… an invitation

Dear friend,

 We believe the God within us desires to do something new on earth and yearns for a world where all can thrive. For this to occur, it may be helpful to begin by addressing our tendencies to control, fix, or accumulate. However, are we ready to let go of familiar routines and face the internal and external resistance that will surface during such an attempt? Who among us is willing to bear the birthing pains of this emerging opportunity? We believe that in our increasingly polarized world of income inequality and structural disparity, for the whole to flourish, collective imagination and energy must be redirected into an awakened involvement in practical systemic change.

 To this end, we would like to extend an invitation to become involved in a community-building, justice-birthing transformation process where silence, shadow work, service, and whole person wellness intersect within a diverse community that shares restorative practices. The intention would be to organize our particular gifts and expertise into a collective activity that would benefit each other as well as the world at large.

 We believe this shared experience would challenge us to courageously recognize our interconnectedness. We believe we are at a juncture where an intentional paradigm shift is not just in order, but one that our survival is dependent on. Is it not time to convene gatherings that reexamine the values, beliefs, and systems that govern the way we think and act?

 Because of its priority on relationship, Shadowbrook Retreat-Sanctuary attempts to create transformative rather than transactional experiences. This becomes more likely to occur if the spiritual practices offered don’t mask or avoid unresolved emotional, psychological and social issues.

 We have experienced how all benefit when direction and inspiration is provided by a framework that lays out a vision of who we are, where we came from, where we’re at currently, where things can go, and what we could now do. A new future becomes clear when small gatherings of those who resist participation in race, sex, and class oppression work to strengthen ties with those lacking in material access. We know that it is here that the conditions to be liberated into greater possibility can be ripened. If you are looking to participate in an action-oriented contemplative community that supports an ongoing awakening and implementation process, consider contacting us for a visit and dialogue.

 Sincerely,

Duane & Ginny Drotar (216) 280-2100