Join Veriditas Accredited Labyrinth Facilitators Lars Howlett and Mary Ann Wamhoff to learn about labyrinths, experience a group walk, and explore the history and folklore of labyrinths. Lars and Mary Ann will share applications and approaches for walking including their stories and provide opportunities for reflection and optional sharing. Lars will discuss the myths and mystery of Classical Labyrinths in Sweden based on his research and visits to islands in the Baltic Sea. Mary Ann will lead us in practices for unblocking and accessing a fertile creative process.

How were archetypal labyrinths used in Scandinavia? What ways are people walking labyrinths today? When have labyrinths appeared throughout history and why is there a resurgence today? Join us for a day of insight and inspiration as we travel these winding paths together!

While the main workshop (above) is for adults, children are welcome to the afternoon finger labyrinth crafting class and evening full moon labyrinth walk listed below.

Create your own Handheld Finger Labyrinth: 3-5 pm, $50, light dinner provided

This 2-hour workshop will provide you with a simple method and everyday materials for drawing a labyrinth and creating your own handheld design. Practices for labyrinth ‘finger walks’ will be introduced, and you can take your labyrinth home.

Full Day Combined Workshop and Craft Registration: $125 (save $25)

Facilitated Full Moon Labyrinth Walk: 5:30/6 pm, free with RSVP (donations accepted)

Contact: Mary Ann Wamhoff at cslabyrinth@outlook.com to register or with questions

Overnight lodging available, contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.

 Lars Howlett builds, walks, and photographs labyrinths as a practice in mindfulness. He is a Veriditas Faculty Member and Certified Advanced Labyrinth Facilitator having trained with the leader of the labyrinth movement, Lauren Artress, at Grace and Chartres Cathedrals. For three years he was the apprentice to Master Builder Robert Ferré, learning the art of sacred geometry and his methods of creating proportional and precise Classical and Medieval patterns.

In 2015 he launched Discover Labyrinths LLC based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Lars inherited his mentor’s custom tools, labyrinth library, and workshop curriculum. In 2017 Lars was named a Master Builder by contemporaries in his field.

Now leading a new generation in designing and building labyrinths, Lars works hand-in-hand with individuals and institutions. In workshops, writing, and tours, he shares his experiments and experiences. Visit www.DiscoverLabyrinths.com to learn more about his labyrinth work.

Mary Ann Wamhoff Crozet, Virginia

After training with Lauren Artress in Chartres, Mary Ann became a Veriditas Advanced Accredited Labyrinth Facilitator. She has walked labyrinths since at least 1995, has never stopped studying (most recently, Creation Spirituality, Deep Time, and mystics), and is a Reiki Master. She regularly facilitated public walks sponsored by the Labyrinth Resource Group of Santa Fe, and spearheaded and helped build a 48-foot Chartres-style labyrinth. She is presently introducing her new Virginian community to the joys of labyrinth walking! As a Veriditas Council member, she supports facilitators in listening for walkers’ deepest yearnings and is excited about being part of the Veriditas Inclusion Initiative. Coming from a tradition that believes in the unseen, she has both felt and seen the labyrinth's amazing power! Mary Ann embraces labyrinth activism and loves to present workshops about the labyrinth! She’s awfully busy for being retired! Or is she refired?

Create space for yourself and spend time in community at this daylong retreat. Experience the rest, renewal, and connection that a retreat can offer in this beautiful mountain setting.

Retreat Facilitator Christine Gyovai is a professional facilitator and coach in building resilient communities. Christine teaches yoga, meditation, and loves to be outside. Through her work as the Principal of Dialogue + Design Associates and host of Yes! We Rise podcast, she guides civic leaders and community members to envision a more sustainable future and to come together to make that vision a reality.

For more information and to register, visit Christine’s website, yeswerise.org/retreats.

For overnight stay, please contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.

Happy Fall!  We are excited about our upcoming Women's Journey Retreat!

Coming Home is the final stage of the heroine’s journey, where you return home to your Ordinary world a changed person. You will have learned many things, slayed the dragons, and met some helpers along the way. Your community wants and needs what you are bringing back. We will identify our elixir and treasures you return with that represent the growth and wisdom you have learned on your journey. You have reclaimed your original soul essence, and things will clearly never be the same again.

