Bonnie Burton
After a year of discernment around ministry with the United Church of Canada, I recognized that the ordained path was not for me. Acting as a lay person and leading contemplative prayer practices, body movement, and expressive art in our church basement was my “vocation” then. My minister at the time, David Giuliano, recommended I apply as a facilitator with the Ontario Jubilee program. My role holding space for the creative, contemplative and expressive arts during certificate programs was a rich and rewarding experience. I soon realized that I wanted to enroll in the program myself and graduated in 2007. The program opened me up in ways I couldn't have imagined. I am forever grateful.
In 2009, I moved to the U.S. where I began facilitating retreats in meditative arts, providing spiritual direction and hosting mindfulness meditation classes. In 2015, I began studying with Sean Murphy, a Zen teacher and co-founder of the Sage Institute for Creativity & Consciousness in Taos, New Mexico. I am a graduate of Sage and continue as a mentor, specifically working with The Five Conditions (based on the Buddhist Five Aggregates or Skandas).
Being human is not easy. Going through a pandemic has heightened the range and depth of that experience. The world is changing quickly and it’s easy to be swept up by things that are life-draining rather than life-giving. The work of the soul has never been needed more than it is now. I am passionate about providing a safe, non-judgemental and spiritually open space for people to retreat from their lives and find the clarity and connection they seek. What’s stirring within you? Let’s be present to that!
Whether it be for an hour session, a day workshop or a guided extended retreat, I encourage you to regularly step away from the busyness, explore creatively, embrace the stillness within and set your intent to live a life of awareness and alignment. I see the work of the soul as being a responsibility for those who are able. It's work that requires time, patience, commitment and, for me, a sense of humour. Each of us tending our own spiritual life means increased compassion, justice, joy and transformation in our world.
May our paths cross soon in meaningful, intentional and creative ways.
“The best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present moment.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
Contact Information
Cobden, Illinois, U.S.A.
