Upcoming events
Sacred Encounters
Listening to the mountains, and the more-than-human that call Mountain Light home, encourages awareness of our indebtedness to Earth for sustaining our lives. In this meditative gathering, we respond to the offering of a country afternoon spent in a wander on the property, strengthening our connections to all. Join Brother Thomas Kildare, Anam Cara Fellowship, and Debbie Scott, eco spiritual director and Wild Guide, for this gathering. All are welcome! For questions or to RSVP, contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Paint + Sip: "Streamside Serenity"
Join Blue Ridge Brushes at the Retreat to learn how to paint the “Streamside Serenity” design in a step by step format, no experience necessary! Your ticket includes an 11×14 canvas and acrylic paint. Each class is taught by a professional artist who will guide you through various techniques at a comfortable pace.
Snacks and nonalcoholic beverages provided. Come a bit early and view the historic grounds and church.
To register, go to www.blueridgebrushes.com. Cost per painter is $36.
One ticket per painter. Beverage NOT included in price. Paint is permanent so dress accordingly. Refunds available up until the time of the class, but not after. Class will be cancelled if there are less than 6 sign ups. In the case of potential cancellation customers will be informed via email the day before. If class is cancelled customers will be notified via email and text and be fully refunded.
New Moon Labyrinth Walk
Walking the outdoor labyrinth on the night of a new moon is an unfolding experience, that begins with contemplating the intention of one’s walk, and then unfolds in the walk and in the peace of contemplating what has been received in the walk. Described as “walking prayer” and as “moving meditation,” all are invited to this group walk led my Veriditas-trained labyrinth facilitator Mary Ann Wamhoff. Rain cancels.
RSVP to Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Charlottesville Area Spiritual Companions
Spiritual Companions/Directors, both active /inactive, and those considering a call to this ministry, are welcome to attend a day retreat to enjoy a time of inspiration, fellowship, and relaxation. The day begins with a Meet & Greet, with morning refreshments. Our special guest speaker is Valerie Luna Serrells, Co-Founder & Director of Wild Church Network and an eco spiritual director. Lunch provides a time for sharing, followed by quiet time for walking the labyrinth, rest, and reflection. The event is hosted by the CASC committee, Kathy Doby, Liz Emry, Debbie Scott, and Karen Skidmore. For more information or to register, please contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Contemplative Prayer Beads Day Retreat
Prayer beads are treasured in many faiths for daily spiritual practice, and are often passed down as family heirlooms. Join Deacon Salli Hartman as she leads a contemplative way of exploring our intention in praying with the beads, of creating our own prayer beads using the Episcopal tradition, and praying with them in this retreat. Participants are invited to bring beads or small crosses that they may have from family to recycle into prayer beads. Beads and supplies will be available. Lunch will be provided. The retreat fee is $20.
For questions about the Prayer Beads retreat, contact Salli: sjhinva@gmail.com. RSVP to Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
2nd Annual Women's Fall R&R Experience
This retreat is now private. If you would like to talk with Barb about hosting this kind of retreat for your small group or friends, use her contact information below!
Join a small group of like-minded spiritual-seeking wise women for a nourishing weekend in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Soak in the smells and sounds of nature in the fall. Practice slow, mindful Gentle Yoga. Explore the benefits of meditation. Relax with Yoga Nidre. Experience the magic of a crystal bowl sound bath in the beautiful historic chapel. Gather around an evening fire.
Read - Rest - Relax - Rejuvenate - Renew
For more information or to register, please contact simplyyogacville@gmail.com, or call/text retreat leader Barb Germershausen at 434-760-3669. Check out the website for more about Barb’s offerings: simplyyogacville.com.
Awen: Inspiration from the Ancient Irish Ancestors
In the Celtic tradition, Awen refers to inspiration or divine spark. This weekend retreat aligns with the Celtic Holiday of Samhain (pronounced “sow-wen”), which became popularized as Halloween. In Ireland, wood is gathered, and fires lit to mark the end of harvest and the approach of winter. A time when the veils between the Otherworld is thin, we take a few days to honor our forebears, and offer their stories of wisdom and hope to the next generation.