Join us for a day of respite and nourishment for your body, mind and spirit with healthy dining experiences as well as opportunities for movement, creativity, reflection, play and wonder. Our retreats are designed to explore and embrace your role as the storyteller of your life. They are stand-alone retreats – so even if you haven’t come to the others we hope you will consider joining us for this final one in our series!

 Retreat leaders are Lisa Crawford and Kathy Doby. For more information or to register, please contact Lisa at lisa@gracefullliving.com or phone 434-989-0340 or Kathy at ktdoby63@gmail.com or phone 434-960-2848. Cost for this day retreat is $135 and includes a light breakfast and lunch. To hold a retreat space, payment is due at registration. Payment may be made by Venmo to Lisa-Crawford-146 or by check, mailed to Lisa Crawford at Grace Full Living, 1514 Ballard Drive, Crozet, VA. 22932.

Lisa Crawford is the founder of Grace Full Living in Crozet. She is an experienced retreat leader and a spiritual director and served as faculty of Richmond Hill ‘s Spiritual Direction Program, RUAH. She practices Healing Touch energy medicine which uses the body’s life forces to balance, restore, and revitalize our mind, body, and spirit.

Kathy Doby is an experienced retreat leader and spiritual director. She has served as Director of Faith Formation at several Charlottesville congregations. She is an ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church and is using her vow of creativity, energy, intelligence and love in her service and work in the world.

Opening to the awesome beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and experiencing what the land here offers is the opportunity of this afternoon retreat.  Guides Debbie Scott (Franciscan Companion) and Br. Thomas Kildare (Anam Cara Fellowship) offer a Saunter on the property, followed by a time of reflection. Feel centered by the fellowship of nature enthusiasts and our more-than-human neighbors.

 For folks preferring to sit rather than saunter, outdoor seating is provided.  Afternoon refreshments are also provided.  To RSVP, please contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.

Fee for this event is free, donations gratefully accepted.  All ages are welcome.

 Please join us for The Unknown, a retreat designed to explore the most primal aspects of your being. Co-facilitated by Liz Childs Kelly and Samantha Lane, this immersive experience weaves embodiment practices, ancient Sacred Feminine wisdom, dance, communal refuge, and elemental magic. This retreat welcomes all who identify as women.

The retreat experience includes:   

• Facilitated 360 Emergence movement journeys

• Morning meditation and yoga flows

• Deep immersion in nature 

• Ample time for rest

• Nourishing meals

• Community effervescence

Event link here: https://www.afterbefore.live/immersions 

Facilitator Bios:

Liz Childs Kelly

Liz Childs Kelly is an award-winning researcher, educator, and host of the popular Home to Her podcast, and is deeply dedicated to growing awareness of the Sacred Feminine in all aspects of life. She is also the author of Home to Her: Walking the Transformative Path of the Sacred Feminine (Womancraft Publishing), a 2023 Nautilus Gold Award Recipient.

Liz teaches and leads workshops online and across the United States. Her writing has been featured in Forbes, Mashable, Rebelle Society, Human Parts, Braided Way, and in the Girl God Books anthology Just As I Am: Hymns Affirming the Divine Female. An initiated priestess in the 13 Moons lineage, she holds certifications in both Vinyasa and Yin Yoga, and is also a level III certified Reiki practitioner. 

Samantha Lane 

Samantha brings a graceful invitation for healing. Embodying her mission of profound social change and conscious evolution with a quarter century of leadership; she uncovers and revels in the potency of being awake and alive in a body. She is certified in Nia, 5Rhythms, and The 360 Emergence. With training in The Polyvagal Theory and Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness, she empowers self-regulation and magnifies radical loving kindness.  Informed by her own keen awareness of injury and trauma, this Phoenix has guided dance spaces throughout Southern California, Boulder, and at festivals from coast to coast; encouraging a collective brilliance to ascend from the ashes everywhere she goes.  A community builder in her Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia home, she invests in the full range of humans being.

