Calendar of Events

OCTOBER
SING! SING! SING! Singing Meditation Retreat: Oct 16-18, 2009
Facilitators: Ruthie Rosauer
Music brings joy and a spiritual dimension to our lives. Come join us for a weekend where periods of music are interspersed with periods of silence for meditation and contemplation. Taste the blissful state of radiant silence after a song or a mantra has been sung deep into your soul. Christian, Sufi, Jewish, African, Neo-pagan, Celtic, and other non-traditional music will be included in the weekend. We will revel in four part harmony, mantras, chants, and rounds.
Walking meditation offers an opportunity to connect our bodies and spirits in mindful silence. In sacred circle dancing we will join hands, hearts and voices as we blend movement and music.
Tuition: $150 for first-time participants and $100 for those who have previously attended a Sing! Retreat. Begins at 7 p.m. on Friday and ends at 11 a.m. on Sunday.
Ruthie Rosauer. Has facilitated Singing Meditation since 2004. Her book, Singing Meditation: Together in Song and Silence is forthcoming from Skinner House Publishing in November 2009. She is producer of the Ephemerata CD of Singing Meditation Songs.

In the Company of THOMAS MERTON — October 16-18, 2009
Facilitators: Henrita Frost, SSND; Johanna Seubert, FSPA
Praying is about becoming your authentic self in the world of family, friends, work, and play. Begin or deepen your meditation practice under the inspiration of Merton and other mystics whose spirituality is rooted in relationships.
Tuition: Free-will offering, plus meals and lodging

Healing for Healers — Oct 25-27, 2009
Facilitator: Roberta Hodges
Professional body workers, energy workers and massage therapists are invited to an informal gathering to relax and renew as we exchange our healing work with one another. Enjoy meeting, sharing and "talking shop" with others in our inherently solo profession. Included will be instruction of several yoga practices of breathing and chakra-awakening exercises which raise the level of our vital life force energy. These practices will not only increase our effectiveness with clients but will also enhance our own physical, emotional and spiritual health.
Tuition: $80, plus meals and lodging
See bio for Roberta’s November 13 program.


NOVEMBER
Turn, Turn, Turn: Women Who Change
Nov 13-15, 2009
Facilitator: Midge Miles
Turn, Turn, Turn is a unique retreat experience for women designed around archetypal themes of change and transformation revealed in three sacred stories from myth, folk and fairy tale. Midge’s dramatic storytelling performances are the loom on which the threads of gentle input, discussion, reflection and ritual weave a golden tapestry of women’s magnificent journeys of change. Each of the retreat’s stories provides new images and metaphors for exploring the themes of: Surrendering received stories and beliefs about ourselves that are no longer true, crossing over uncharted waters, leaving “abodes” that have become too small for us, affirming the bond between aging and generativity, and celebrating women’s eternal cycles of change — Child, Maiden, Mother and Crone.
Tuition: $150, plus meals and lodging
Midge Miles’ lifelong passion has been working to help women find and cherish their authentic sacred stories. She has published articles, audio and video programs on women’s spirituality and story, and presented retreats across the U.S. and southern Ontario.


Inner Peace with Yoga
FEATURING YOGA NIDRA MEDITATION — Nov 13-15, 2009
Facilitator: Roberta Hodges
Yoga Nidra is the most powerful relaxation technique known.
Yoga Nidra means yogic sleep, conscious deep sleep. As simple as guided relaxation, it takes one into the deepest possible relaxation of the body and the most profound stillness of mind. This transformingly deep, blissful state of consciousness is not only the perfect condition for physical and emotional healing, but also brings one to the door of Samadhi, the deep state of meditation.
The workshop will include gentle yoga, traditional hatha yoga, pranayama, chakra balancing, periods of silence, kirtan, and full, natural breathing practice. A more complete description can be found at www.christinecenter.org.
Tuition: $150
Roberta Hodges has been studying, practicing and teaching yoga in the Himalayan tradition for over 20 years, including Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and more recently Tantra Yoga. She travels to India regularly for study, practice and inspiration. She also is a practicing massage therapist and energy worker.