This retreat will be the perfect moment to turn within and give thanks to the ancestors that brought us life, to forgive any lingering issues, and to connect with our ancient ancestors who can give us renewed strength and courage. This retreat will involve Storytelling from the Irish & British traditions. We will also explore the Divine Feminine in Celtic Spirituality, particularly the many faces of St. Brigit/Bride/Brighid and the Cailleach. We will use meditation, self-inquiry and visualization techniques for personal reflection in a framework based on the open embrace of Celtic Spirituality. All are welcome.
The Awen Retreat is designed and led by Ayn Cates Sullivan, who attended Hollins University and then went on to earn a MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University, a Masters in Spiritual Psychology (USM), as well as a doctorate degree in Anglo-Irish Literature from King’s College London. She combined these degrees to create her “Awen” workshops, which help people develop poetic, creative, intuitive and mystical skillsets. Ayn Cates Sullivan makes an annual pilgrimage to Britain, where she often meets with her mentor, author Caitlin Matthews. Dr. Sullivan has written twenty-four books and has won over sixty literary awards.
Meals and overnight accommodations are available at the retreat. The fees are $333 for residents of the retreat, and $222 for non-residents. To register or for more information, please contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com by October 17.
Aligning Five Levels of Soul
During this week of deep exploration, you will be guided in a sacred movement journey, through Four Worlds and Five Levels of Soul. The Jewish mystical tradition teaches that our souls descend from Source to be clothed in our bodies. Together we will explore these Five Soul Levels, each of which carry a unique gift and experience.
Through guided and exploratory movement, supported by music and creative process, Authentic Movement, embodied prayer and text study, we awaken body heart and soul. By discovering what enlivens and nourishes each Soul Level, a pathway opens to living in clear alignment with your Authentic self and direct experience of your soul’s purpose.
This experience naturally heals us, as the sparks of our souls that are undeveloped, shattered or disconnected, reconnect more fully and form a stronger light vessel. We feel ourselves lighter, more whole and alive, more integrated, and aware of our vital connection with the Divine embodied in us. Our week together will culminate with a joyful Shabbat celebration.
Join us as we gather and are nourished in a sacred rural setting, remembering the sparks of our Souls, bringing ourselves – and perhaps other worlds – back to balance.
No movement or Kabbalah experience is needed.
Come grow the roots of your spiritual aliveness, watered by the wellsprings of your body’s wisdom.
Reb Simona Aronow (BC-DTR, CMA, NCC, BCTMB) is a Dance/Movement therapist, student of Kabbalah, and educator for 45 years. She was empowered by Rabbi Zalman z”l, as Reverend and Sacred Minister, Sacred Movement and Spiritual Embodiment Guide, Morat Torah, Ritualist, and Life Cycle Officiate. Reb Simona has taught the material privately and at retreat centers, including Isabella Freedman, The National Havurah Institute, Gesher Jewish Center, Aleph’s Tikshoret program, and Kallah. In addition, she was on faculty for Aleph’s Embodying Spirit, En-Spiriting Body Program, directed by Rabbi Diane Elliot, and the Laban/Bartenieff Movement Studies Certification Program. As director and faculty for “Embodying the Great Mystery”, a 2-year embodied Kabbalistic learning program, she joins her passion for traditional Jewish learning and love of movement to help others find personal meaning. Her love for movement and somatic healing is inspiring. For more information or to register contact saronow@verizon.net or text 434.282.6863.
Yoga Weekend Retreat
Join Wendy and other healers for a weekend of restoration, peace and fellowship as a community. WE will offer an all levels:
gentle yoga, place a yin offering, a little rocket inspired vinyasa, a yoga nidra, and also
offering 9dbreathwork and a soundbath.
We will eat clean healthy meals with vegan options, and cook our breakfast/brunch together. On Saturday, we will walk the labyrinth that is on site, do some more yoga, and go to Coconut Thai restaurant Sat. night.
Come back and have a lovely soundbath with Lynn.
9dbreathwork offering with Kristy late morning on Sat.
Yoga with the lovely Clair Norman also offered.
This will be a lovely way to invite peace back to yourself before the holidays!
$775 for the weekend include your lovely room all your food all the classes and dinner out.
