Seven Sacred Pauses for Life’s Daily Pilgrimage (Online Program Meeting Monthly)

“All it takes is a simple, sacred pause to get us in touch with the One who keeps vigil with us – the holy presence of so many names. Only you can name that which waits for you.” – Macrina Wiederkehr

No matter what spiritual path we follow, we are all pilgrims together on each day’s journey. The details of our daily pilgrimage differ one from another, but we all hope for a good day as we awake and move through the day with whatever joys and challenges await us. In her classic book, Seven Sacred Pauses – Living Mindfully Through the Hours of the Day, Macrina Wiederkehr invites us to embrace the rich tradition of consciously pausing at seven sacred moments of each day so that our daily passage through time is more of a sacred pilgrimage than one long To Do List. She encourages us to stay awake through the day, “Each morning as I look out my window, I want to be awake enough to say, today I will remember to pause.”

You are invited to journey through the hours with spiritual companion and retreat leader, Lorie Conway, as we explore ways to practice pausing that recognize the busyness, clutter, noise, and chaos that are rampant in our culture, while gently encouraging us to be creators of our present moment. Each month will explore a different hour of the day and engage with contemplative spiritual practices that may be well suited for that time. We will use Wiederkehr’s book as a guide to the hours as we engage poetry, music, reflections, and sacred text from an array of spiritual teachers and traditions. Please note, it is not necessary to read the book as it is only one of many resources that will be utilized.

Our monthly topics include:
· September 26th – Introduction to Sacred Pausing
· October 24th – The Awakening Hour – Dawn
· November 21st – The Blessing Hour – Midmorning
· December 12th – The Hour of Illumination – Midday
· January 23rd – The Wisdom Hour – Midafternoon
· February 20th – The Twilight Hour – Evening
· March 20th – The Great Silence – Night
· April 24th – The Night Watch – Midnight Until Dawn

You are welcome to join us for one, many, or all of the 8 monthly sessions. Lorie encourages you to join the first one, if possible, as it lays the groundwork for subsequent months. If you are unable to join the first one, no worries! A handout will be provided to give you foundational information.

DATES: Thursdays – 9/26, 10/24, 11/21, 12/12/24, and 1/23, 2/20, 3/20, 4/24/25

TIME: 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET

COST: $35 per session or $250 for all 8 sessions

REGISTRATION is required; please register here.

CANCELLATION POLICY:  Please read our cancellation policy, here.

LOCATION: ZOOM

IMPORTANT: You will receive an email from lorie@wellforthejourney.org at least 24 hours in advance of the start of your program. If you are unable to find the email, please check your SPAM or JUNK email folders. This email will include details to help you prepare for your program including any pertinent handouts, location information, and the ZOOM link for online programs. Please be sure you have received and read this email a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the start of the program. Thank you!

FACILITATOR: Lorie Conway

FACILITATOR BIO: 
Lorie has a passion for deep listening and accompanying others on their spiritual journeys through spiritual direction, small groups, and retreats. It is Lorie’s ongoing journey of transformation and spiritual discovery that fuels her desire to offer spiritual companioning to others. Lorie’s spirituality is rooted in the Christ tradition and is welcoming of the many paths and unique journeys enfolded within Divine Mystery. Lorie received her certificate in spiritual direction from the Kairos School of Spiritual Formation and holds a M.A. in Religion from Lancaster Theological Seminary and a M.A.S. in Behavioral Management & Human Resources from Johns Hopkins University. Lorie is delighted to serve both on the programming staff at the Well and as a program and retreat facilitator. She is also Director of the Shalem Institute’s Transforming Community: Leading Contemplative Spiritual Groups & Retreats program.