“The beginning of truth is to turn to wonder at things.”
Clement of Alexandria
“To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.”
Mary Oliver
What does it mean to turn to wonder? What is the proper work of paying attention? How might these practices guide our exploration of the questions we are holding about how we live, work and lead?
Turning to Wonder is a Circle of Trust ® Retreat based on the approach to reflective inquiry of sociologist, educator, author and activist, Parker J. Palmer and the Center for Courage & Renewal. Led by highly experienced and skilled facilitators, these Circles are a space for honest dialogue and non-judgmental listening, providing opportunities to learn and practice ways of relating that not only help us to be more present with ourselves and others, but also develop clarity about where we are in our lives.
Your facilitators:
Kirsty McGeoch (PhD, MEd, LLB, B.Com) has a few different hats: engaging with schools to embed the 4Cs - creativity, communication, collaboration, critical reflection - in their teaching and leadership practices through her role with 4C Transformative Learning; working at the University of Sydney in pre-service teacher education; and facilitating courses for women leaders in education with the National Excellence in School Leadership Institute. A common thread is her deep interest in reflective practice, which led her to becoming a Courage & Renewal facilitator. In this role, she derives great joy in offering people the safe and welcoming space to tune into their own wisdom for living and leading well, and loves the insights the natural world can bring to this exploration.
Noela Maletz (M Soc Sc BA Dip Ed) is an educator, psychotherapist and visual artist who also loves to write. More than thirty years ago she joined with others to establish a Waldorf School and then a Social Therapy Centre for people with disabilities, in Adelaide, and worked in both of these places. Most of her current work is in private practice, as a psychotherapist, and in growing Courage & Renewal work in South Australia. She is awed by the possibilities and necessities of a life lived as mindfully, wholeheartedly and as kindly as she can manage and is challenged by remembering her many grandchildren’s birthdays.
Venue:
Turning to Wonder will be held at St Joseph’s Spirituality and Education Centre, 8 Humphreys Rd, Kincumber South. The centre is approximately 1.5 hours by car from both Sydney and Newcastle. For those coming by train, it is a 20-minute taxi ride from Woy Woy station. St Joseph's historic sandstone buildings and expansive grounds are set in bushland right on Kincumber Broadwater, creating a tranquil environment for reflection.
Cost:
Early Bird - $650 (incl. GST) payable by June 28, 2021.
Full fee - $750 (incl. GST) payable by July 23, 2021.
The price includes all materials, nourishing meals and comfortable accommodation in a single-occupancy en-suited room.
Payable to:
Feel welcome to inquire about payment plans.
Cancellations:
We understand that life challenges emerge and changes happen. Cancellations must be made at least two weeks before the program date. The facilitators regret that they may be unable to offer any refund or credit if you cancel within two weeks of the program. If the program is cancelled due to low enrolment or other circumstances, you will receive a full refund. Please note travel costs are solely the responsibility of participant.
“In truth, our aliveness depends on our ability to sustain wonder.”