$100 off early bird if booked by 9/22/25
($350 non refundable deposit balance due by 10/15/25)
Venmo Wendy
@Wendy-Phillips-90
or check
13148 Depot Rd
Hanover Va 23069
e mail with any questions in2ashtanga@yahoo.com
Contemplative Day
Gift yourself a time for refreshment at this day retreat, which begins with some inspirational thoughts, and then leaves you free to read, journal, paint, wander, or simply be. Lunch is provided, and a closing circle invites all to share the blessings of the day. Your RSVP helps for organizing lunch and weather-related change of plans. For more information or to register, please contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator Training
The goal of Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator Training is to prepare people to introduce others to the labyrinth in an articulate, professional and effective way. The training addresses meditative walking in a variety of settings, with a variety of different populations. It is focused primarily on the Eleven Circuit Medieval Labyrinth but is inclusive of all forms.
Walking the labyrinth is being embraced as a spiritual practice throughout the Western world mostly because of Veriditas trained facilitators. The Veriditas Facilitator Training -- which began in 1997 -- remains the most rigorous and comprehensive training offered.
How to know if Facilitator Training is right for you?
Want to deepen your own labyrinth practice?
Want the tools and guidance that will enable you to bring the labyrinth to your community?
Want to connect with a supportive community of Labyrinth Facilitators around the world?
Find yourself heading up a labyrinth program at your church, school, hospital, college etc. and need broad training and/or specific answers?
Considering offering labyrinth walking as part of your healing, counseling, yoga or coaching business and are curious about the business considerations involved?
Love the labyrinth and want to offer workshops of your own? Consider completing Facilitator Training on the path to becoming Certified, Advance Trained and Accredited. Our Veriditas Accredited Presenters are now offering some of our qualifying workshops.
We encourage you to join us!
Please note: prior attendance at a Veriditas qualifying workshop online or in-person is required. The workshop prior to this training considered a qualifying workshop.
Learn more about becoming a Veriditas Trained Facilitator.
Payment plans are available - please select that option when you register.
Lars Howlett is a leading expert in the design and creation of sacred space for walking meditation, centering prayer, personal healing, conflict resolution and community building. Lars is a practitioner of mindfulness and student of sacred geometry since 2003, experimenting with a wide variety of designs, materials, intentions and settings in his personal and professional projects. Lars was a three year apprentice to Robert Ferré, inheriting the tools, techniques, and teaching curriculum of a master builder. Lars is a Veriditas Faculty Member and Certified Advanced Facilitator trained by the Reverend Dr. Lauren Artress at Grace and Chartres Cathedrals. Visit http://www.DiscoverLabyrinths.com
Cosmic Walk on Labyrinth
Cosmic Walk on the labyrinth by candlelight under the full moon
at Mountain Light Retreat, Crozet, Virginia. Enjoy an evening on the labyrinth, complete with s’mores at the firepit.
Free and open to the public
Labyrinth Cosmology: An Ecological Worldview with Lars Howlett and Mary Ann Wamhoff
Join Join Veriditas Faculty Lars Howlett and Accredited Presenter Mary Ann Wamhoff to learn about labyrinths, experience a group walk, and explore how cosmology is meaningful in our lives today. Lars and Mary Ann will share applications and approaches for the labyrinth journey including their stories and provide opportunities for reflection and optional sharing. Lars will discuss how labyrinth designs reflect a personal cosmology and help us discover our role in the unfolding universe (no small feat!). Mary Ann will share the four-fold path of Creation Spirituality and The Work That Reconnects by Joanna Macy. Discover how we can align ourselves with universal principles as earthlings. This also serves as a Qualifying Workshop for the Labyrinth Facilitator Training that takes places over the weekend.
Join Veriditas Faculty Lars Howlett and Accredited Presenter Mary Ann Wamhoff to learn about labyrinths, experience a group walk, and explore how cosmology is meaningful in our lives today. Lars and Mary Ann will share applications and approaches for the labyrinth journey including their stories and provide opportunities for reflection and optional sharing. Lars will discuss how labyrinth designs reflect a personal cosmology and help us discover our role in the unfolding universe (no small feat!). Mary Ann will share the four-fold path of Creation Spirituality and The Work That Reconnects by Joanna Macy. Discover how we can align ourselves with universal principles as earthlings. This also serves as a Qualifying Workshop for the Labyrinth Facilitator Training that takes places over the weekend.
