Developed and Guided by Batina and Wahhab Sheets
October 18-26, 2019
Spiritual retreat is one of the most powerful processes we have for spiritual growth and transformation; however, because we tend to have very busy lives, it is often difficult for many of us to leave work and family responsibilities behind for several days to go into seclusion for an individually guided retreat.
In order to make the benefits of retreat more available for everyone, particularly for those who find it difficult to get away, Wahhab and Batina are offering a retreat process that can be integrated into one’s everyday life routines and responsibilities: a “Retreat-in-Life.” The purposes are the same as the traditional retreat: awakening, renewal, and transformation; but instead of doing practices in seclusion, one uses the activities and experiences of one’s everyday life as teachers and guides for one’s journey of Self-discovery and transformation.
The theme of the retreat-in-life will be “Living the Prayer for Peace,” with each day focused on discovering the meaning of one of the lines of Hazrat Inayat Khan’s prayer and finding ways to make it a reality in our lives. Creativity will be a special emphasis, and retreatants will be encouraged to develop a creative expression of their retreat experience, such as through poetry, music, art, or a life project.
The retreat will take place over nine days, beginning Friday evening, October 18th and ending Saturday October 26th. On Friday the 18th, we will gather together for an orientation to the retreat-in-life process and to begin the retreat with shared practices and attunements. Each evening, retreatants will receive via email a document that will provide structure and guidance for the next day of the retreat, including practices, readings and attunements related to the theme of the day. Each morning, Wahhab and Batina will guide a meditation that retreatants can attend in person or livestream on their home computers. On the final Saturday, we will once again gather to conclude the retreat, sharing with one another our experiences, inspirations, and creative expressions from the retreat and growing a vision for becoming a source of peace for all beings in our challenging times.
All sessions will be livestreamed and available for viewing at a later time.
Cost of the retreat is $100. Scholarships are available by contacting Yaqin Aubert, Director of the Pir Vilayat Center at the Abode (yaqin@theabode.org).
Here is a link to find out more about the retreat and how to register: https://www.theabode.org/retreatguru/750/retreat-in-life/