Settling, morning spent making notes, reading Parker Palmer and Mark Nepo.
The soul’s conversation (I do not use those words metaphorically, rather factually) eddies, floats, surges carrying us some place rich and new and beyond words. It is the kind of conversation I always long for, where metaphor and story and juicy factiods meet and make goodness.
Years of circles have filled this hall and these rooms, circles of physicists, teachers, leaders, shamans, doctors, now, for the first time writers. (I said “shit” as part of my introduction — was that a first, too?)
We seek:
The innocence of creation before reputation, the market, and the habit of doing.
To be the work rather than just do it.
Not what is true or false but what is real.
To be more together than we are alone.
To ask, “What’s learnin’ you?”
The retreat is a poem.
It reminds me of being 19 and in Paris at the Musee d’Orsay and I had to sit down and close my eyes because I was so overcome by beauty.
Now back to the writing.
My intention is that what is being gifted to me here will be of service to you in some small way.
9 responses so far ↓
1 Hiro Boga Apr 18, 2010
Jen, blessings and love surround you during this time of retreat. May it unfold the deeper patterns of your work and your life…
Love, Hiro
2 Mary Jo Asmus Apr 18, 2010
Hi Jen,
Your retreat is somewhat of a reminder of a writer’s retreat I took a couple of years ago that you lead. I wish you a peaceful and productive time (whatever that means for you).
I have a great connection to the Fetzer Institute! Their lovely headquarters are about a mile from my home. I recently wrote a post about Mr. Fetzer, who was quite an interesting figure here in my adopted hometown.
Much peace to you, Mary Jo
3 Michael Neill Apr 18, 2010
Hey, Jen -
Mark Nepo is one of my favorites, though I originally only knew his books because they are often next to mine in the bookshop!
Have a wonderful retreat…
love,
michael
4 Char Brooks Apr 19, 2010
You made me laugh out loud here:
I said “shit” as part of my introduction — was that a first, too
Your humor is such a gift to the world Jen and you are so amazing.
More gifts from you? I already feel like I’ve been blessed by having your presence in my life. I can’t imagine what else is in store for you but I know whatever you do is going to be of service.
You just can’t help that about yourself
I love Parker’s work too and think he is totally amazing.
Relax, enjoy and let it come to you – one of the greatest things I ever learned from you was self trust.
xox
5 Michelle Apr 19, 2010
Hi Jen,
Your retreat is somewhat of a reminder of a writer’s retreat I took a couple of years ago that you lead. I wish you a peaceful and productive time (whatever that means for you).
I have a great connection to the Fetzer Institute! Their lovely headquarters are about a mile from my home. I recently wrote a post about Mr. Fetzer, who was quite an interesting figure here in my adopted hometown.
Much peace to you, Mary Jo
6 Connie Knapp Apr 22, 2010
Ah, Parker Palmer-I find him challenging and comforting all at the same time-which Parker Palmer are/were you reading?
7 Amy Apr 22, 2010
Jen, blessings and love surround you during this time of retreat. May it unfold the deeper patterns of your work and your life…
Love, Hiro
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