Lenten Retreat “After the Ecstasy, the Laundry: the Sacredness of Everyday Life” Saturday, March 3rd, 2001

Mary Testin and Gabriel Ashley Ross led the group of approximately 30 people in a very joyous Lenten retreat. Throughout the day, there was time for individual reflection, small group sharing, ritual, and discussion. There were many good discussions and exercises to provide for some thoughtful reflection. I have captured just a couple that stood out for me.

We started off the morning thinking about Lenten images and memories. We then drew these images in a short game of pictionary. Prizes were awarded to the first one to shout the answer. Some of the images were eating fish on Fridays, giving up sweets, no weddings during Lent, and wearing sackcloth. Mary and Gabriel challenged us to look at Lent in a new way and ask ourselves how giving up sweets, for example will make us a better person.

Gabriel discussed the concept of Teshuva (Hebrew for repentance, from shuvah, “to turn”). Each of us is given the chance, again and again to turn toward God and Lent is a good time to look at our lives and make decisions about how we might once again turn toward God, toward self and turn toward others. We took some time for reflection and thought about each of these elements and how we might turn. Ask yourself, “How will I turn toward myself during Lent?” “How will I turn toward others?” “Who are the others and how can I turn toward them?” In thinking about the “other”, we were encouraged to look people who may irritate us, or a boss or co-worker who is difficult to get along with. What can we do to turn toward them?

A few of my answers for turning toward myself and God include: I will be more intentional in my living and my choices; I will take time for reflection and journaling; I will get up and move and stretch; I will listen more; and I will lighten up. Someone in my group said that they would turn away from self-criticism.

After lunch, we took an inventory of our homes, listing old things, unique things, objects we use everyday, and things we use on special occasions, etc. We answered the question, “If our house burned down tonight (and everyone was safe) what would we miss the most?” And from this list we chose two objects to use in a reflection. We looked at the concept that our home and the objects that we choose are a reflection about us and tell a story about who we are. Using the two chosen objects, we reflected on the questions: How is this object like you? What qualities does it have that you wish you possessed? If this object could speak, what would it say to you? In what ways are you grateful for this object? What has this object taught you about yourself?”

We shared a poem from Rumi:

This being human is a guesthouse. Every morning is a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all. Even if they are a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture. Still, treat each guest honorably, as they may be clearing you out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.

Vickie Hepler has been involved with the Sister Parish group since its inception in 1993 and traveled with the first delegation to visit TNII in the spring of 95. She joined the SJA choir in 98 and has enjoyed two years of bringing song and music to her heart. Vickie also cherishes her involvement in a SCC that's about four years old.

At the close of the day, we each shared a thought or idea that we liked about the retreat and we shared a gift with our neighbor.