Join us for a revelatory evening featuring Richmond area writers gathering to share their work. We’ll hear poems and snippets of memoir and flash and at the end the audience is invited to join in and collaborate on a poem we make together! This in-person event is free and open to the public.

Featured writers: Catherine Carson, Rosa Castellano, Emily Okamoto-Green, Kristina Hamlett, Lauren Miner, Ty Phelps, April Sopkin, & Nate Waggoner

Presented by The Visual Arts Center of Richmond. For more information, contact Rosa Castellano: castellano.rosa@yahoo.com

Opening to the awesome beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and experiencing what the land here offers is the opportunity of this afternoon retreat.  Guides Debbie Scott (Franciscan Companion) and Br. Thomas Kildare (Anam Cara Fellowship) offer a Saunter on the property, followed by a time of reflection. Feel centered by the fellowship of nature enthusiasts and our more-than-human neighbors.

 For folks preferring to sit rather than saunter, outdoor seating is provided.  Afternoon refreshments are also provided.  To RSVP, please contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.

Fee for this event is free, donations gratefully accepted.  All ages are welcome.

Opening to the awesome beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and experiencing what the land here offers is the opportunity of this afternoon retreat.  Guides Debbie Scott (Franciscan Companion) and Br. Thomas Kildare (Anam Cara Fellowship) offer a Saunter on the property, followed by a time of reflection and some readings to celebrate the arrival of autumn.Feel centered by the fellowship of nature enthusiasts and our more-than-human neighbors.

 For folks preferring to sit rather than saunter, outdoor seating is provided.  Afternoon refreshments are also provided.  To RSVP, please contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.

Fee for this event is free, donations gratefully accepted.  All ages are welcome.

Are you looking for a day of quiet reflection and soul care? Come enjoy time in solitude or in quiet fellowship with other companions in a place of beauty and peace. We will begin our time at 10 am in the church sharing a reading and some silence together. You are welcome to spend the rest of your day as you like. Bring whatever you need to make it a meaningful day for you. A simple lunch will be provided at noon, or you may bring your own. Spiritual companioning is available on request. Reserve your space by emailing Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com. Retreat leader is Kathy Doby, area spiritual companion and contemplative retreat leader. Event fee is $20 and may be paid on arrival.

Let the mountain muses speak to you at this day retreat for writers and sketchers who seek a supportive sanctuary for their craft. Come early at 9:30 for coffee, pastry, and introductions. We begin our creative time at 10, breaking for lunch (provided, with vegetarian options) at 12:30, if desired. Then we will gather at 2:00 to share the gifts of the day. Bring the tools of your craft, and come to the stone cottage for the start of the day. To register, email Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com. Your $20 fee is payable at the event.

One of the gifts of grand parenting is presence and taking delight in our grandchildren. We will gather on Grandparents Day to share how we come alongside our grandchildren on a journey of awakening, listening, and wondering together. There will also be time to explore the beauty of Mountain Light, and make ‘n take stations will be set up to give joyful ways to cultivate curiosity, creativity, and meaningful conversations with your dear ones. Your $10 donation will help to defray costs for this gathering. Event is led by Kathy Doby, area spiritual companion and contemplative retreat leader. To reserve your space, please email Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.

This retreat is offered for the Charlottesville Area Spiritual Companions (CASC), and is open to all local spiritual companions/directors who have interest in learning more about CASC as well as the spiritual practice of Terra Divina.

In our outdoor retreat time, we will experience the practice of Terra Divina, immersing ourselves in the rhythms of the natural world through presence and contemplation. Similar to Lectio Divina and Visio Divina, but using the sacred text of nature, Terra Divina connects us with a contemplative experience of Presence.  After our “Holy Saunter” of solo wandering, we will have a time of reflection and prayer that arise from our experiences. 

 Following our spiritual exercise, Debbie Scott will lead a short discussion of the questions and observations from an ecological stance that would be relevant to spiritual companions/directors leading others in this practice.

 A spiritual practice of Holy Saunter fosters a sense of the wonder in creation and arouses our curiosity about our kinship with all that is.  From this stance of respect and awe, we open to Earth’s teaching and wisdom.  Our relationship shifts from the view of Earth as resource to Earth in relationship, knowing us and seeking to communicate with us.

