Here in America like in most parts of the world, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt many aspects of our society and economy. Growing out of this difficult season, this has become a time when many people are focusing on our society’s need for systemic reform, justice, and healing,
particularly in regard to issues such as racism and police brutality.
This is a challenging time, in many ways. Meanwhile, many people are struggling with the fact that our spiritual “resource centers” such as monasteries and retreat houses are often closed — and may remain closed for months. In the past few weeks I have spoken to two monastery guestmasters who have indicated that their retreat centers will remain closed for the next six months — or longer. Is it any wonder that many of us are experiencing a sense of dislocation, because our favorite spiritual retreats are not currently available to us? And no one can say how long itwill be before they open again.
In these extraordinary times, I have been profoundly moved at how meaningful online retreats and courses have become for so many. I will confess that, as someone with a ministry of leading and directing spiritual retreats, I have for some time now been resistant to the idea of conducting a retreat online. But the pandemic has given me the opportunity to rethink that previous position.
Everyone knows that Zoom is no substitute for a week at a monastery — but it’s much better than nothing. In fact, it’s more than just “better than nothing.” There are some real blessings that are unique to online retreats. For one thing, it makes the retreat experience accessible to people who are shut-in, or caregivers, or parents with small children. People who may not have the resources to go off to a retreat center for a weekend or longer, suddenly find that the “retreat center” can come to them, thanks to online retreats. It’s also a subtle but important way to remember that spirituality is not meant to be something set apart from the rest of life. When we attend an online retreat, we are bringing the spirituality of the retreat into our homes, right into the middle of our everyday lives. This is a way of reminding us that spirituality, at its best, means learning to live in an entirely new way, anchored in the blessings of the Spirit instead of just the tensions and fears and stresses of ordinary life.
With all this in mind, I’m happy to announce the following online events that will be happening over the next few months. Although they are sponsored by monasteries and retreat houses located in New York, South Carolina, Georgia, California, and other locations, because they are all online they are available for everyone — and at a very reasonable cost. I hope one or more of these events will fit in with your schedule — it would be good to stay connected!
If you liked this, check out more online retreats and online resources here!