Arrive as early as noon for a BYO picnic before we start. A vegetarian chili is included at the end of the workshop. That evening a free, public Cosmic Walk will be offered under the full moon from 7-8:30pm.
For onsite accommodations visit the Mountain Light Retreat website.and email: info@mountainlightretreatva.com
“We must feel that we are supported by that same process that brought the Earth into being, that power that spun the galaxies into space, that lit the sun and brought the moon into its orbit. […] Those same forces are still present; indeed, we might feel their impact at this time and understand that we are not isolated in the chill of space with the burden of the future upon us and without the aid of any other power.”
-- Thomas Berry, “The Dynamics of the Future,” in The Great Work, 174
Sacred Encounters
Witness the wonder of mountain life in an afternoon gathering at the Retreat. Weather permitting, we will wander outdoors to contemplate with creation. Br. Thomas Kildare, Anam Cara Fellowship, and Debbie Scott, eco spiritual companion and Wild Guide, lead the retreat and encourage finding the sacred in the lives of all. Your RSVP helps us to notify those attending in case of weather-related change of plans. All are welcome!
Full Moon Labyrinth Walk
On the full moon, walking the labyrinth opens a way to experiencing the Holy. With the slow rhythm of drumming, the light of the fireflies, the chirping of forest insects, and the company of the mountains, walkers slow into this contemplative practice. Come early with a picnic to enjoy on the grounds if you wish, and bring your own drum or shaker or use one of ours. The walk will be led by Veriditas-trained labyrinth leader Mary Ann Wamhoff, who will share about this special walk with the full moon. Your RSVP helps us to advise you of any change in plans. For questions or to register, email Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Deep Rest Yoga Retreat
Leave the chaos behind and drop into a day of self-care with guided breathing practices, gentle yoga, meditation and deep relaxation. This is truly an opportunity to unplug and soak up the natural beauty that surrounds us. No prior yoga or meditation experience required.
Your instructor is Barb Germershausen, an experienced practitioner who offers heart-centered practices for body, mind, and spirit.
Bring your lunch, tea and cold refreshments provided. For more information, call or text Barb at 434-760-3669.
Email: simplyyogacville@gmail.com
Website: simplyyogacville.com
Sacred Encounters
Witness the wonder of mountain life in an afternoon of gathering for contemplation, wandering, and reflection. Weather permitting, we will gather under the cherry tree before our wander. Led by Debbie Scott, eco spiritual director and Wild Guide, and Br. Thomas Kildare, Anam Cara Fellowship, we encourage finding the sacred in the lives of all. Please RSVP to Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com so we may prepare for the gathering. All are welcome.
Contemplative Retreat Day
Summertime spirituality means taking time for rest, enjoying fresh vegetables and fruits, and relaxing into your favorite creative pastime. Bring your watercolors, writing journal, knitting, or binoculars for a day of opening to the life of the mountains. We will gather in the stone cottage for a welcome and introduction to the retreat, and then all are welcome to enjoy the morning. A simple lunch is provided, and a closing gathering will give a chance to share the fruits of the day. To RSVP for this event, please contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
The retreat fee of $20 is payable at the time of the retreat. Bring water bottle, bug spray, and sunhat if desired.
Full Moon Walk & s'mores
Enjoy a walk in the full moon light, on our outdoor labyrinth, to the sounds of drums and shakers. Bring your instrument or borrow one of ours to use at this celebration of light. You are invited to bring your favorite s’mores fixings and spend time at the fire pit following the walk. To RSVP for this event, contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com. Rain cancels.
Sacred Encounters
Spend some time grounding at the retreat, not only to rest but also to discover thresholds to wonder. Weather permitting, we begin outside under the shade of the cherry tree, slowing into mountain time. After a welcome and introductions, a wander about the retreat will follow. We will gather to share our thoughts in closing, and then enjoy a social time together. This contemplative eco retreat is led by Br. Thomas Kildare, Anam Cara Fellowship, and Debbie Scott, eco spiritual director. To RSVP for this event, please contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator Training with Lars Howlett
The goal of Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator Training is to prepare people to introduce others to the labyrinth in an articulate, professional and effective way. The training addresses meditative walking in a variety of settings, with a variety of different populations. It is focused primarily on the Eleven Circuit Medieval Labyrinth but is inclusive of all forms.
