Mountain retreat is an opportunity to connect our lives with the presence of the divine through seasons, rituals and patterns of nature.
Indigenous peoples understand the value of this relationship much better than we do in our modern world. Black Elk was a famous holy man, traditional healer, and visionary of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) of the northern Great Plains. He said, “The western person asks of nature to satisfy his desires. The native asks of nature to transform his desires.”
We are all shaped and formed by what we desire. Much of Christianity has become worship at the mall, as James Smith is known to say.
What Black Elk is saying is nature carries within her an imprimatur and presence of the divine way that can teach and shape our desires towards a deeper self-discovery and way to live in the world.
A mountain retreat is to walk and work in nature and with nature to hear the voice of the Spirit speak to us life giving words. We live in a world that domesticates and commodifies everything, including faith. Being outside and in the wilder parts of Britain allows us to reconnect with our native self and rewild our life. Without space for this inner arc of work, the outer work we make in the world becomes staid and uncreative – domestic, or business as usual.
The mountains challenge our fitness in body mind and spirit. At the same time, they nurture our well-being as we reconnect personally and with others. Jesus withdrew to the mountains, and we could do no less to remain connected and rooted.
If you are feeling you need something to reset and renew you in a post-COVID context. Perhaps you might join us as we embody a nature-based approach on this weekend?
- 22-24 April 2022 Booking deadline 31 Jan 2022
- Cost: £99 includes food and accommodation