Swadhyaya II: A Yoga Retreat on the Study of the Yogic Scriptures — Nov 20-22, 2009
Facilitator: Jenifer Ebel
The yogic scriptures give us everything we need for inspiration in our practice. They bring a breath of wisdom from the sages of old with concise directions for breath, posture, and lifestyle, and for integrating it all into the life you have.
In this program, the postures, breath work, and meditations will be woven together with nuggets of wisdom and grace from some of the greatest spiritual teachers of all time. We will draw from such classic texts as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. A study of the yogic scriptures is one of the preliminary steps to yoga and forms part of the foundation for a practice that will stand the test of time.
Tuition: $200 plus meals and lodging
Please note: This is not an entry level class. Some yoga knowledge and experience is assumed. You don’t have to attend Swadhyaya I to take this retreat.
Jenifer has basic and advanced teacher certifications at Kripalu, and additional teacher training in Anusara and Iyengar Yoga. She is a member of Kripalu Yoga Teachers Association, Yoga Alliance (500ERYT), and International Association of Yoga Therapists.


DECEMBER
Private Retreat with Spiritual Direction
December 7-13
Facilitators: Core Staff. In the silence of the Christine Center deepen your spiritual practice through meditation and lectio divina. This retreat flows between private direction and group experience. It includes deep listening, reading of sacred texts, meeting with a spiritual guide, rest and healthy meals. Reserve a hermitage or guest room for this special retreat. Cost: $350 ($200 for the weekend only) includes meals, lodging, and retreat. Bodywork also available.
Schedule yourself for the full seven days, or check in for the weekend only (December 11-13).


The Mystical Universe: Praying With All That Is
Dec 18-20, 2009
Facilitator: Henrita Frost, SSND
In the stillness of winter’s longest night, this retreat opens our awareness beyond the confines of planet earth to dwell for a moment in the consciousness of all creation. As we grow in mindfulness of our place in the larger scope of things, may we be more gentle with ourselves and the earth we share. Tuition: Free will offering

Dec 24, 25, 26: Center is closed


Winter in the Woods: Dec 27-Jan 3, 2010
Come for all or part of this exceptional winter time where unscheduled time for renewal and wasting time together is the order of the day. Joy for the Child (Dec 27-30): Annual time to get away and be with delight in simple living. A New Year (Dec 31-Jan 3): Celebrating the unseen we take for granted and marking endings and beginnings near and far.
Tuition: None. Discounted holiday rate for lodging.
JANUARY
Woodland Solitude:
Intensive Centering Prayer Retreat — Jan 3-6, 2010
Guided by Core Staff. Offered in the secluded woodland setting of Siloe.
Centering Prayer is a way of contemplative prayer which prepares us to receive the gift of God’s presence. Traditionally known as contemplative prayer, it is a process of opening mind and heart — our whole being — to God. It takes us beyond thoughts, words and emotions.
All inclusive rate: $200 (includes meals and lodging and tuition)


Running on Empty: A Retreat for Women Who Do Too Much — Jan 8-10, 2010
Facilitator: Midge Miles
This retreat is designed for women who feel compelled to keep doing, no matter how tired or exhausted they are, living their lives on automatic pilot while constantly moving from one thing to the next, doing too much. Midge Miles’ dramatic storytelling performance of her original story Little Miss Effortful: The Girl Who Did Too Much will provide the images and metaphors for exploring our own stories of overdoing. Each woman will create a personal mandala to guide her in the ongoing quest for greater rest, health and wholeness.
Tuition: $150, plus meals and lodging
See bio for Midge at November 13 program.


Food, Money and Relationships — Jan 22-24, 2010
Facilitator: Deanna Reiter
Tuition: $180, plus meals and lodging
Check website for more information: www.christinecenter.org.


A Savoring Retreat: Slow Cooking, at the Christine Center: January 24-27, 2010
We invite you to a Savoring Retreat. Savor the movements of the Spirit moment to moment in the practice of meditation. Taste the fresh air of the countryside. Relish the meals prepared for you during your stay. Facilitated by the Core Team plus Christine Center’s esteemed chefs. Savoring Retreat will nourish your soul and body. Expect guidance in meditation, some time in the kitchen and conscious eating.
Enjoy the vegetable and grain-based buffet of our main meal, served at mid-day. During that pause come together, as laborers and retreatants, in conversation over a carefully prepared meal. End the day by gathering around the table with the simple fare of a hearty soup and fresh salad.
$250 all-inclusive fee (includes private room in the Guest House, all meals and tuition)


Diamond Approach (Marathon):
Jan 15-17, 2010
See October 23 program description.



