Thursday, May 5 – Sunday, May 8, 2016 Led by Gary Barrett, Tom Darnall, and Ward Bauman $395 By request, we are once again offering this retreat, building on the work of last year’s themes, introducing practices designed to sensitize us to the body’s subtle movements and mechanics and to develop in us an awareness …
View course details “Embodied Spirit”

Thursday, February 18 – Sunday, February 21, 2016 Led by Ward Bauman $395 This silent Lenten retreat is offered as a winter mini-Kenosis (“self-emptying”). This is a time to focus, to be more intentional, and to find deeper practices that draw us into the life of the Spirit. Meister Eckhart invites us to make of …
View course details “The Silent Desert”

Walking Our Spiritual Path: Reflections on the Spirituality of the Cherokee People March 8-13, 2016 Cherokee, NC Cost:  $350/double room; $500/single room, $200 commuters Hosted by Catholic Committee of Appalachia and sponsored by AMERC This continuing education event explores the history, customs, myths, and spiritual ways of the Cherokee people.  From discussions and experiences participants …
View course details “Walking Our Spiritual Path: Reflections on the Spirituality of the Cherokee People”

Summer Solstice Labyrinth Walk: Being Present   At the sun’s zenith we are called to be here, aware of our place and to set our intentions. A labyrinth walk and gentle movement to music and awareness exercises will ground us in the experience. A brief explanation of the labyrinth, its history, use as a spiritual tool and …
View course details “Summer Solstice Labyrinth Walk: Being Present”

  Call of the Forest Retreat: Nature as Spiritual Teacher The forest has many facets, just like us – places of strength and beauty, new growth, succulent fullness, thickets, swampland and dead wood. It is a rich sacred ‘scripture’ of the senses, inviting us to learn more about our own inner landscape by exploring outer terrain. Outdoor …
View course details “Call of the Forest Retreat: Nature as Spiritual Teacher”

Silent Wellness Retreat: Spring Awakening   Gift yourself with this time away. Awaken your Soul and enliven your Spirit as you connect with the Source of life in the season of emerging life. Come and attend to your inner life through the sacred space at Five Oaks. Engage in renewing spiritual practices that will be …
View course details “Silent Wellness Retreat: Spring Awakening”

Male Spirituality Circle   Five Oaks offers this judgment free, life-affirming event for courageous men of spirit to explore relationships, spiritual issues and ultimately themselves through the sharing of conversation, song, stories and poetry in a sacred trust circle, with lots of free time for naps, personal reflection, hikes, reading and enjoying each other’s company. …
View course details “Male Spirituality Circle”

Male Spirituality Circle   Five Oaks offers this judgment free, life-affirming event for courageous men of spirit to explore relationships, spiritual issues and ultimately themselves through the sharing of conversation, song, stories and poetry in a sacred trust circle, with lots of free time for naps, personal reflection, hikes, reading and enjoying each other’s company. …
View course details “Male Spirituality Circle”

The Empty Way: Contemplative Christianity and Zen Buddhism Contemplative Christianity and Zen Buddhism both teach a particular way of being: an openness to life as it is, compassion towards others, and freedom from anxiety-producing habits of mind. Both traditions emphasize silent meditation/prayer as the primary path that leads to this way of being. Themes of …
View course details “The Empty Way: Contemplative Christianity and Zen Buddhism”

  March 8-13, 2016 Cherokee, NC Cost:  $350/double room; $500/single room, $200 commuters Hosted by Catholic Committee of Appalachia and sponsored by AMERC This continuing education event explores the history, customs, myths, and spiritual ways of the Cherokee people.  From discussions and experiences participants reflect upon the spiritual beliefs and traditions of the Cherokee people. …
View course details “Walking Our Spiritual Path: Reflections on the Spirituality of the Cherokee People”