 Practical Notes:  Terra Divina may be practiced as a seated activity as well as a wander, so the screen porch is a great location for those who have mobility concerns.  For walkers, please bring appropriate outdoor footwear, hat, and bug spray if desired.  Walking in light rain can also be a lovely experience if one is prepared with rain gear!

Lunch with vegetarian options is included, so please RSVP to Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com if you would like to attend.

 Debbie Scott is on the leadership team of the CASC and is currently finishing studies in the Church of the Wild eco spiritual direction program offered by Victoria Loorz through the Seminary of the Wild.

Ursula Goadhouse offers a supportive, creative, deep experience to rejuvenate the mind, heart, and body in this Saturday day retreat. This unique experience will include healing hypnotic visualization, breath work, creative expression and movement, all for inner exploration and healing. Rejuvenation with Self-Love is the retreat theme, intended for all genders. Early bird registration fee by July 20 is $155, and after July 20 is $175. For more information or to register, email Ursula@lovehealcreatehypnosis.com.

Monastic traditions vary widely in their practices, prayer life, and precepts, but they do share some consistent and universal elements. Their communities are often located in the peaceful and serene surroundings of the natural world, where those living life in the fullness of their faith can commune with the sacred through the beauty and stillness found outside of the movements and bustle of urban environments. And while the rhythms of their daily routines can be quite different from tradition to tradition, the monastic life is defined by the habituation of periods of prayer and meditation throughout the course of the day—especially emphasizing the beginning and ending of their days in gathering for group practice and liturgy.

This retreat is offered by Saccadharo Todd Brown, visiting resident of Mountain Light Retreat. Inspired by monastic spirituality and interreligious theological approaches, Todd will lead meditation and liturgical chanting sessions within the beauty and natural surroundings of the Mountain Light Retreat chapel—helping us all to ground ourselves in contemplative living, to further habituate a daily spiritual practice for ourselves, and to carry a continued sense of presence and prayer as we move through our daily lives—to live life fully.

The chants will include formal sitting and walking meditation sessions, morning and evening chanting liturgies, and simple breakfast, lunch and tea offerings with discussion and instruction in the dining hall. The structure of and instruction during the gatherings are rooted in the Buddhist tradition, but are not limited to any specific religious affiliation and may integrate the teachings of other contemplative traditions as well. All are welcome and encouraged to participate.

There is also the option of making this a time of personal retreat, to use the chapel and the grounds for reflection, relaxation, prayer and meditation throughout the day between the formal gatherings. To reserve a room at the retreat, contact Debbie Scott at Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com. For air conditioned rooms, first come, first served.

There is no fee or registration for this retreat, but we do ask that you RSVP for any meals you plan to join. Donations are accepted and appreciated. All financial offerings go solely to offsetting the costs of the retreat and residency. Feel free to attend any or all of the gatherings as your time allows. For questions or to RSVP for meals, please contact todd.mountainlight@gmail.com.

Full Retreat Schedule

Sunday, August 4: 7-8:30 pm Meditation and evening chanting; 8:30-9 pm Tea

Monday and Tuesday, August 5-6: 5-6 am Meditation; 7-8 am Meditation and morning chanting; 8:30 am Simple breakfast (coffee/tea, yogurt, fruit); 11:30 am Meditation; Noon—Simple Lunch (coffee/tea, lentils and rice); 7-8:30 pm Meditation and evening chanting; 8:30-9 pm Tea

Wednesday, August 7: 7-8:30 am Meditation and morning chanting; 8:30 am Simple Breakfast

Hit the Heat: Obstacle Alert

On our heroine’s journey of growth and learning we are confronted with challenges that can test our character in a variety of ways. Obstacles are thrown across your path; whether they be physical hurdles, people who test our progress, or an aspect of our personality that does not want us to move forward. Our skills and powers will be tested to the maximum, and we might feel like giving up. Yet every obstacle that we face helps us gain a deeper insight into the strength of our character.

