Taking an inner journey toward rejoining soul and role requires a rare but real form of community that I call a “circle of trust.” —Parker J. Palmer, A Hidden Wholeness
A circle symbolizes equality, wholeness, and open space for movement and interaction. Trust embraces, awakens and invites our true self to inner reflection and courageous sharing. In this introductory retreat we are invited to create a circle of trust together.
Just as circle has a center and a circumference this retreat will flow in and out, from focusing on our inner teacher to listening to the wisdom of others in our circle. We will be introduced to the Touchstones, the blueprint of how a circle of trust is created. There will be significant time for silence and for reflecting on stories from our own journeys, as well as insights from poets, storytellers, and musicians. We will practice learning how to respond to someone’s sharing with open and honest questions rather than judgment or advice.
We create this circle/sanctuary to renew our courageous spirit and cultivate the stamina to keep showing up for ourselves, others, and the causes we care about.
You can find more information about the Center for Courage & Renewal® at www.couragerenewal.org.
Meet your facilitators
Alan Claassen is a Courage & Renewal® Facilitator prepared by the Center for Courage & Renewal®. He has long believed that the arts open pathways to our heart and soul, and move us to be compassionate toward all creation. In the Circle of Trust approach to personal authenticity and social responsibility, developed by the Center for Courage and Renewal®, Alan has found a practice that brings together his love of creativity, people, and non-violence. He and his beloved partner now live in Vancouver, Washington where they enjoy kayaking, hiking, and attending music concerts and modern dance performances.
Troy Brunke, M.S, applied the transformative experiences from Courage & Renewal® work to discern a career change from healthcare to the world of education in 2017. He is loving his work as a School Psychologist at the Salinas City Elementary School District, and currently in the final stages of becoming a Facilitator for the Center for Courage and Renewal. His free time finds him singing Bach, thumping an upright bass or bowing a Viola da Gamba in small ensembles throughout the Monterey Peninsula. Troy lives in Marina, California with his husband, their cat “Rocco” and a backyard chicken, named “Ova”.
Location: All Saints' Episcopal Church. 9th Avenue & Dolores Street, Carmel, California 93921,
Cost: $185. A light lunch will be provided, with vegetarian options. There are scholarships available so that cost is not a deterrence to attendance.
Troy is the retreat registrar. Email: brunkedc@gmail.com Phone: 831/521-0310
Please register by Friday, April 26, 2024.