Wisdom of the Snail: A Retreat on Patience & Trust
March 28-30, 2025 at Jericho House, Port Colborne
A snail’s pace is difficult to accept. We rush around, keep busy, get things done, set goals, make plans … our daily lives are full of constant activity. Add to this a culture that values change at break-neck speeds and our minds are forever trying and failing to keep up with what’s new. This way of life breeds control, fear and uncertainty.
The image of the snail invites playful reflection on antidotes to the challenges of our time. During this retreat we’ll remember that the spiritual path is a slow unfolding. Through restful, gentle and meaningful practices we’ll explore the link between patience and our relationship with time itself. We’ll engage each other in deep conversation to cultivate wisdom and trust. We’ll seek to come home to our own souls and to love.
The schedule will include a balance of group process and personal time.
Venue:
The retreat will be held at the welcoming 'Jericho House' located in Port Colborne, ON.
Participants will have a private bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Linens and towels are provided.
Meals and snacks are included, starting with supper on Friday and ending with lunch on Sunday. Jericho House uses local food sources wherever possible and meals are made from scratch. Robin will communicate with you about your dietary requirements after you register.
Jericho House has beautiful gardens, a fire pit, walking trails through Carolinian Forest and a large outdoor labyrinth. The Gord Harry Conservation Trail (part of the Trans-Canada Trail) is close by. It's an easy walk to the shore of Lake Erie. Jericho House is also adjacent to the Wainfleet Wetlands Conservation area with a spring-fed quarry lake.
Jericho House is all on one level and fully accessible.
The retreat begins Friday, March 28 at 4:00pm and ends Sunday, March 30 at 1:00pm.
Cost:
This all-inclusive retreat is $430 plus HST.
A minimum deposit of $150 is due upon registration.
The remainder is due by February 21, 2025.
Facilitator - Robin McGauley
Robin is a full-time artist and spiritual director. For inspiration, she enjoys reading (especially exquisite poetry!), walking labyrinths, dancing at the banks of the Grand River, visiting Cedar trees, deep talks with friends, and gardening in my oasis of a backyard. The Iris is my favourite flower. The Snail is my guide. I delight in anything tiny, especially when it's found in the natural world.