In this day retreat we will reflect on the obstacles that often keep us at battle with ourselves as well as the treasures to be found that help us find wholeness. We will explore our shadow, journal and discuss, walk the labyrinth and use our creative imagination to explore our obstacles with compassion. We strive to offer a safe space for those who wish to participate in discussion; however, sharing is optional, and you are always free to decide what is comfortable for you.

Retreat facilitators are Lisa Crawford and Kathy Doby. Lisa Crawford is the founder of Grace Full Living in Crozet. She is an experienced retreat leader and a spiritual director, and served as faculty for the RUAH Spiritual Direction Program at Richmond Hill. She practices Healing Touch energy medicine which uses the body’s life force to balance, restore, and revitalize our mind, body and spirit. Kathy Doby is an experienced retreat leader and spiritual director. She has served as Director of Faith Formation at several Charlottesville congregations. She is an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church and using her vow of creativity, energy, intelligence and love in her service and work in the world.

The cost for this retreat, including lunch, is $135. To hold a space for the retreat, payment is due upon registration. Payment by Venmo or check. Venmo@Lisa-Crawford-146. Or mail check to Lisa Crawford, Grace Full Living, 1514 Ballard Drive, Crozet VA. 22932. For more information, contact Lisa Crawford at 434-989-0340 or lisa@gracefullliving.com; Kathy Doby, 434-960-2848 or ktdoby63@gmail.com.

A drum circle is its own kind of “liturgy.” We gather in a circle, one starts a rhythm, and all are invited to listen and play their “part” as the Spirit leads. There are no wrong notes in a drum circle. The sound is just as it is, and the intention is about inclusion and community. We listen to God who is present within and among us, and we allow the flow and the rhythm to move us.

You may bring your own drum or use one of ours. We will intersperse with silence and poetry for this 45 minute time, and then there will be time for fellowship and reflection. Leaders are Daniel Brinson and the Trinity Episcopal Church drummers.

All are welcome to stay for a simple vegetarian lunch to follow. The Retreat will be open after the Drum Circle for your contemplative time.

For more information or to register, please contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com. Your RSVP helps us prepare for the event.

Our Ritual of Being Retreat offers a safe, trauma-informed sacred space for ritual, embodiment, connection with community, and potent transformation.

This retreat will support you in healing relationships with your body, mind, and spirit and will aid you in aligning more deeply with your heart and your purpose.

We will hold space for you to release all that is no longer for you and work with the fertile energies of summer to call in your dreams and desires.

The retreat is led by Waverly Davis, who leads somatic sound bath (waverlydavis.com/about); Alicia Henry, who leads a mindful tea meditation (aliciahenry.com); and Allie Redshaw, who will guide yin yoga (@allie_redshaw).

We come together to lose ourselves, to find ourselves. Join us to be deeply nourished, to find presence, and a profound sense of connection to yourself and the world around you.

REGISTER

Monastic traditions throughout the world vary widely in their practices, prayer life, and precepts, but they do share some consistent and universal elements historically. Their communities are often located in the peaceful and serene surroundings of the natural world, where those living life in the fullness of their faith can commune with the sacred through the beauty and stillness found outside of the movements and bustle of urban environments. While the rhythms of their daily routines can be quite different from tradition to tradition, the vast majority of monastic communities begin and end their days gathered for group practice and liturgy.

 This retreat is the first of regularly scheduled gatherings offered by Saccadharo Todd Brown, visiting resident of Mountain Light Retreat. Inspired by monastic spirituality and interreligious theological approaches, Todd will facilitate morning and evening meditation and chanting gatherings within the beauty and natural surroundings of the Mountain Light Retreat chapel to begin and end each day—helping us all to carry a continued sense of presence and prayer as we move through our daily lives and activities.

 This first retreat of four gatherings will include formal sitting and walking meditation sessions, and a short chanting liturgy to conclude each gathering. The structure of and instruction during the gatherings are rooted in the Buddhist tradition, but not limited to any specific religious affiliation. All are welcome and encouraged to participate. There will be coffee, tea, and discussion available afterwards in the dining hall for those who wish to join. There is also the option of making this a time for personal retreat, to use the chapel and the grounds for reflection, relaxation, prayer and meditation throughout the day between gatherings. To reserve a room at Mountain Light Retreat for overnight stays during the retreat, please contact Debbie Scott at debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.

