THE LIFESCAPES RETREAT: A LOOK BACK, A LOOK FORWARD
—by Linda Eisen
Over the past eight years, more than one hundred members of All Souls have taken part in the annual retreat sponsored by LifeScapes, many of them several times over. On what always seems to be a gloriously sunny autumn weekend, 20-25 participants head for the hills—most recently ConnecticutÕs beautiful Litchfield Hills—for a few days of serenity and peace, fellowship, relaxation, time together and time alone—and plenty of fun! Alums commonly report that they return home feeling renewed, and refreshed in mind, body, and spirit.
Despite similarities in the structure of the retreat, each year’s group has a unique flavor, bringing a variety of ages, tastes, and outlooks, and guaranteeing a fresh experience for all. The first retreat, in 1997, was proposed by LifeScapes founder Jean Phillips, together with Inez Miller and Maggie Irwin, was a smashing success. Jan Carlsson-Bull masterfully coordinated the first seven retreats, with Forrest or Galen several times joining the group on Saturday. In recent years, David Robb teaming first with Jan, and this past year, with Alison Miller, has been a splendid co-leader.
The ministers are assisted by a lay committee which attends to planning, organization and logistics. This year’s group, led by Barbara Schmitt, included LifeScapes chair Rosina Cotruzzola along with Marianne Benjamin, Susan Wheeler, Elin Cotts, Linda Eisen and Peggy Montgomery.
Special mention must be made of David Snedden’s weekend-long handson workshop on the creation of mosaics, an innovation in 2004. The results can be seen in the display case outside the Forrest Church Gallery. DonÕt miss this show!
So what actually happens at the retreat? On Friday, we begin to get to know each other. Saturday morning is devoted to the theme of the retreat, with large- and small-group sessions planned and led by the ministers. Time in the afternoon is unstructured and possibilities abound, including what Jan once called “the fine art of doing nothing.” After dinner, comes “Saturday Night LifeScapes,” a homegrown talent-show, a ’round-the-bend extravaganza which must be seen to be believed! Sunday morning begins quietly with a lay-led worship service, planned on Saturday. Finally, on Sunday, there is an exchange of gifts, which is profoundly moving, and which many have felt to be the spiritual heart of the retreat.
A retreat veteran wrote the following words some years ago. They might equally well have been written last year, or next year: “[We] worshipped and sang together, laughed, cheered and cried together, kept quiet alone and together, created and risked together, performed together, explored the countryside and walked the labyrinth, shared family-style meals and evening social time, deepened old friendships and formed new ones, and presented precious handmade gifts to each other.”
The retreat reunion party in May is open to all. Your questions will be welcome. Read comments written in the guestbook through the years and leaf through the photo albums. It’s a wonderful experience!
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