53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, USA
September 17 - 20, 2026
About this Retreat
Rev. Sharon Seyfarth Garner is a spiritual director, retreat leader, author and United Methodist pastor. She founded Belly of the Whale Spiritual Direction & Retreat Ministries in 2014 and finds great joy in helping fellow seekers nurture spiritual vitality in daily living. Sharon is an award-winning author of two books on contemplative coloring (Praying with Mandalas: A Colorful, Contemplative Practice and Mandalas, Candles & Prayer: A Simply Centered Advent) and anticipates the release of her third book with Upper Room Books in the summer of 2026 (The Jonah Retreat: Still Enough to Know & Bold Enough to Go). Sharon has led spiritual retreats and workshops widely including on the Camino de Santiago in Spain, Spiritual Director’s International Annual Conference, Wild Goose Festival, Weird Church Camp, a school in Liberia and a women’s prison in Cleveland. In addition to her M.Div., she also holds graduate certificates in Spiritual Direction (Ignatian Spirituality Institute, John Carroll University), Diversity Management (Cleveland State University) and Ecumenical Studies (World Council of Churches). Perhaps more importantly; however, Sharon enjoys savoring this wild and wonderful gift of life by getting dirt from the garden under her finger nails, soaking in sacred silence, taking long walks, singing loudly, and seeking the world’s best wood-fired pizza (recommendations welcome!).
Details of this retreat
Take a deep breath and immerse yourself in the practice of sacred silence (guided by Jonah) as we explore creative, prayerful, and playful ways to nurture a life of faith that is both deeply contemplative & socially active.
Each morning we gather for brief reflections on the story of Jonah and prayer practices inspired by his story. Each evening we share vespers together.
Immersed in sacred silence, you will have abundant free time to explore the many prayer resources available (art/craft supplies, playful prayer options, library, and much more) or walk the serene grounds of Genesis.
If you are new to silent retreats, this is a great way to ease into the practice of sacred silence as part of a supportive community.
If you already have experience with the blessing of silent retreats, this gathering offers a wonderful way to deepen your contemplative practice of sacred silence guided by the reluctant, yet relatable prophet Jonah.
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