GilChrist is the public retreat center of the Fetzer Institute. We support the Institute’s mission of helping build the spiritual foundation for a loving world by preserving a contemplative environment for healing self, society, and the natural world. We warmly welcome both groups and individuals and people of all faiths and affiliations.
The Magic of Dreams: A Study of the Transcendent Function
In the throes of his Red Book period, Jung wrote an essay on what he called the Transcendent Function (1916) in which he laid out the workings of the unconscious, the transformative energy in symbols, and the means of accessing such energy -- namely the dream. Using real life examples drawn from his newly published book, “My Journey to Ironman: Endurance Sports as a Means of Individuation,” Dr.
Creating Sacred Space Virtually
Last year, the Fetzer Institute hosted a series of virtual convenings to harvest what folks were learning about creating meaningful sacred space using online tools, resulting in a report called "Creating Sacred Space Virtually." While this effort was a direct response to the pandemic, many facilitators and retreat centers are finding that virtual programming might be here to stay, primarily for reasons of accessibility.
Goodbye to Sweet Minna
Last night we bade an unexpected farewell to Minna, the gentle pony who shared the barn and paddock near Tree of Life with Puck, the goat.
After working at a local YMCA camp as a trail pony, she spent her retirement years at GilChrist, greeting guests and graciously accepting treats offered over the fence. Her sweet presence dwelled on the grounds and overlooked the labyrinth as guests walked their prayers. She will be deeply missed by our staff who cared for her, by guests who savored the creaturely interaction, and surely by Puck, who pestered her amiably and tirelessly.
Deep Rest Retreat Update
Dear friends of GilChrist,
An Anniversary Blessing from the GilChrist Staff
Dear friends of GilChrist,
What's Healing About Taking Pictures?
“Paying attention is a form of reciprocity with the living world, receiving the gifts with open eyes and open heart.”
—Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
This piece is part of a series offered by the GilChrist team during the month of October, in honor of GilChrist’s 25th anniversary
Walking with the Dragonflies
This piece is part of a series offered by the GilChrist community during the month of October about practices of healing, in honor of GilChrist’s 25th anniversary on October 15.
The Sounds of GilChrist
Thanks to Jonathan Brandt, who captured this collection of sounds at GilChrist in the summer of 2016, and offers them in honor of GilChrist’s 25th anniversary on October 15.
Fewer Band-Aids, More Culture
This piece is part of a series offered by the GilChrist team during the month of October about practices of healing, in honor of GilChrist’s 25th anniversary on October 15.
“Nursing is concerned with promoting health, preventing illness, caring for the sick, and restoring health.”
—Jean Watson, Theory of Human Caring
What’s Healing About Lighting Candles?
This piece is part of a series offered by the GilChrist team during the month of October about practices of healing, in honor of GilChrist’s 25th anniversary on October 15.