Practicing the Sacred Art of Silence

Stop for a moment and listen to the sounds of your surroundings - phones, television, radio, conversations, traffic, office machines, sirens, dogs barking... just to name a few. Now, add the internal noise we hear - work-related stress, personal relationships, responsibilities, financial decisions. It's no wonder we are exhausted by the end of the day. We try to quiet our thoughts, but often the noise gets louder. 

Research confirms that silence is really necessary in our connection with the Divine. Putting space between us and the everyday allows us to bear witness to our life, and in so doing, we are able to reconnect with our body, mind, and spirit. 

Consider this your invitation to separate from the world – just for one weekend – and find space apart from the constant thrum of convention and the need to conform. Find for yourself something sacred in the silence. 

Rather than leaving you to your own devices to find this much-desired silence, we will explore strategies to that offer support structures in our journey to go deeper and still the mental chatter. Guided meditations, breathing practices with mudras (yoga of the hands and fingers), journaling prompts, and creative art will frame the experience. A communal meal will open the sacred circle on Thursday evening and will close it on Sunday. Intentional opportunities offered throughout the weekend will offer a balanced approach between solitude and social interactions.

No previous experience is required and everyone is invited as we create a community where all can feel safe and valued. Differences exist among us and are cherished, including differences in sex, race, ethnicity and national origin, range of abilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, education, and political perspective. Selected resources, including poetry and guided meditations, used throughout the retreat will represent diverse lenses. 

All that is required is an acknowledgement that now is the time to step away from the daily grind and into the quiet found within the natural surroundings of GilChrist. Cabins are available for you to rent. Each one is nestled into the rolling hills and meadows typical of the southwest Michigan landscape. If you experience mobility limitations, golf carts are available. Nature will be our backdrop and will guide us as we learn how to practice the sacred art of silence.

About the Facilitator

Terri Hebert (she/her/hers) is trained and certified as a Spiritual Companion through the Haden Institute of North Carolina. She is also experienced in therapy poetry and nature journaling, as well as most recently having received her forest therapy certification. Terri has spent 40 years in education having worked in both public and private K-12 schools, as well as in higher education. More information about Terri’s business is found here: www.awakn.net 

Her current role is that of Associate Professor of Education and Director of the Guided Pathways Academy Program at Indiana University South Bend; however, Terri will be retiring in May 2025. Her hobbies include photography, traveling, and writing/reading. She is passionate about the healing aspects of nature. Terri is married for seven years and between her and her spouse, they have three adult children (and their spouses), five grandchildren, two dogs, and one cat. 

Retreat Schedule

Participants arrive Thursday, March 27, between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. with check-in at the main office. All will gather in WindHill for a communal dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. After dinner, the group will move into the larger gathering space for a time of meditation and intentionality for the weekend ahead. 

Friday and Saturday will allow time for personal reflection as guided meditations, poetry readings, and creative art are offered. Details will be provided to participants prior to the start of the retreat. 

Sunday brunch will provide a time of community as we share insights gained throughout the weekend. Participants are expected to clean their cabins and depart no later than 2:00 p.m.  on Sunday. 

Please let Terri know if you have any food restrictions. Other than the two communal meals, participants are responsible for their own food and drink. Each guest space at GilChrist is equipped with a complete kitchen. 

Registration and Lodging Details

First, email Terri (click here) to register for the retreat. Registration costs are $375 per person and can be paid through Venmo or Paypal. Space is limited. Please inquire about options for financial accessibility. 

Once you have registered and paid for the program, contact GilChrist to reserve your cabin using the online registration form (or by calling the main office at 269-244-1130 with any questions). Lodging is $60/night per person in addition to the program fee, paid at the end of the retreat by cash or check. See the complete GilChrist FAQ for more information about the facility.