5.0
Verified
Sister Miriam Therese Callnan, RSM
Aside from the content of one’s retreat, enjoying the beauty of the grounds and property is a blessing. Thank you for offering such a respite!
Upgrading the Heart: Living Beyond the Egoic Operating System
Upgrading the Heart: Living Beyond the Egoic Operating System
4.9739 reviews
53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, USA
January 30 - February 1, 2026
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Fr. Bill Sheehan is a priest and a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), and has a Masters Degree in Formative Spirituality from Duquesne University. Fr. Sheehan was present at the first Centering Prayer retreat offered by Fr. Thomas Keating, OCSO,at the Lama Foundation in 1993. Since that time, he has led many Centering Prayer workshops and retreats world-wide.
Details of this retreat
Within each of us lie two distinct “operating systems” that shape how we move through the world. Cynthia Bourgeault describes these as the Egoic Operating System—rooted in self-preservation, fear, and separation—and the Operating System of the Heart, which perceives life through connection, compassion, and wholeness.
Join Fr. Bill Sheehan for this weekend program, where we will explore the nature of these two ways of being. Together, we will examine how the egoic system naturally develops and why it often dominates our choices, as well as how the deeper intelligence of the heart offers an alternative path. Through guided reflection, teaching, and shared practice, participants will begin to recognize the subtle yet significant shifts that occur when we move from ego-centered awareness toward heart-centered perception.
The program will offer practical tools for identifying when we are caught in egoic patterns and how we can consciously “upgrade” to the spaciousness and freedom of the heart’s wisdom. Ultimately, this gathering provides both teaching and practice for those who desire to live with greater authenticity, presence, and love.
Come ready to listen deeply, practice intentionally, and discover the profound transformation that becomes possible when we choose the way of the heart.
Join Fr. Bill Sheehan for this weekend program, where we will explore the nature of these two ways of being. Together, we will examine how the egoic system naturally develops and why it often dominates our choices, as well as how the deeper intelligence of the heart offers an alternative path. Through guided reflection, teaching, and shared practice, participants will begin to recognize the subtle yet significant shifts that occur when we move from ego-centered awareness toward heart-centered perception.
The program will offer practical tools for identifying when we are caught in egoic patterns and how we can consciously “upgrade” to the spaciousness and freedom of the heart’s wisdom. Ultimately, this gathering provides both teaching and practice for those who desire to live with greater authenticity, presence, and love.
Come ready to listen deeply, practice intentionally, and discover the profound transformation that becomes possible when we choose the way of the heart.
Getting Here
Genesis Spiritual Center, 53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, USA
Accommodation
Program Price - Single Occupancy
Program Price - Double Occupancy (Requires Two People)
Program Price - Saturday Only Commuter
Customer Reviews
Verified
5.0
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Radiance of God
I really enjoyed Diarmuid O’Muchu’s
presentation based on his book of the same title. Diarmud is a contemporary oriented theologian. I’ve made several retreats and have learned from each exchange. I highly recommend his retreats and books. Believe me, you won’t be disappointed.
presentation based on his book of the same title. Diarmud is a contemporary oriented theologian. I’ve made several retreats and have learned from each exchange. I highly recommend his retreats and books. Believe me, you won’t be disappointed.
5.0
Verified
Divine Radiance
As usual, Diarmuid O'Murchu broadened my vision of the importance of our place on this planet and the presence of the Spirit in all that is. My awareness of this is
more evident to me as I return to the routine of daily living. Of course he also talked about many topics of interest to me, including Patriarchy, Eucharist, Energy fields, God's love of us, etc. It was a most enriching experience. Thank you.
more evident to me as I return to the routine of daily living. Of course he also talked about many topics of interest to me, including Patriarchy, Eucharist, Energy fields, God's love of us, etc. It was a most enriching experience. Thank you.
5.0
Verified
Unleashing your inner guide
This was one of the (if not THE) MOST powerful retreat/training experiences I've ever experienced. Betty creates a safe and nurturing community, right from the opening night. By limiting the number of participants, we were able to get to know one another and become friends and supportive community to one another in a way that will last a lifetime. Thank you, Genesis, for hosting this transformative program.
5.0
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Nature’s Way Colleen Mollica
A profound experience that remains with me. Setting was inspiring. Input was just right. Experience was truly a communion with earth. Group sharing was heartwarming. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
