You're Invited to An Experience, North Coast of Ireland, Summer 2010

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I am thrilled to announce that Ian Morgan Cron (author of Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim's Tale) and I plan to facilitate a Contemplative Spirituality and Social Action experience in my home of northern Ireland next August.

Northern Ireland is a society birthed in deep spirituality and profound artistry; its stark and beautiful physical landscape parallels the ruggedness of the Celtic soul.  We have also experienced civil conflict in the recent past, as the struggle over our identity and questions of social justice found expression in sectarianism and violence. Religion has played a role in both the conflict and the process that has led to enormous change and political stability.

You're invited to see this amazing place for yourself as part of a unique communal gathering in Summer 2010.

We'll lead a week of intensive experiences - we'll deconstruct and reimagine questions of spirituality and activism, trying to find the fingerprints of radical spirituality and make connections between an ancient landscape, a modern conflict, and a better way of being in whatever world each us will be returning to.

Our programme will include excellent speakers and conversation and enjoying the land, visiting centres of reconciliation and meeting participants in the conflict and the negotiations for peace, and enjoying everything the northern Irish culture has to offer in the evenings (which will of course include live music).  We'll use film and literature as lenses through which we explore the fusion of contemplation and action; and it is our hope that everyone who joins us will have a life-changing encounter.

We'll stay in the beautiful character-filled setting of the North Coast; there will be visits to Belfast, the Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle and other fascinating sites; there will also be ample free time to explore on your own.

The retreat will be open only to 15-25 people; all (home-cooked) meals will be provided.

We'll be announcing further details, including confirmed dates and costs soon.  For now, if you'd like to register your interest (with no obligation), or if you have any questions, please fill in the form here.