Your Invitation to a Beloved Retreat
Hi friends,
Has the heat and anxiousness of these modern times left you feeling unstable, hurried, and needing restoration? You're not alone, and perhaps it is time for us to be together.
If you're a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and could use a retreat, I'm delighted to invite you to one I'm leading in October. It's called the Beloved Retreat, and it is all about what it means to be beloved, affirmed, and beautiful human beings in this world. It is a 100% accepting, welcoming, and openhearted space for whoever you are. We'll be exploring ancient scripture, poetry, songs and most importantly, stories - the things that shape our lives the most. The hope is that you leave feeling restored, refreshed, and ready to face the world with love, hope, and kindness.
It's a 3-day event in the beautiful rolling hills of Oakland County in Michigan - 45 minutes from the Detroit airport. The dates are October 2-4th, Thurs-Sat. Food, lodging, towels, and bedding are all included in a very reasonable price, listed below.
A quick bit about me if you've never met me - hello, friend. My name is Bobby Jo Valentine. I've spent the last 15 years of my life as a storyteller, poet, and songwriter exploring stories, the invisible engines that power our lives. I've been invited to lead this retreat, where we'll explore ways to live with more love, meaning, peace, and sustainability.
This retreat will explore deep truths that have helped in my day-to-day life the most. We'll explore ways to care for ourselves as we care for each other, how to reclaim our focus in an age of distraction, and how to relieve ourselves of the burden and overwhelm of “should be” to make room for what “could be".
On this retreat, we will:
-Reveal what it means to truly live into our “belovedness” - as LGBTQ+ people who are loved and are here to love.
-Discover six stories every human being has that shape our life, and how we can write or rewrite them in ways that bring peaceful and purposeful lives.
-Explore five energy metaphors for ways we all behave in the world - a black hole, a sun, a campfire, a fruit tree, or a river.
-Unpack what responsibility and justice look like, in sustainable ways that feed us instead of leaving us exhausted, overwhelmed and anxious.
You can expect:
-Conversation around spiritually refreshing and surprising topics
-Contemplative writing, a chance to reach inside and tend to your inner fires and roots
-Mini-concerts from Bobby Jo throughout the event, with time to explore the depths of the poetry and lyrics.
Most of all, my hope is that you leave restored and full of rich, unexpected ideas that will help you for the rest of your life. You might even find a lifelong friend.
The sessions will be more explorations then lectures - allowing you to discover and experience what is true in a resonant, powerful way. I'll have plenty to share, but we'll also have conversations, group exercises, and chances to meditate and reflect. Plenty of sessions, but also plenty of breaks in between. We'll explore great spiritual teachers - Jesus, yes, and also teachings from other modern and ancient poets and songwriters who have tapped into beautiful and sacred truths.
We'll be exploring experiences, songs, poetry, ancient scriptures, stories, and questions. My goal is for this to be a gentle, fun, expansive, and restorative time. If you're ready to experience an awakening, or a re-arranging of your life to make room for more peace, purpose, and presence, I believe you will find it here. This is meant for you, and you are welcome here.
The Colombiere Retreat Center is a beautiful space, and housing and food is 100% included in the cost. Speaking of the cost, Mark Thompson, the wonderful organizer and presenter of this retreat, has been able to offer this retreat at the lowest price I've ever seen, for one includes all housing, food, and sessions - $210 for a shared two-person room, and $223 for a private room with bathroom. Bedding and towels are provided.
I've never seen a retreat price this affordable, and am so delighted for you to have access to a beautiful, meaningful experience for this rate.
Along with housing and meals, the price also includes my poetry book and one of my CDs.
If you are a member of a church or spiritual community, you are invited and welcome. If you are queer clergy and need some time to reflect and some new stories to refresh your teachings, you are welcome. If you are a nomad, a seeker, or just need a gentle space to rediscover peace and purpose, you are invited and welcome.
This particular retreat is for those who identify as LGBTQ+. If you are not a member of that community, but you would like to know when I'm doing another retreat - you can fill out the google form here.
So here's all the info in one place:
Beloved Retreat
October 2-4th (Thurs night through Sat afternoon)
At Colombiere Retreat Center, Clarkston, MI
$210 double room/$223 single room for all housing, lodging, and sessions
If you're interested, email Mark Thompson at mark757984@gmail.com and he'll give you the details to reserve your spot. There are only 24 slots available, and as of writing this, 10 have been booked.
Excited to join you in October. Thanks so much for considering attending.
Warmly,
Bobby Jo