Walking the labyrinth is being embraced as a spiritual practice throughout the Western world mostly because of Veriditas trained facilitators. The Veriditas Facilitator Training -- which began in 1997 -- remains the most rigorous and comprehensive training offered.
How to know if Facilitator Training is right for you?
Want to deepen your own labyrinth practice?
Want the tools and guidance that will enable you to bring the labyrinth to your community?
Want to connect with a supportive community of Labyrinth Facilitators around the world?
Find yourself heading up a labyrinth program at your church, school, hospital, college etc. and need broad training and/or specific answers?
Considering offering labyrinth walking as part of your healing, counseling, yoga or coaching business and are curious about the business considerations involved?
Love the labyrinth and want to offer workshops of your own? Consider completing Facilitator Training on the path to becoming Certified, Advance Trained and Accredited. Our Veriditas Accredited Presenters are now offering some of our qualifying workshops.
We encourage you to join us!
Please note: prior attendance at a Veriditas qualifying workshop online or in-person is required. The workshop prior to this training considered a qualifying workshop.
Learn more about becoming a Veriditas Trained Facilitator.
Payment plans are available - please select that option when you register.
Lars Howlett is a leading expert in the design and creation of sacred space for walking meditation, centering prayer, personal healing, conflict resolution and community building. Lars is a practitioner of mindfulness and student of sacred geometry since 2003, experimenting with a wide variety of designs, materials, intentions and settings in his personal and professional projects. Lars was a three year apprentice to Robert Ferré, inheriting the tools, techniques, and teaching curriculum of a master builder. Lars is a Veriditas Faculty Member and Certified Advanced Facilitator trained by the Reverend Dr. Lauren Artress at Grace and Chartres Cathedrals. Visit http://www.DiscoverLabyrinths.com
Sacred Encounters
Witness the wonder of mountain life in an afternoon of gathering for contemplation, wandering, and reflection. Led by Debbie Scott, eco spiritual director, and Br. Thomas Kildare, Anam Cara Fellowship, we encourage finding the sacred in the lives of all. Please RSVP to Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com for this event so we may prepare for the gathering. All are welcome!
Paint + Sip
Blue Ridge Brushes offers a Paint + Sip event at the retreat, an inspiring and peaceful location to enjoy painting, camaraderie, and nonalcoholic beverages. Go to Blue Ridge Brushes website to sign up, and bring a friend! Attendees are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the afternoon. https://www.blueridgebrushes.com/eventscalendar/may18
Contemplative Retreat Day
A quiet day for rest or for pursuing your craft, whether that is writing, painting, walking, or gazing at the mountains. We begin with introductions and some inspirational readings in the stone cottage. Lunch will be served at 12:30 pm, and your rsvp reserves your spot. Email Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com, noting your food allergies/preferences. The $20 fee is payable at the retreat.
World Labyrinth Day
Celebrate WLD (World Labyrinth Day) at the retreat by walking our indoor Chartres labyrinth or our outdoor classic labyrinth, or use our finger labyrinth to journey deeper with whatever is on your heart. Walking the labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool. Discover what the labyrinth holds for you. All ages are welcome. As pilgrims across the world walk the labyrinth on this day, many will set an intention of peace for their walk.
Contemplating Liturgy II: Natural Homecoming-Finding Refuge through Buddhist Liturgical Reflection
The primary theme of the retreat series “Contemplating Liturgy” purposefully holds a double meaning, and will be explored in two senses. The first will be contemplation in the sense of deepening our understanding of the meaning and use of our traditional liturgical texts and practices—thinking about what the liturgy means, both historically and subjectively. The second sense will be to use our developed understanding to cultivate spiritual insight through liturgical meditative reflection and silent contemplation. And to finally see the symbiotic relation between these two modes of liturgical contemplation.
