Do you remember searching for seashells as a child? Perhaps you still do. The joy of finding one large enough to be able to hold it to your ear and hear the sea. There is something wonderfully romantic and ethereal about doing so, and yet I still can’t help myself. Scientists once told us that the sound is not the sea trapped within the shell, rather it is the sound of our own blood pumping around our body, amplified by the shape of the shell; they have now changed their minds and now tell us that the sound we hear is the ambient noise of air entering the seashell and bouncing around the hollow cavity.
When we search for seashells, we slow down, we allow our mind to wonder; our toes may feel the shifting sand beneath them, and the waves lapping cool water between them. Our hearts become free to tune into God’s whispers.
This Midsummer Petite Retreat aims to do just that, to provide space to free our minds to wonder and our hearts become free to tune into God.
Thank you for this opportunity and ‘permission’ to take time away from writing the next ‘thing’. It is really good to reflect upon God’s tenderness and loving gaze
DM, Petite Retreat guest
Throughout the course of this special Saturday you will have to engage with Bible based guided meditations, spend time in the beautiful Quiet Garden running your fingers through the water feature, burying your toes in the sand of the hidden beach, or just dozing under summer skies. Following each meditation will be the opportunity to take part in a creative prayer workshop: art journaling, mindfulness writing, tuning in with found objects. The day closes with prayer and a pocket sized gift to remind you of your encounters with God.
Sounds interesting why not click here for more details?
Seashells will also be available as an online retreat. How does this work? A zoom link is sent all guests ahead of the evening, and we all tune in at the agreed time. Whilst on the zoom call we share in a guided meditation, then leave the call (or mute everything) to spend time mulling over what we have meditated upon. Some people like to use this time to read, or go for a walk, or sit in the garden. Others may draw or paint or sew or knit… or even to take a holy doze!
At a scheduled time we return to the zoom call, sometimes sharing things that have struck us from the first meditation or reflection time, but not always, and there is no obligation. This pattern is repeated for all three meditations, finally we gather together for closing prayers. Reflection cards are shared via the chat feature, or you can purchase a Retreat Package which will include hard copies of these, plus a pocket sized gift to remind you of your encounter with God.
Some people like to shut themselves away from the rest of the household, others feel more able to rest because they are able to complete chores during the reflection times! A handy article on how to create a Sacred Space at Home can be found here.
I have never shut myself away in my bedroom for so many hours… What a revelation! I don’t have to be Mum and Wife all the time… I can be ME!
EH, Online petite retreat guest
If you think an online retreat might be just the thing to recharge your soul, then click here for more details.
New this year are my ‘Retreat in a Box’ versions of each of my Petite Retreats. Seashells is perfect for taking away on holiday with you and grabbing a few hours by yourself, or even for creating your own DIY retreat. For some, joining a retreat away from home just isn’t possible, and these holy gift boxes full fit the bill perfectly. Inside each box is a journal and pencil, booklet of guided meditations with suggestions on how to respond, reflection cards, prayer sheet, mindfulness activity, scented candle, tasty treats, and a pocket sized gift to remind you of your encounter with God. These boxes also make the perfect ordination or confirmation gift, or just a ‘thinking of you’ present, and can be gift-wrapped with a hand written card.
Each Retreat in a Box costs £25 (incl postage), with gift wrap at £1.50. Please message me if you would like to find out more.
I am finding that currently carving out the time at home is super helpful. Thank you
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