FEBRUARY
Woodland Solitude:
Intensive Centering Prayer Retreat — Feb 12-14, 2010
Guided by Core Staff. Offered in the secluded woodland setting of Siloe.
Centering Prayer is a way of contemplative prayer which prepares us to receive the gift of God’s presence. Traditionally known as contemplative prayer, it is a process of opening mind and heart — our whole being — to God. It takes us beyond thoughts, words and emotions.
All inclusive rate: $200 (includes meals and lodging and tuition)


Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga Retreat
Feb 19-21, 2010
Facilitators: Susan Mickel and Sue Twiggs
This weekend will offer instruction in two traditions: yoga postures and mindfulness meditation. The Buddhist mindfulness tradition originally assumed an awareness of yoga, but for centuries they have been practiced largely separately. This retreat takes the perspective that the two practices can complement each other. The retreat will be silent, alternating periods of yoga, sitting meditation and walking meditation. There will be leadership at all of the sessions and instruction at most of them, with opportunities to ask questions, group discussion, and talks integrating the two practices with day-to-day life. No prior knowledge of either tradition is necessary to attend. There will be sadhana for experienced yoga practitioners as well as introductory yoga for those new to the practice.
Both teachers are accepting no fixed honorarium for the retreat. There will be an opportunity to make a voluntary donation to the teachers at the end of the retreat.
Susan Mickel is a trained Christian spiritual director, a meditation teacher with Resources for Ecumenical Spirituality, and a behavioral neurologist. Her undergraduate major was in comparative religions. Sue Twiggs is a yoga practitioner and a 200-hour certified Kripalu Yoga teacher. She returns yearly to Kripalu for advanced training in pranayama and asana. Her background includes a career as a psychotherapist and conflict resolution consultant.


Finding your Center in an Uncentered World
Feb. 26-28, 2010
Facilitators: Core Team
A retreat to reconnect with what’s important to you now. Teaching and practice of meditation combined with healthy exercise and balanced meals will support your journey in difficult times. Come to the Feb 26 program, or contact us to schedule your personal Finding Your Center retreat.
Cost: $225 all-inclusive (meals and lodging and tuition)


MARCH
By Women For Women Annual Fun Time
March 5-7, 2010
Back by popular demand. Annual fest for women who want to weekend together. This exciting retreat will be given by women who are interested in sharing their expertise in wondrous and varied ways. Sessions of interest will be focused by facilitators donating their talents and what they are passionate about. Expect deepening and creative experiences. Treat yourself to a time enriched by sisters on the journey.
Tuition: Free. The only cost is for meals and lodging. Call to reserve your space or to discuss possibilities for the program.


LOOKING AHEAD:
Healing for Healers — April 25-27, 2010
See description for October 25-27, 2009 program.
Yoga Retreat by Jenifer Ebel: April 30-May 2, 2010
More information will follow.

HOSTED PROGRAMS:
These programs are presented by groups that have reserved space from the Center, and share our mission of “spiritual deepening for global transformation.”
TCVC Twin Cities Vipassana Cooperative
Oct 9-13, 2009
Teacher: Annie Nugent
Vipassana (insight) meditation is a simple and direct practice: the moment-to-moment investigation of the mind/body process through calm, open and precise awareness. Learning to observe experience from a place of spacious stillness enables one to relate to life with a balance of wisdom and compassion. Retreats include sitting and walking meditation, with time for instruction and daily talks. Retreats provide an introduction for new students and an opportunity for experienced students to deepen their practice.
For more information, see www.tcvc.info.