This retreat is the second in a series of events focusing on inter-religious liturgical spiritualities, and will be co-led by Buddhist practitioners from two distinct traditions—the Theravada and Vajrayana paths. While the previous retreat was focused on taking refuge in the Buddha and the Guru, this retreat’s theme will be contemplative engagement with the remaining refuges of Buddhist spirituality: the Dharma (reality) and the Sangha (community) through the perspective of the two different Buddhist traditions. This retreat—as with all DCLC programing—is not limited by or restricted to any specific religious affiliation or faith tradition. All are welcome in open exploration of spiritual life and being.
“Natural Homecoming—Finding Refuge Through Buddhist Liturgical Reflection” will be guided by: § Lama Konchog Pema—Ordained monastic in the Drikung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism; and frequent teacher at Satchidananda Ashram Yogaville, Buckingham VA.
§ Saccadhārā Todd Brown—MTS, Harvard Divinity School in Buddhist Studies and Comparative Theology; postulant in a dual-lineage tradition of Zen and Theravada Buddhism; and Visiting Resident at Mountain Light Retreat.
While drop-ins and single-day participation are welcome, the benefit of this retreat is in the continuity of practice and participation. It is recommended to attend the retreat in its entirety—whether by commuting or reserving a room at MLR. Simple breakfast and lunch are provided each day. There are no set fees for the retreat or meals, all is offered on a donation basis and relies solely on the spirit of generosity—feel free to attend any or all of the gatherings as your time and budget allows. All financial offerings go to offsetting the costs of the retreat, meals, and residency.
Registration is encouraged, but not required. RSVPs for any meals is appreciated. To register for the retreat, RSVP for meals, or receive the full retreat schedule for drop-in times, please email: info@divyaloka.org. To reserve a room at Mountain Light Retreat for overnight stays, please contact Debbie Scott at debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Sacred Encounters
Note the emergence of new life in Blackwell’s Hollow, and what this new life invites you to ponder. Join Debbie Scott, eco-spiritual companion, and Br. Thomas KIldare, Anam Cara Fellowship, as we engage in a holy wander, looking for how Nature engages us and how we can welcome relationship with Nature and each other. Dress for walking outside! Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Practices for Equanimity: Responses to Change in Our Lives
Join us for a one-day in-person workshop offering valuable PRACTICES—ways to take care of ourselves wherever we are, ways to connect with our Source. If we can keep our balance, then we can share calm with others and create an island of coherence—even in a sea of chaos. But first, we need to manage ourselves. This is an approved Veriditas Qualifying Workshop, but it’s for EVERYBODY. Mary Ann Wamhoff will share the power of the labyrinth, the Four Paths, mindful breathing, and T’ai Chi Chih! If you have artistic or musical projects, you may wish to bring them and your tools. If you plan to stay at Mountain Light, please consider booking your accommodations soon info@mountainlightretreatva.com . It is possible to add a day or so before or after the retreat—or both! Spring is a very beautiful and popular time of year in the Blue Ridge! Taste these non-dogmatic practices, open to any and every tradition—or those with no tradition. Take a Spring Saturday to join us in recentering with equanimity! Feel the difference. Wear comfortable clothing and be ready to be outdoors if possible.
Mary Ann Wamhoff, Veriditas Faculty Member, immersed in the Four Paths, lifelong student of breathwork, Accredited in T’ai Chi Chih, leads this retreat. Contact Mary Ann to register or for questions: cslabyrinth@outlook.com. Cost: $75/ Early Bird Registration $65 until April 1. Lunch is included, but you are welcome to bring your brown bag lunch.
Stations of the Cross
Walking the Stations of the Cross provides a powerful experience of the path Jesus walked on Good Friday. On this day of Holy Week, prints of the original paintings of the Stations of the Cross and the Resurrection by internationally known artist Janet McKenzie will be on display in the church. Between the hours of 10:00 am-1:00 pm, Br. Thomas Kildare will offer meditation on these works of art. In the quiet of this place, you are welcome to sit with the images that speak to your own spiritual journey. For more information about the artist, visit her website: https://www.janetmckenzie.com. To inquire about staying at the retreat during Holy Week for contemplation, contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Contemplative Retreat Day
By request, this retreat is simply a quiet day, with an opening circle in the stone cottage, and then freedom to walk, write, paint, knit, or simply gaze at the mountains. Lunch will be served at 12:30 pm in the dining hall, and then an optional closing circle in the stone cottage at 2:00 pm. RSVP to Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com with your food allergies/food preferences. The $20 fee is payable at the retreat.
