Sometimes I think I would be an entirely better person if even a quarter of the time I spend scrolling the news, social media and weather reports was spent sitting quietly with a poem. Our Spring Circle of Trust® this past weekend really brought this home.
At the heart of any circle of trust is taking time with a poem, a story, an image, even a piece of music, that’s meant to evoke deep personal reflection. On Saturday we spent a full hour and a quarter working with May Sarton’s poem “Mud Season,” a poem particularly relevant on a rainy spring morning.
We began by reading the poem slowly, listening quietly as different voices read it aloud. As we continued to sit with Sarton’s words, participants spoke aloud any lines or phrases that resonated or seemed significant to them. A generous time of private, individual reflection followed, where each person could ponder what the poem awoke in them and how they were experiencing spring. We next met in small groups to listen attentively to one another’s thoughts and questions. It was a slow, generous, thought-filled time.
At the close of the circle many of the participants remarked on how deeply this practice with a poem had taken them. They saw things differently; found fresh understanding. One participant, Cathy, said she felt lighter.
I wonder how I might change, if I took more time to let a poem offer new insight and slow my whirring thoughts.
We’re planning another in-person circle in Toronto, in June. More about that in good time.
If you don’t live in the Toronto area, or even if you do, we’re continuing our regular Sunday morning circles (micro retreats) online. Our next one is Wonder, on Sunday May 5. We follow the same guidelines and format in a shorter time frame.
And we know lots of people are hesitant to participate in an online offering, but listen to what Monique from Albuquerque, New Mexico has to say:
So, yes, our online offerings offer the same opportunity to stop, refresh yourself and nourish your spirit as an in person circle. Monique goes on to say:
Wonder: an online Circle of Trust®
Sunday May 5, 10:30 am – 11:45 am
Wonder:
It’s a way to come to life that reveals possibilities.
It opens us to beauty and wisdom in everyday objects and encounters.
It helps us find fresh perspective and understanding in troubling situations.
Wonder can renew the spirit.
During this online micro retreat we’ll ponder:
Pay What You Can
Register here.
retreats@insideoutsideretreatcentre.com
We are settlers on Treaty 13 Land, the traditional territories of many Indigenous Nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples, and home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples from across Turtle Island. We are committed to honouring the history this land bears witness to, responding to the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and walking lightly on the Earth. A portion of proceeds from all our offerings are sent to: The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and The Nii’kinaaganaa Foundation.
The Inside Outside Retreat Centre, Centre for Social Innovation (CSI), 720 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5S2R4