Restoring the Spirit: Maintaining Strength and Hope as Environmental Activists

“Restoring the Spirit” is a one-day retreat for those engaged in the work of environmental activism for a day of renewal and support.

In this time of ecological and human crises, the work of environmental activists and advocates is essential and life-giving. For some, it is a calling that comes from deep within the heart and spirit to work with others for the good of all creation.

However, as environmental activists know so well, this critical work can also be frustrating, anxiety and/or anger-producing, and can drain the spirit and harden the heart. The intensity of the work of activists often feels like "3 steps forward and 2 (or even 4) steps back." Some simply “burn out.”

The “Restoring the Spirit” retreat will offer: messages of hope, time in guided contemplation to reconnect with the earth we are pledged to protect, tools that can sustain us after the retreat, as well as the opportunity to continue this support in the future in small groups. There will be opportunities to share what is going on in our inner lives, our hearts, and spirits; listen to one another in supportive ways, and leave refreshed and ready to continue this critical work.

Join us for “Restoring the Spirit” because we need to take care of ourselves, care for our inner lives, and explore ways to maintainand sustain our strength and resiliency. Following Mother Nature's rhythms can help us see that loss isn't failure - in fact, it can often become fertile soil–the catalyst for something to grow. It makes room for something we may never have imagined without it.

This retreat will take place from 9AM - 5:30PM on October 26, 2024 at the Spiritual Life Center on the campus of Hartford International University. The address is 76 Sherman Street. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

“Restoring the Spirit” is presented in collaboration with HIU’s Center for Transformative Spirituality and supported by the generous contribution from the Robertson Spirituality Series.

Presenters include:

Dr. Lisa E. Dahill, Miriam Therese Winter Professor of Transformative Leadership and Spirituality and Director of the Center for Transformative Spirituality at HIU.

Justin Ferko, a Certified Relational Nature and Forest Therapy Guide (ANFT), professional chaplain, and interspiritual companion.

Simon Ruth DeVoil, an ordained interfaith/spiritual minister, trained to be a sacred presence outside the conventions of traditional religion.

Joe Krans, Executive Director, Genesis Spirituality Center, SecularFranciscan, Spiritual Companion and Supervisor.

Amy Blaymore Paterson Executive Director of the Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC)

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