Sacred Encounters
Note the emergence of new life in Blackwell’s Hollow, and what this new life invites you to ponder. Join Debbie Scott, eco-spiritual companion, and Br. Thomas KIldare, Anam Cara Fellowship, as we engage in a holy wander, looking for how Nature engages us and how we can welcome relationship with Nature and each other. Dress for walking outside! Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
PRISM Invasive Removal Day
Blue Ridge Prism comes to the retreat to offer a workshop on invasive plant ID and control techniques, which includes an identification walk on the property to spot and ID invasive plants as well as training on the different methods and equipment that can be utilized to manage these plants. Afterwards, volunteers are welcome to stay to work on the property, and encouraged to bring your work gloves and favorite vine clippers. For more information or to register for this event, please contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Welcoming Divine Presence: Embodying the Mishkin through Authentic Movement
We offer the Discipline of Authentic Movement as a Jewish spiritual practice to enter the doorway between the conscious and unconscious. We embody the weekly Torah portion, Pekudei, with the collective support of a sacred circle of movers. The Mishkan is the Holy Space created by the whole community as a place for the Divine to dwell. This image and sacred energy will support the exploration of our awareness of our full humanness—the places that feel holy and those that feel far from holiness. As we deepen into an embodied place of direct intuitive knowing, we open to our knowing and unknowing in our bodies, in our souls, and in our wholeness. All are welcome to join this sacred circle. We practice Authentic Movement with eyes closed in the presence of a compassionate witness. Silence and speech, movement and stillness are all gifts we bring to our deep embodied listening.
This retreat is led by Simona Aronow and Julie Leavitt. Simona Aronow (BC-DMT, CMA, NCC, NCTMB) facilitates movement for self-awareness and transformation. She brings to this work over 45 years of experience as a therapist, teacher, healer and supervisor. She maintains a private practice in Charlottesville, as well as leading both in-person retreats and a virtual monthly Authentic Movement retreat for experienced students. Julie Leavitt (DMin, BC-DMT, LMHC) is a body-centered psychotherapist and spiritual companion. She has taught for 30+ years at Lesley University and practices spiritual direction at Hebrew College, Hebrew Union College, and privately. Simona and Julie have enjoyed co-leading many retreats. Learn more by contacting Simona for the attached retreat flyer, and use the register button below to register. Contact Simona: saronow@verizon.net. Contact Julie: injewel1@gmail.com.
Contemplating Liturgy I: Liturgical Spirituality in Buddhism & Vedanta
This retreat is the inaugural event of the newly formed Divyāloka Contemplative Learning Collective (DCLC), focusing its first year of programing and retreats on contemplative approaches to a diversity of religious and interreligious liturgical spiritualities. The DCLC is a growing community of scholar-practitioners, professed religious, spiritual directors and teachers that share a common engagement with living and fostering contemplative life and practice. Coming from various fields of spiritual knowledge—such as intellectual study in the contemplative humanities and comparative theology, traditional training in established religious orders, or in most cases, a combination of the two—DCLC’s guiding principle is encouraging the experience of “deep learning across religious borders,” with the aim of helping those on the spiritual path to broaden their understanding of the deep resonances echoing through the reality of global religious diversity, while also deepening and enriching their own spiritual life within their own particular tradition or traditions.
“Liturgical Spirituality in Buddhism & Vedanta” will be a co-led, inter-religious retreat. Guided by:
§ Abhyudaya Mandal—PhD candidate, Department of Religious Studies, University of Virginia and practitioner of nondual Hinduism within the Arsha Vidya school of Vedanta.
§ Saccadhārā Todd Brown—MTS, Harvard Divinity School in Buddhist Studies and Comparative Theology, postulant in the Soto Zen school of Buddhism, and Visiting Resident at Mountain Light Retreat.
