53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, USA
August 13 - 18, 2026
About this Retreat
Donna O’Connor completed the Spiritual Direction Internship Program in Bloomfield, CT in 2006. She has focused her 1:1 work entirely at Genesis since that time. Having taught fitness/yoga classes for over thirty years now, Donna has a particular interest in helping people who struggle with weight, body image and disordered eating, and is experienced in 12-Step Spirituality.
Mike Smoolca is a spiritual director and supervisor as well as a BioSpiritual Focusing companion and teacher. He is a contemplative group and workshop facilitator, and a dedicated teacher and student of contemplative practice and wisdom spirituality. Mike is a Contemplative Outreach presenter, trainer, and coordinator, a coordinator and presenter for the Christian Contemplative Experience at Holy Family, Contemplative Outreach of CT and the Northern CT Chapter of the International Thomas Merton Society.
Dawn Turgeon, a native of Western Massachusetts, brings over 40 years of experience in mental health nursing. She has been dedicated to her spiritual journey since 1989, beginning with 12-step recovery and spiritual direction, and eventually discovering Bio-Spiritual Focusing (BSF). Since 2014, Dawn has been deeply engaged in BSF training and practice, earning her certification as a BSF Companion in May 2022. She now serves as BSF Coordinator at Genesis and is an active member of the BSF team.
Passionate about fostering mental wellness through spiritual growth, Dawn treasures time spent with her family, friends, and dogs.
Details of this retreat
Unlock the hidden wisdom of your body and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery with BioSpiritual Focusing. This silent guided retreat offers a unique opportunity to delve deep into your inner world, connecting with the sacred story woven into the very fabric of your being.
Through a powerful blend of group learning, one-on-one sessions, and contemplative silence, you'll learn to tap into the wellspring of grace that flows within you. Developed by Frs. Pete Campbell and Ed McMahon, based on Eugene Gendlin's groundbreaking work, this retreat promises to be a life-changing experience that will awaken your senses, deepen your spiritual connection, and reveal the profound mysteries carried within your own body
In this silent guided retreat, participants will attend morning group sessions of learning and discussion, and each afternoon will meet one-on-one with a Focusing Companion. There will be two optional evening discussions, providing observations and opportunities for questions regarding the process of BioSpiritual Focusing. Silence during the rest of the day is suggested. As you participate in this life-giving and life-changing experience over the course of the week, you will become more and more aware of the sacred story you carry in your own body and the movement of grace in your life.