite.com .

We hope you can join us!