Speaker
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Jo Ann BourquardJoAnn Bourquard is a seasoned spiritual director who believes that spiritual companioning is a means of healing the soul and, ultimately, the world. She holds the belief that “an unreflected life is not worth living” and that sharing our life story with one who is trained to listen deeply is a path toward personal growth and connection with the Divine.
JoAnn is a retreat director and workshop facilitator. She has a particular interest in journaling and using literature as a means of awakening the soul. With a Master’s Degree in Spirituality and a certificate in Women’s Leadership, JoAnn is a Supervisor to those in formation to become spiritual directors and trains other supervisors. She especially connects with nature as a way into deeper contemplation and joy. She is also experienced in teaching the Enneagram.
JoAnn presents a range of programs throughout the Northeast and is involved in the spiritual discernment process with individuals and groups in transition. She accompanies people of all faiths, including those seeking but not identifying with a particular tradition. She has accompanied men and women with serious illnesses, those who are dying, and people dealing with grief and loss of all types.
Poetry Retreat Day
Are you feeling the need to pray differently? Are looking for new ways to do this? Poems are intense expressions which use unusual combinations of words, images, and metaphors which jolt us out of our everyday experiences. Reading poetry can be a doorway into deeper prayer, a prayer that leaves room for the divine to surprise us. We will gather and explore the words of Mary Oliver, David Whyte, Wendell Berry, Christine Valters Paintner and many others. We will listen to lyrical words, have time on the grounds of Genesis to allow the words to move us, share our impressions and experiences with others, and have time to journal, create in words or images, listen to poetry set to music, or to simply rest.
