 By Vickie MacArthur, Lethbridge, AB As summer continues to heat up, as wildfires rage here in Canada and around the world, it seems almost insensitive to offer a retreat with the theme of Sacred Fire. Yet perhaps it's actually counterintuitive wisdom reminding us to stay present and see the world with clear minds and eyes wide open. Buddhists remind us to "practice like our hair is on fire," only now it's the world that's on fire. I believe it's more important than ever to retreat, to renew ourselves, connect to our inner wisdom, gather together in sacred community for healing and holding each other, for courage, and to chart new directions for ourselves and our world. As I watch the terrible ferocity of the fires on the news, it's tempting to turn my eyes away, to distract myself, to ignore the sense of fear and grief in my own heart. Yet as I watch the thousands of acres burn and listen to people's stories of homes and pets, and hope lost, I feel a tender thread of connection in my heart. I am reminded that we are all interwoven together in whatever the future holds for us. We need people and communities that have the courage to face the unprecedented times we are facing and not turn away. The Sacred Fire Retreat is about awakening the spark of love and courage in our hearts that saints and mystics from all traditions and throughout history have inspired through their lives and teachings. Saints and mystics like Teresa of Avila, Hildegard von Bingen, Rabia of Basra, Jalal al-Din Rumi, and many more sensed the deeper meaning and truths of life beyond the surface. They were rebels against the violence and injustice of their times. While they operated within the frameworks of their religious traditions, they spoke of the unity and connection of all. They often broke the rules of their own religions, opening the way for new truths to emerge. They taught others how to have their own experience of the sacred states and visions they described. They had a deep connection to the earth and all beings. They have much to teach us today. In her book Ordinary Mysticism: Your Life as Sacred Ground, Mirabai Starr reminds us that we all have the capacity to be everyday mystics. Our everyday life can be an encounter with the sacred if we know how to pay attention. While inspired by the saints and mystics throughout history, she helps us let go of the belief that spiritual life and wisdom belong only to a few chosen priests, teachers, or people in authority. "Embracing mysticism in our everyday lives is a way of being more alive in the world, an awakening to the interconnectedness between all things." — Mirabai Starr Join us for a weekend retreat as we experience the subversive wisdom and fierce love of the mystics across cultural boundaries and spiritual traditions. Discover your own inner mystic as you open to the stories of both ancient and modern-day mystics. Explore the essence of their teachings and practice:
When: Fri, Sep 18, 4:00 PM PDT – Sun, Sep 20, 1:00 PM PDT Where: Stillwood Camp & Conference Centre, 44005 Watt Rd, Lindell Beach, BC Guest Facilitators: Teresa Hanlon and Vickie MacArthur Director: Debra Donohue, Creating Connection Program Director Inquiries: [email protected] Fee: $300 Registration Deadline: Sep 4 Learn more about the Stillwood Camp and Conference Centre and their programming on their website. Want to know more about the Nurturing Spirit Retreats? Here’s what Debra Donohue, Creating Connection Program Director, shared with us about the 2026 spring retreat.
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