Uniter Centers for Spiritual Living Annual Retreat at Asilomar

Community Spiritual Leader, United Centers for Spiritual Living
Rev. Ddr. Kathy hearnReverend Dr. Kathy Hearn is the Community Spiritual Leader for the United Centers for Spiritual Living. She is the first to hold this position in a full-time, elected capacity. She has been a practicing Religious Scientist since 1980, ordained by Rev. Terry Cole-Whittaker in 1985 and by the United Church of Religious Science in 1989.

Rev. Dr. Kathy founded Pacific Church of Religious Science in San Diego where she was Senior Minister for 15 years. She has been active in the leadership of
United Church of Religious Science, having held the positions of Vice President and President of United Clergy of Religious Science and Vice Chair of the International Board of Trustees. Dr. Kathy is the former director of Holmes Institute-San Diego Regional Center, and is an instructor in the Holmes Institute Graduate School of Consciousness Studies.

Wayne Muller, founder of Bread for the Journey, is an ordained minister, a therapist, and an author. A graduate of Harvard Divinity School, he has spent the last twenty-five years working closely with some of the most disadvantaged members of society. He is the founder of the Institute for Engaged Spirituality, a Senior Scholar with the Fetzer Institute, and Extended Faculty of the Institute of Noetic Sciences.

Wayne Muller is the author of the national bestseller Legacy of the Heart: The Spiritual Advantages of a Painful Childhood, (Simon and Schuster). His following two books are: How, Then, Shall We Live? Four Simple Questions That Revealing the Beauty and Meaning of Our Lives and Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal and Delight in our Busy Lives (Random House). His latest book is called Learning to Pray: How We Find Heaven on Earth (Random House).

On my first visit to Asilomar, I tried to experience everything, even though I had been warned ahead of time to pace myself. (This is not a week of silence, contemplation or meditation. If you want that, you should plan a different retreat.)

Asilomar is all about inspiration, energy, and fellowship, making new friends and growing in spirituality. You could think of it as a huge family reunion with all of your favorite cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

Mornings start early with the options of chigong, meditation, walks on the beach, or you could just sleep in. Officially, the day starts with the General Session, which includes great musicians, singing, more meditation, and a morning message from one the featured speakers.

Next comes workshops! And I mean workshops on more topics than you can imagine. It would be impossible to attend each and every workshop since there are multiple offerings during the same time slots.

The food is marvelous! I am gluten intolerant , and the chefs were able to prepare meals for me that were wonderful, and safe, too.

The setting is very rustic and park-like, with walking trails everywhere on the grounds and down to the beach. Many of the paths are paved to make it easier for those managing a wheelchair. And, the deer are tame, and wander the grounds as honored guests, frequently making an appearance at meal times.

Expect to be filled up with spiritual energy, to the point of overflowing. Personally, I was still absorbing my experience 6 months later. I may have just underestimated that, as I just published a book review that was directly related to my experience at Asilomar, last year!

Afternoons present just as many workshop opportunities as the mornings!
So, please,

Pace Yourself!

The evening sessions are the very best! If you do nothing else, go to the evening sessions! The speakers are 1st rate, and the music will have you dancing! Last year we had a surprise guest. Dr. Wayne Dyer graced our evening session, as he was filming his new movie: "Ambition to Meaning" on the grounds at Asilomar! That was a real treat!

As you can tell, the Asilomar experience can be overwhelming. Don't try to do everything! Take some time throughout your stay to assimilate the lessons. Enjoy the park, the beach and the company of friend.

Whatever you choose to do at Asilomar, be sure to find me there. I'll be the one with the hug that has your name on it!

Namaste

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