Member for

5 years 2 months
Photo
Cover Photo
bergamot blooms in a summer field
First Name
Deborah
Last Name
Haak-Frost
Biography

If you make a reservation for a retreat at GilChrist, you will most likely see my name on the email signature, talk with me on the phone, or see my face when you arrive. I’ve always delighted in being able to connect people with the natural world in ways that allow them to experience their environment deeply and meaningfully. My undergraduate degree in psychology and environmental studies paved the way for this beautiful integration of two passions of mine. The principles of permaculture – earth care, people care, and fair share – also shape my approach to my work. Making rest and retreat more accessible for all is something I try to work toward.

I also do a lot of the behind-the-scenes logistics and administrative work at GilChrist: working with group retreat facilitators, handling billing, managing social media, keeping the website up to date, cataloging the library, and also pitching in with cabin cleaning and feeding the goats.

When I’m not at work, you can find me volunteering in my Three Rivers community, cooking and baking in my kitchen, taking in thought-provoking television and movies with my husband, or daydreaming about grand garden plans for my backyard.

Job Title
Caretaker for Community Engagement
Cover Caption
Bergamot blooms in this summer view from the GilChrist office
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Staff Department
GilChrist Retreat Center
Department or Org
GilChrist
Email
dhaak@fetzer.org
Submitted by dhaak on Wed, 02/21/2024 - 14:53

This retreat focuses on the teachings of the Saints and the need to nourish our meditation practice to grow. It is open to anyone interested in personal/spiritual growth. Generally, we have learned how to meditate and may have established a solid meditation practice. Now, we wonder about either the varied experiences we are having, or the total lack of experiences. We envisioned a golden path and a wonderful, blissful meditation journey. Rather, meditation reveals itself to be hard work, requiring effort and presenting physical challenges, as we work through the lessons that we uncover within us during the process.

No specific meditation practice or knowledge is required to attend. The weekend will include a shared dinner on Saturday, followed by a presentation on a meditation-related topic and discussion. A one-hour spiritual discourse (Satsang) based on Sant Mat teachings (the spiritual teachings of all saints) will take place Sunday morning, followed by a shared lunch. The gatherings are in the WindHill building at GilChrist.

See also:
Sant Mat America: Summer Retreat (June 14-16, 2024)
Sant Mat America: Fall Retreat (October 18-20, 2024)

About the Facilitator

Linda Frisbie has maintained a meditation practice since 1975 and has taught meditation and meditation instructors for more than twenty-five years. She has been presenting the teachings of Sant Mat at GilChrist since 2003.

Retreat Schedule

Friday

  • 1:00-4:00 p.m.: Arrival and check-in; private retreat time.

Saturday:

  • Morning: Private retreat, time to socialize and experience the beautiful scenery and energy of GilChrist.
  • 5:30 p.m.: Potluck vegetarian dinner.* Open to everyone.
  • 6:30 p.m.: Meditation-related presentation following dinner.

Sunday

  • 10:00 a.m.: Satsang
  • 11:30 a.m.: Potluck vegetarian lunch.* Open to everyone.
  • Time to socialize and then to clean up WindHill and leave it as we found it.

*We kindly request that no meat dishes or alcohol are brought as most attendees are vegetarians.

Registration and Lodging Details

There is no cost for the retreat sessions. Lodging is at the cost of GilChrist cabins and space may be limited depending on the number of cabins reserved for each weekend.

Please 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, payable by cash or check at the end of the retreat. Participants will check into their cabins between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Friday, at a time you communicate via your cabin reservation. Cabin check-out is at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday or Monday, depending on the length of your stay as arranged with Gilchrist.

Other than Saturday evening and Sunday morning, individuals are responsible for their own meals. Each guest space at GilChrist is equipped with a complete kitchen. See the complete GilChrist FAQ for more information about the facility.

Event Type
Retreat
Partner
GilChrist Retreat Center
Start Date
End Date
Topics
Southwest Michigan
Spiritual Formation
Slideshow
flower in grass
Join
On
Event Category
GilChrist
Location

GilChrist Retreat Center
56265 Day Rd
Three Rivers, MI 49093-9535
United States