What if the creative force of life—the same energy that pours from sunbeams and makes flowers bloom—was already alive within you, waiting to be felt? In this special solstice retreat, we’ll explore exactly that: the radiant, living energy that Hildegard of Bingen called viriditas—the greening power of God alive in all things. Together, we’ll enter a space of wonder, exploring where body, spirit, and creation meet.
The retreat will begin with a grounding meditation, followed by a brief reading and contemplative reflection. From there, we’ll move into a guided Joyflow practice and a simple creative exercise, with space for small and large group dialogue woven throughout. Through each step, you’ll be invited to experience the sacred not just as an idea, but as something embodied—felt, lived, and expressed through you.
Facilitator Sarah Joy Gaines is the founder of Joyflow®, an all-levels mindful movement method for stress relief and self expression. With a Master's in Women, Gender, Spirituality & Social Justice, Sarah offers movement as a tool to reclaim the innate power and wisdom of the body. In 2024, she was the Joan Chittister writer-in-residence at Mount St. Benedict Monastery.
This Monasteries of the Heart Zoom retreat is Friday, June 12, 10am - 1pm ET
Registration cost is $45; scholarships available.
Recording available to registrants afterward.
Monasteries of the Heart online monastery is a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie.