Couples Skills and Conscious Communication Retreat: Oct 23-25, 2009
Facilitators: Rebecca Connor and Terry Pate
This retreat is an important opportunity to explore and disentangle old patterns and blocks that keep you disconnected from yourself and from one another. Re-enliven areas that keep you bonded and intimately connected with one another.
In the spirit of curiosity, empathy and understanding, this workshop is a chance to deepen the love and intimacy in your relationship, and explore from nonjudgmental perspectives areas where you and your partner differ from and complement one another. This workshop is annual, though exercises change every year and are designed to guide couples towards staying on the same side in times of difficulty and conflict as well as guide couples to remember to relax and enjoy one another.
To register or for more information, call Rebecca at 612-877-1081. See also rebeccaconnor.com.
Facilitated by Rebecca Connor, LMFT and assisted by her husband and partner of 15 years, Terry Pate. Rebecca is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice in South Minneapolis. She has been assisting and leading couples, women and mixed groups for over 16 years. Rebecca’s specialties include transpersonal, Jungian, relational trauma, family systems and somatic based body and spirit centered psychotherapies. Terry, also trained in body and spirit centered psychotherapies, is a long time student of the enneagram system.


Diamond Approach Retreat (Marathon)
Oct 23-26, 2009
The Diamond Approach is a contemporary spiritual teaching that reveals the depth, richness, and mystery of our essential nature. It combines modern psychological understanding with the knowledge of traditional practices. For information, contact jseubert@ceas.coop.


Rainbow Reiki 1st Degree: Nov 11-13, 2009
Facilitator: Debra Stelzer
This workshop includes the traditional first degree of Usui Reiki and special unique Rainbow Reiki techniques and teachings, including more symbols and mantras. This workshop is for people who have never taken Reiki and for those with years of experience. It is the gateway into the profound and comprehensive Rainbow Reiki System. There are no pre-requisites for Rainbow Reiki First Degree.
Tuition: $285, plus meals and lodging
Debra is a certified Usui Reiki Master and the sole proprietor of Hands of Light Healing in Wisconsin Rapids and a member of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals.


Rainbow Reiki 2nd Degree — Nov 13-15, 2009
Facilitator: Debra Stelzer
(See course description from November 11-13 Rainbow Reiki program.) Prerequisite: Rainbow Reiki First Degree
Tuition: $285, plus meals and lodging


Wisconsin Weekend Myofascial Release Feast:
Dec 11-16, 2009
Liaison Person: Mary Bart
This retreat is a feast of Myofascial Release -- for MFR therapists and by MFR therapists. All therapists must have taken seminars by John F. Barnes, PT. To arrange for lodging and meals, call Liz at 715-267-7507 or email christinecenter@ceas.coop. With questions about this retreat, call Mary Bart, WCMT, 715-267-4715 or email marybart@tds.net


Jane Reeves Yoga: Jan 29- 31, 2010
More information to follow. To learn more about Jane Reeves, visit www.goyogajane.com.


A Springtime Ceremony of Renewal: Mar 19-21, 2010
Facilitators: Patricia and Craig Neal
We will convene a Springtime Solstice Ceremony of Renewal. March ushers in the season of new life, the emergence of new possibilities. It is a time for people to gather in Sacred Ceremony, and to plant the seeds of our hearts. We invite you to join an intimate group of journeyers (limited to 30) at the Christine Center. If you are drawn to participate, let us know by email: http://web.mac.com/firehawkhulin/SpringCeremony/MarkYour Calendar.htmlf. Or call Patricia Neal at 952-925-5995.
Patricia & Craig Neal. Patricia is Co-Founder, CEO of Heartland Inc. Patricia’s focus is overseeing the daily operations of Heartland. Craig Neal: Craig celebrates life as a passionate change leader, publishing executive, organizational executive and guide to those called to authentically show up in life and work.


Wisconsin Weekend Myofascial Release Feast
March 12-14, 2010
Liaison Person: Mary Bart
This retreat is a feast of Myofascial Release -- for MFR therapists and by MFR therapists. All therapists must have taken seminars by John F. Barnes, PT. To arrange for lodging and meals, call Liz at 715-267-7507 or email christinecenter@ceas.coop. With questions about this retreat, call Mary Bart, WCMT, 715-267-4715 or email marybart@tds.net


Twin Cities Vipassana Cooperative Meditation Retreat: June 11-20, 2010
Facilitators: Steve Armstrong and Kamala Masters
Vipassana (insight) meditation is a simple and direct practice: the moment-to-moment investigation of the mind/body process through calm, open and precise awareness. Sponsored by Twin Cities Vipassana Cooperative (TCVC).
For questions or to register: www.tcvc.info or 612-721-8626.