5.0
Verified
A Prayerful Evening with the Psalms
I enjoyed the presentation and the sharing. However, I would have preferred to have at least three evenings on this topic for the Lenten Season.
Thresholds of Hope: A Spiritual Practice Retreat
Top Rated
Thresholds of Hope: A Spiritual Practice Retreat
4.8671 reviews
53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA 01085
May 29 - 31, 2026
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Cami Twilling, based in Colorado, is the Director of Earth & Soul (a Celtic initiative of study, spiritual practice and compassionate action inspired by the teachings of John Philip Newell). As well as heading up the overall work of Earth & Soul, she facilitates the spiritual practice component of the Earth & Soul Annual Retreats. Previously she was the head of Contemplative Spirituality and Youth Ministry at Trinity UMC in downtown Denver. She has studied meditation in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition of Shambhala and received Spiritual Direction certification from the Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction in Tucson, Arizona. In addition to leading mountain and urban retreats, she has led international pilgrimage groups to Iona in the Western Isles of Scotland and work teams to Guatemala to build houses in communities that have suffered from political strife and economic hardship. Cami is passionate about the relationship between spirituality and action and believes that spiritual vision and practice can play a vital role in helping to heal and transform our lives both individually and together.
Details of this retreat
Step across the threshold into a weekend of renewal, where prayer, movement, and the ancient wisdom of Celtic spirituality awaken hope and courage for uncertain times. Here, amidst sacred listening, discover the strength Earth and Spirit offer—inviting you to live and act with deeper compassion.
Join us for an experiential weekend led by Cami Twilling, Director of Earth & Soul, and based on the teachings of John Philip Newell in which we explore the thresholds we are in the midst of today – as a world, as nations and religious traditions, and as individuals. Mornings will begin with prayer followed by in-depth times of spiritual practice, accessible tai-chi like movement, and space to listen deeply. Saturday evening, we will experience the film version of Hebridean Treasure, which is a live-stage dance, music, and song performance in which John Philip Newell tells the story of Celtic Spirituality and its love of Earth through the lens of the Western Isles of Scotland.
How do we sustain ourselves in times of change and be strengthened to live more compassionately in the world? This retreat is an invitation to move deeper, paying attention to the wisdom we carry within as well as listening to the wisdom Earth holds for us. Small group reflection and sacred listening will be an integral part of our time together.
May our time together lead to a deeper awareness of Earth and the human soul and how we are being called to reawaken so that we may live and act with compassion.
The suggested reading for this retreat is Sacred Earth Sacred Soul by John Philip Newell.
Join us for an experiential weekend led by Cami Twilling, Director of Earth & Soul, and based on the teachings of John Philip Newell in which we explore the thresholds we are in the midst of today – as a world, as nations and religious traditions, and as individuals. Mornings will begin with prayer followed by in-depth times of spiritual practice, accessible tai-chi like movement, and space to listen deeply. Saturday evening, we will experience the film version of Hebridean Treasure, which is a live-stage dance, music, and song performance in which John Philip Newell tells the story of Celtic Spirituality and its love of Earth through the lens of the Western Isles of Scotland.
How do we sustain ourselves in times of change and be strengthened to live more compassionately in the world? This retreat is an invitation to move deeper, paying attention to the wisdom we carry within as well as listening to the wisdom Earth holds for us. Small group reflection and sacred listening will be an integral part of our time together.
May our time together lead to a deeper awareness of Earth and the human soul and how we are being called to reawaken so that we may live and act with compassion.
The suggested reading for this retreat is Sacred Earth Sacred Soul by John Philip Newell.
Getting Here
Genesis Spiritual Center, 53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA 01085
Accommodation
Program Price - Single Occupancy
Program Price - Double Occupancy (Requires Two People)
Program Price - Weekend Commuter
Program Price - Saturday Only Commuter
Customer Reviews
Verified
5.0
Verified
Be With an Open Heart
I spent time with JoAnn Bourquard a few years ago when I was on a day-long retreat at Genesis Spiritual Center. We meditated together and I opened my heart to her for spiritual guidance. She deeply listened, attentive and present with me, as I shared some difficult challenges I was having in my life. I clearly remember her gently and kindly responding with a phrase, "you have your work cut out for you". I have accepted that gift from her, without even being entirely certain what she meant, as part of my daily spiritual practice since then.
This most recent Zoom experience with her, dedicated to reflecting on this season of Lent and what it means for each of us who were there on the screen, was also a gift. Guided by JoAnn, we had opportunities to pray, meditate, and share aloud about our daily spiritual practice, whatever it is. All experiences validated and accepted. No judgement if we weren't Catholic or even Christian. I am a Buddhist practitioner and I felt completely welcomed. I offered to share with the group a poem I had written for Lent and read it tearfully. God and the Universe are indeed good to me when I open my heart to them. Blessings, Jennifer D.
This most recent Zoom experience with her, dedicated to reflecting on this season of Lent and what it means for each of us who were there on the screen, was also a gift. Guided by JoAnn, we had opportunities to pray, meditate, and share aloud about our daily spiritual practice, whatever it is. All experiences validated and accepted. No judgement if we weren't Catholic or even Christian. I am a Buddhist practitioner and I felt completely welcomed. I offered to share with the group a poem I had written for Lent and read it tearfully. God and the Universe are indeed good to me when I open my heart to them. Blessings, Jennifer D.
1.0
Verified
Lenten Conversation with the Psalms
Due to the blizzard, I was unable to attend
5.0
Verified
The Wisdom of St. Francis
Simon and David led us on a beautiful experience of St. Francis and St. Clare. The music, sharing, dialogue and discussion all helped to create a strong bond between participants. Genesis is a place of peace, hope and healing, and I could feel it the moment I arrived. Thank you to the staff for their hospitality and kindness.
5.0
Verified
Wise woman Retreat
The best part of this retreat was connecting with the amazing women who shared this retreat with me. It is so affirming and healing to be in a group of mature women who listen with their hearts and all their wisdom and very little judgment. The Genesis Spiritual Center is very welcoming and accommodating and made you feel at home. The leader of the retreat set the stage and then allowed us to fly. I am so glad that I took the time to go.
