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.
Tending Soul Through Dreams
Top Rated
Tending Soul Through Dreams
4.8671 reviews
53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, USA
July 17 - 19, 2026
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Liz Walz, PhD, is a spiritual director and retreat leader with more than 30 years’ experience in guiding spiritual retreats. She teaches and practices BioSpiritual Focusing and contemplation, and is a certified yoga teacher, massage therapist, and nonviolence trainer. Liz's doctoral research explored the spirituality and psychology of dreams through one-on-one sessions with her colleagues in a mental health therapeutic milieu. She lives on Cape Cod.
Details of this retreat
Dreams whisper divine secrets, beckoning us to listen—will you heed their call?
Without a vision, the people perish. Proverbs 29:18
In Biblical scripture, for people to receive dreams and visions is common. In fact, the absence of dreams or visions is sorely noted. Life in modernity tells a different story; dreams are often ignored or devalued and nightmares terrify, while waking visions are viewed with skepticism and sometimes psychologically pathologized.
But what about the scripture of our lives? Divinity is stirring in our depths; do we believe it? Do we perceive the call and consolation of Mystery, or are we missing the signs all around and within us in the rush of our work-a-day lives? The living figures of dreamtime can support us in bearing the griefs and stresses of the waking world, open new capacities within us, and lead us into unexpected, meaningful, and joyful experiences and adventures.
Join this weekend retreat to make space to attune to the sacred material of your life. We will tend the dreams of participants who volunteer. The days will also include morning prayer, music, poetry, relaxation, gentle movement, and optional creative expression. People from all walks of life and orientations are welcome, including those without connection to a spiritual tradition.
Without a vision, the people perish. Proverbs 29:18
In Biblical scripture, for people to receive dreams and visions is common. In fact, the absence of dreams or visions is sorely noted. Life in modernity tells a different story; dreams are often ignored or devalued and nightmares terrify, while waking visions are viewed with skepticism and sometimes psychologically pathologized.
But what about the scripture of our lives? Divinity is stirring in our depths; do we believe it? Do we perceive the call and consolation of Mystery, or are we missing the signs all around and within us in the rush of our work-a-day lives? The living figures of dreamtime can support us in bearing the griefs and stresses of the waking world, open new capacities within us, and lead us into unexpected, meaningful, and joyful experiences and adventures.
Join this weekend retreat to make space to attune to the sacred material of your life. We will tend the dreams of participants who volunteer. The days will also include morning prayer, music, poetry, relaxation, gentle movement, and optional creative expression. People from all walks of life and orientations are welcome, including those without connection to a spiritual tradition.
Getting Here
Genesis Spiritual Center, 53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, USA
Accommodation
Program Price - Single Occupancy
Program Price - Double Occupancy (Requires Two People)
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.
