Inner Sanctuary

What is it?

In this day and age of too much rushing and over-stimulation, we want to offer a time and place of replenishment for the soul.

Imagine an atmosphere of spaciousness, comfort and nurturing – a sanctuary. It would be a place where people can attend to their own “inner sanctuary” while in the company of others. As people take the time to tend to their spiritual needs, and develop a listening heart, they gradually become transformed by the Spirit. Nourished themselves, they can take this enrichment out to their world.

Welcome to Inner Sanctuary programs and events offered by Catherine Maine, a spiritual director and teacher. Inner Sanctuary events are usually held at the Church of the Good Shepherd in the form of retreats (for example, Wisdom of the Seasons, see details below), workshops and presentations. Find out more about Catherine and her offerings here.

What do we offer you?

Inner Sanctuary programming is designed to help you learn and practice the simple, ancient skills of opening yourself to experience the presence of the Spirit.

We will do this by attuning ourselves to the deep rhythms of the earth (the turning of the seasons), our own bodies and our lives. The actual practices we will focus on are sacred circle dance, walking the labyrinth, quiet contemplation and using the arts for change and growth.

Previous experience or ability in dance are absolutely NOT required. Nor do you have to be an expert on labyrinths or in art. These (and other) spiritual practices are given by the Spirit for all to learn and enjoy.

What is the Wisdom of the Seasons Series?

The Wisdom of the Seasons series is a nourishing monthly women’s retreat offered on a Saturday mornings from September to May. We attune our inner selves to the naturally occurring changes that we see around us. As the seasons change each month so too do our themes. This series, now in its third year, has provided a time of renewal and rest and to over 50 women.

Who can participate?

Wisdom of the Seasons series is open to all women.

What Should I Expect?

Arrive and be welcomed at 9:15 a.m. and settle in the comfortable sitting room by the fire. We begin at 9:30 by focusing on the theme and becoming familiar with the labyrinth. We introduce ourselves and then dance some basic dances in a circle together.

Then there is about an hour of contemplative time to be used as you need to in a relaxed, spacious silence. You can walk the beautiful hand-painted Chartres-style labyrinth (which is imbued with prayers!). Many women walk it while holding and reflecting on a small piece of creation. Bring along something seasonal that speaks to you or choose from the selection of items that we provide for you. You are invited to answer the Questions for Reflection, rest, journal, or look at the wonderful books at hand.

After the hour is done, we come together again, emerging gradually and connecting by dancing together. Herbal tea is served as you pair up with a partner and spend time sharing what the morning has brought to you. We close by reflecting together on our experience in gratitude.

These workshops have been designed as a set of nine; three each for autumn, winter and spring.  If you wish, dress for the occasion, in the suggested seasonal colours, shown in the schedule below.

Wisdom of the Seasons Retreat Details

Location: Church of the Good Shepherd, 116 Queen St. N. (at Margaret), Kitchener. Park in the church lot & enter at the side door near the back of the church.

Time: Saturday mornings from 9:30 – 12:00 (arrive at 9:15 a.m. to register)

The cost is $10 per morning retreat. Preregister as enrolment is limited. For information, or preregistration, contact or (519)742-2478.

Click here for a handy summary of events

Dates	Theme
Saturday, September 24	Harvesting the Bounty Autumn – bright fall palette, brass
Saturday, October 29	Releasing Autumn – deep fall palette, copper
Saturday November 26	Paring Away Autumn – muted fall palette, bronze
Saturday, January 7	Fresh Snow Winter – white, glass
Saturday January 28	Crisp, Clear Air Winter – look sharp, use accent colour
Saturday February 25	Heart-warming Fire Winter – red, gems
Saturday March 31	The Rich Earth Spring – deep earth colours, crystals
Saturday April 28	Fullness of Possibility Spring – pastels, silver
Saturday May 26	Greening Power Spring – green, gold

What do participants say about it?

“I enjoy joining with a group of like minded women to explore and to reflect on my spiritual journey”. SF, Waterloo

“The value lies in the simplicity of how you have designed your event.  I love the realizations I can come to trust within the concise timeframe…The meaning of topic is deep and intuitive.”  CF, Kitchener

“…a time to centre down - to reflect what is happening in my life and how I can meet the challenges.; a time and space for 'bonding' with other women; a time not only to reflect but to inspire me to be the person I want to be.

Your facilitation enables me when walking the labyrinth to have new ideas and insights as well to feel the closeness of our Lord and His angels.” PZ, Kitchener

What is “Sacred Circle Dance”?

Dance is perhaps the most ancient form of celebration and worship on the planet. It is the “sacred movement” or “body prayer” found in all cultures and religions.

Sacred circle dance represents a recent revival of this tradition. Founded in the 1970’s at Findhorn, Scotland by Bernhard Wosien, a ballet master and son of a Lutheran pastor, sacred circle dance draws on all the world’s traditions. Wosien believed that dance had the power to heal and lift up the heart to God. He saw the Spirit at work in Christianity and many spiritual paths and cultures.

Today, sacred circle dance is an international movement. Dance circles and teachers can be found in many countries and major cities around the world.

As the name suggests, the dances are done in a circle. We hold hands, and the circle brings us into community. We see each other and we move together and in the movement of our bodies we enter into the flow of the Spirit. We learn to dance the Spirit into life and into our consciousness.

What we receive from this experience is as individual and unique as the person who dances. Other spiritual practices such as journaling and walking the labyrinth can help us understand and “process” what we learn.

Beginners are welcome and no dance experience is required. Simple dances are chosen and each dance is taught immediately before it is danced. The emphasis is on dancing in community, not on being a perfect dancer. Everyone is invited to listen to their body and modify steps to their comfort level. All left feet are especially welcome!

What is “walking the labyrinth”?

While not as ancient as dance, the form of the labyrinth also goes back thousands of years.

Here’s the one key thing to know: a labyrinth is not a maze! A maze is a puzzle where you have to try to find your way out. There are many false turns and dead ends. But a labyrinth is different: when you enter, the path goes back and forth in a rhythmical way but it always leads you to the centre. That same path leads you back out again – no guessing, no getting lost or frustrated! You just follow the path.

So now maybe you can see how walking a labyrinth is a spiritual practice: it’s about “following the path”, a path that takes you to the centre or “heart” of things – your own heart, the heart of the Divine.

With a labyrinth you don’t have to figure anything out or plan for where you’re going – you let go and just follow the path. This “letting go” enables your journey to become a “walking meditation”. Clear your mind or carry a question, thought or feeling with you, and when you enter the centre – a rose shape that represents the heart of Love – take some time to let the Spirit speak. Then go forth again, back out into the world.

No wonder people the world over have made use of the labyrinth for many centuries now. Their beautiful patterns are carved into the floors of some of the great cathedrals of Europe and today many churches, parks and health care centres in North America and elsewhere have them, too.

The labyrinth we use is a hand-painted canvas labyrinth created in July, 2009 by 18 people.  It is a smaller version of the great labyrinth found at Chartres Cathedral in France. Underneath the deep purple paint, are hand-written hidden prayers contributed by the community and church members. It is easy to walk and located indoors.

 

116 Queen Street North. Kitchener, Ontario N2H 2H7. 519-743-3845.