The primary theme of “Contemplating Liturgy” purposefully holds a double meaning, and will be explored in two senses. The first will be contemplation in the sense of deepening our understanding of the meaning and use of our traditional liturgical texts and practices—thinking about what the liturgy means, both historically and subjectively. The second sense will be to use our developed understanding to cultivate spiritual insight through liturgical meditative reflection and silent contemplation. And to finally see the symbiotic relation between these two modes of liturgical contemplation, and the possibility of the inter-religious practice of Buddhism and Vedanta.
While drop-ins and single-day participation are welcome, the benefit of this retreat is in the continuity of practice and participation. It is recommended to attend the retreat in its entirety—whether by commuting or reserving a room at MLR. Simple breakfast and lunch are provided each day. There are no set fees for the retreat or meals, all is offered on a donation basis and relies solely on the spirit of generosity—feel free to attend any or all of the gatherings as your time and budget allows. All financial offerings go to offsetting the costs of the retreat, meals, and residency.
Registration is encouraged, but not required. RSVP for any meals is appreciated. To register for the retreat, RSVP for meals, or receive the full retreat schedule for drop-in times, please email: todd.mountainlight@gmail.com. To reserve a room at Mountain Light Retreat for overnight stays, please contact Debbie Scott at debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.
Write Time
The retreat will be open for writers who wish to experience the still mountain beauty as inspiration for both composing and sketching. Bring your own materials, find a place to settle in for your creative time, and then choose whether to join the gathering for a simple lunch of soup and sandwiches. A group share at the end of the retreat day is also optional. The retreat will be organized by Debbie Scott, and your RSVP is appreciated. Please contact Debbie at Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com. The fee, including lunch, is $20.
Sacred Encounters
As Earth prepares to spring forth, what has the season of winter encouraged us to consider, and how are we preparing for what is next? Join Debbie Scott, eco spiritual director and Br. Thomas Kildare, Anam Cara Fellowship, as we engage in a holy wander at Mountain Light, looking for what shimmers in Nature, and how that touches our inner landscape. We will gather at the stone cottage before our wander, and then return there for discussion and a time of refreshment. Please RSVP to Debbie at Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com so you may be advised of any changes due to weather. All are welcome!
VESSEL
VESSEL is a devotional dance journey grounded in intent, somatics and an inspired DJ Set. In this ritual healing, we listen deeply and omit nothing - the mess, the confusion, the heartbreak, the controlling thoughts - all of it becomes fuel for the dance. Held by the beat, igniting our inner landscape of heart and soul to journey into a wide range of human experience through breath + movement. We surrender all that is in our way so that we may remember our brilliance, our essence and our purpose, honoring the vessels that we are in.
There is an optional hour available following the movement journey to enjoy each other’s company while having a meal together.
Samantha Lane leads this retreat, and registration may be accessed below.
Additional details will be arriving prior to the event.
Sacred Encounters
Our encounters with the retreat landscape speak to us differently in each season. Join Debbie Scott and Br. Thomas Kildare for a winter wander (weather permitting) and discover how nature speaks in this season. We will gather in the stone cottage before and after our wander, and enjoy savoring both the encounters with the wild and the reflections we share with each other. Refreshments will be served following the wander. We will reschedule if weather does not permit our gathering.
Please RSVP to Debbie at Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com so you may receive notice of any changes.
VESSEL: A Devotional DanceJourney
This season we will have 2 opportunities for spacious deep dives into our inner landscapes of heart and soul - to journey into a wide range of human experience through breath + movement + rhythm. VESSEL is a devotional dance journey grounded in intent, somatics, and an inspired DJ Set. In this ritual healing, we leave nothing out - the mess, the confusion, the heartbreak and breakthroughs, all of it becomes fuel for the dance.
Following our dance, we will create a comfortable resting nest for a luxurious restorative integration. Surrounded and supported by your favorite cozy props, you will have the opportunity to practice compassionate healing through guided, conscious rest. We’ll complete the day with a meal (brought from home) together.
These two classes are open for all and space is limited. Please consider carpooling if you can. I’m so looking forward to returning to the inspiring sanctuary at Mountain Light Retreat Center in a few weeks.
I hope you’ll join us in community effervescence to honor the vessel that you are in.