Living into the Questions Together
On the last Community Call of 2023, RCC invited participants to reflect on the year and our shared story as a community. Together we dedicated space for solo journaling and extended an invitation to share what participants have been learning—and what they’re dreaming up for the coming year.
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Or scroll down for takeaways from the conversation.
The Roses, Thorns, and Buds of 2023
Participants were invited to look for the “roses, thorns, and buds” in their experiences as retreat center leaders in 2023.
In this model for reflection, roses represent bright spots in our lives, the beautiful moments and valuable relationships that we appreciate, and the things that are going well. Thorns represent difficult situations or challenges, the hard stuff of life that everyone goes through. Reflecting on buds is an invitation to identify and be curious about whatever is happening that we don’t fully understand yet (something new unfolding) and appreciate its potential.
After a quiet interlude spent journaling, participants shared a few of their reflections with the group.
Roses: Participants were grateful for being involved in the restorative work of retreat centers and having the pleasure of working with fantastic people. One participant joyfully shared that they had established a healthier work-life balance. Another participant shared their story of a painful experience they developed into a healing and continuously-unfolding creative process.
Thorns: Over the last year, retreat centers faced ongoing challenges with group cancellations, fundraising, and staff transitions. Some centers are still struggling in the wake of Covid. Other participants lifted up the fear that comes with giving up an old way of life to follow a new calling. And some grieved for the lack of time and energy to devote to new projects or callings.
Buds: Many centers are going through intergenerational transitions and are hoping to keep all generations involved in a vital way. Some dream of new learning-programs — like a program to train retreat leaders in facilitation skills. Others want to preserve the historical integrity of their centers, increase capacity, and flourish. One participant shared their expectation for the unknown—understanding that whatever will be, will reveal itself in its own time.
Notes and Audio
Follow the link below to access PDFs, audio, and additional meeting notes.
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