Tools for the Journey
St. Andrew’s Cathedral hosts clinical psychologist Dr. John Allin for the next iteration of its ‘Journey Series’ retreats
St. Andrew’s Cathedral’s Journey Series of retreats has welcomed to downtown Jackson such luminaries as Dr. Beth-Sarah Wright and Mark Nepo. In May, the Cathedral offers the opportunity for growth through reflection and storytelling with clinical psychologist Dr. John Allin.
The retreat, which is open to all who are interested, will take place on May 11th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Registration is $50 and includes lunch. Registration is at standrews.ms/journeyseries. Those needing assistance registering should call St. Andrews at 601.354.1535.
In his writing, the Celtic poet, John O’Donohue, warns us that “While we seem to have progressed to become experts in so many things—multiplying and acquiring stuff we neither need nor truly want—we have unlearned the grace of presence and belonging.” He goes on to advise, “With the demise of religion, many people are left stranded in a chasm of emptiness and doubt; without rituals to recognize, celebrate, or negotiate the vital thresholds of people’s lives. The key crossings pass by, undistinguished from the mundane, everyday rituals of life… If we approach our decisive thresholds with reverence and attention, the crossing will bring us more than we could ever have hoped for.” (To Bless the Space Between Us, O’Donohue, 2008).
This notion of approaching decisive thresholds with reverence and attention is the theme of the upcoming Journey Series session. Tools for the Journey: Expanding Awareness through Meditation and Mottos will present five essential messages, based on Allin’s professional musings about healthy and purposeful living, accompanied by compelling stories, participants’ reflections, and intermittent meditations, music, and silence. Storytellers include: Dr. Dan Woodliff, Dr. Bob Blacklock, Dr. Keith Mansel, and Rev. Buddy Stallings. Bring a journal and pen.
Join St. Andrew’s for this day of retreat and refreshment to learn how a simple motto can prompt an expanded awareness for everyday thresholds.