Upcoming Classes and Retreats:
A Book Study on “The Soul Without Shame: A Guide to Liberating Yourself from the Judge Within
Eight Week Series focusing on:
- Discovering the ways the inner critic is our greatest barrier to spiritual growth and development.
- Understanding how this inner voice of criticism or praise attacks, compares and berates us for not meeting certain standards.
- Practicing strategies for self-compassion and dis-engagement from the shame/inner critic cycle.
Coming in September 2024
Fee: $175.00
Contact me for questions and registration at: sherylstowman@gmail.com
Rev. Sheryl Lyndes Stowman, B.A. Theater Arts, Master of Divinity/UCC Minister, A.C.P.E. certified Clinical Pastoral Educator, Spiritual Direction Certification, Ordained Teacher of the Ridhwan School/Diamond Approach
SAND, SYMBOL AND SOURCE
A Soul Exploration
We can come toward our own souls with a curious adventurousness, much like we would if we were traveling in a new country or solving a mystery. What’s here? What haven’t I noticed before? How am I feeling my heart’s desire or sensing my gut instincts as I travel here. What don’t I understand yet?
In this retreat, we will take the time for a deeper exploration of your soul, in order to come into contact with what is present and unfolding. The methods we will use invite attunement to your inner experience, as you understand more about what blocks or expresses your soul’s aliveness. You may bring a question or challenge, or just a willingness to enter into the adventure of discovery. We call upon the loving Presence of our Source to support us and guide us, in ways that illuminate and open us to the possibilities we are ready for.
We will use contemplative, playful and imaginative methods for our exploration.
- Beginning with meditation we create a space for listening, sensing and becoming aware.
- Through the imaginative method of playing with sand and symbol, you can enter into a time of discovery and experiencing the power of symbol to reveal. The sand is a space where all is welcome and all can be held. Even our fear of entering into a space such as this is invited! We create a no judgement zone, where you can play with objects/symbols in the sand that resonate with questions or intentions you may bring.
- Using inquiry methods, we engage in dialogue within ourselves and with others for further meaning to emerge. Guided interactive exercises will be included.
You do not need any previous experience with these methods and are always invited to participate, as you are comfortable.
Come explore with us in an intentional and kind soul adventure!
Friday, May 31st 7:00-9:00 pm–Saturday, June 1st 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Location: Benedictine Center in Maplewood, MN (Lodging or Commuter options available)
Registration: https://benedictinecenter.secure.retreat.guru/program/2024-05-31-sand-symbol-and-source/
Facilitator: Sheryl Lyndes Stowman, M. Div., she/her, has had a lifelong love of the mysterious and creative Presence we often call the Divine or True Nature. This brought her early in life into the Christian ministry and following a Christian contemplative path. She spent 33 years as a Clinical Pastoral Educator/Chaplain guiding ministers in personal and professional development. This is where she delved deeply into psychological understandings of personality and spiritual development. She also trained in spiritual guidance from an eco-feminist perspective and has practiced as a spiritual director since 1998. Drawn to the wisdom and integration of Diamond Approach 17 years ago, she has been an active student and currently is an ordained teacher-minister in this spiritual path as well.