 There is no fee for this retreat. Donations are accepted and appreciated. All financial offerings go solely of offsetting the costs of the retreat. Feel free to attend any or all of the gatherings. Please contact Todd at todd.mountainlight@gmail.com with any questions.

 Dates & times for additional meditations: Wednesday, June 26, 7-8:30 am and 7-8:30 pm; Thursday, June 27, 7-8:30 am.

Do you want to learn more about this ancient archetype? Would you like to understand the recommended process of walking to benefit the most from this practice? Are you drawn to moving meditation techniques? What if you aren’t near a physical.land-based labyrinth?

Join Mary Ann Wamhoff to learn about and experience a little of this sacred geometry, the anceient steps for walking and what’s changed, network with like-minded folks over a light supper, and walk a labyrinth to practice what you’ve learned. We’ll meet on the day after the June solstice on the full moon. The cosmos will join our efforts!

Email cslabyrinth@outlook.com to register or for questions.

The fee is $30 for individuals, $25 for groups of 3 or more registering together. Sign up with friends, school chums, neighbors, family, church buddies, work colleagues—anybody!

The Labyrinth Activism Retreat scheduled for this date has been postponed until a later time.

Our House Gathering continues on zoom as we consider John Philip Newell’s book and pray together. This evening program is led by Br.Thomas Kildare, Anam Cara Fellowship, and features sacred readings, contemplative music, and sharing of thoughts on the readings.

To receive the zoom link and program, please email Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com. Bring a candle to light for our opening.

A contemplative House Gathering around John Philip Newell’s book, this event program is created by Br. Thomas Kildare, Anam Cara Fellowship, and takes place either inside or outside at the retreat depending on weather. The program includes sacred readings and time for sharing thoughts about how we relate to creation. Enjoy your own picnic lunch following the House Gathering, or take time to walk the labyrinth. For planning purposes, we appreciate your RSVP to Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.

Join us for a daylong mindfulness, yoga and nature connection retreat. Christine Gyovai will guide mindfulness sessions. Michael Okusa will lead yoga, and Amber Ellis will facilitate a nature connection and journaling session. Show up as you are, experienced or new to meditation and yoga—all are welcome. Suggested donation is $45 - $195; participant proceeds go to the Love No Ego Foundation. Space is limited, and lodging available. Questions? Contact Christine: info@dialogueanddesign.com. See additional details and register at the link: www.yeswerise.org/retreats.

Join our contemplative House Gathering on zoom led by Br. Thomas Kildare. Our program highlights passages from John Philip Newell’s book, as well as sacred readings, meditative music, and silent reflection time. Share prayer time with others also engaged in prayer with and for creation. For the program and zoom link, please contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com. All are welcome!

Our gathering will be led by Br. Thomas Kildare, Anam Cara Fellowship, as we explore the ideas in John Philip Newell’s book that help us to look again at the holiness of creation. Join this contemplative time of reading, listening to chant, and silent meditation at the retreat. The program includes the readings, so need to bring the book. To help us prepare, please RSVP to Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com. We will meet in the Stone Cottage, and you are welcome to bring a lunch to enjoy after the Gathering.

This informal day retreat gives writers, poets, and anyone needing a quiet day a time to explore and try ways of creative expression, to meet others on a similar path, and let the mountain muse speak to you.  What is provided is a morning coffee/tea and a time of greeting each other, followed by quiet time to create.  Lunch together is optional at 12:30 pm, with salad & sandwiches.  A closing circle at 1:30 pm gives a chance to share your writing with others, or to listen and be a supportive audience.  There are multiple spaces at the retreat to write inside or outside, so treat yourself to a day apart from distractions and in the natural beauty of Mountain Light.

 For more information or to register, please contact Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com.

Retreat fee including lunch is $20.

Our House Gathering online is led by Br. Thomas Kildare, Anam Cara Fellowship, in a contemplative hour of Celtic and sacred readings, including a passage from John Philip Newell’s recent book. Email Debbie@mountainlightretreatva.com to receive the program and zoom link. All are welcome to enjoy this time of refelction, prayer, and peace.