5.0
Verified
Come to the Table
Great facility space, great food, spectacular grounds to walk for reflection, great retreat format with large group and small group discussions!
Upgrading the Heart: Living Beyond the Egoic Operating System
Top Rated
Upgrading the Heart: Living Beyond the Egoic Operating System
4.9157 reviews
53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, USA
January 30 - February 1, 2026
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Fr. Bill Sheehan is a priest and a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), and has a Masters Degree in Formative Spirituality from Duquesne University. Fr. Sheehan was present at the first Centering Prayer retreat offered by Fr. Thomas Keating, OCSO,at the Lama Foundation in 1993. Since that time, he has led many Centering Prayer workshops and retreats world-wide.
Details of this retreat
Within each of us lie two distinct “operating systems” that shape how we move through the world. Cynthia Bourgeault describes these as the Egoic Operating System—rooted in self-preservation, fear, and separation—and the Operating System of the Heart, which perceives life through connection, compassion, and wholeness.
Join Fr. Bill Sheehan for this weekend program, where we will explore the nature of these two ways of being. Together, we will examine how the egoic system naturally develops and why it often dominates our choices, as well as how the deeper intelligence of the heart offers an alternative path. Through guided reflection, teaching, and shared practice, participants will begin to recognize the subtle yet significant shifts that occur when we move from ego-centered awareness toward heart-centered perception.
The program will offer practical tools for identifying when we are caught in egoic patterns and how we can consciously “upgrade” to the spaciousness and freedom of the heart’s wisdom. Ultimately, this gathering provides both teaching and practice for those who desire to live with greater authenticity, presence, and love.
Come ready to listen deeply, practice intentionally, and discover the profound transformation that becomes possible when we choose the way of the heart.
Join Fr. Bill Sheehan for this weekend program, where we will explore the nature of these two ways of being. Together, we will examine how the egoic system naturally develops and why it often dominates our choices, as well as how the deeper intelligence of the heart offers an alternative path. Through guided reflection, teaching, and shared practice, participants will begin to recognize the subtle yet significant shifts that occur when we move from ego-centered awareness toward heart-centered perception.
The program will offer practical tools for identifying when we are caught in egoic patterns and how we can consciously “upgrade” to the spaciousness and freedom of the heart’s wisdom. Ultimately, this gathering provides both teaching and practice for those who desire to live with greater authenticity, presence, and love.
Come ready to listen deeply, practice intentionally, and discover the profound transformation that becomes possible when we choose the way of the heart.
Getting Here
Genesis Spiritual Center, 53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, USA
Accommodation
Program Price - Single Occupancy
Program Price - Double Occupancy (Requires Two People)
Program Price - Weekend Commuter
Program Price - Saturday Only Commuter
Customer Reviews
Verified
4.0
Verified
Christianity in Crisis
Excellent program. Brother Dom’s presentation was timely, clearly articulated, and inspiring. I have attended previous programs by him, and he never disappoints.
I have one suggestion for Genesis. There was some confusion about the agenda, in terms of times of the sessions as well as when the actual sessions began and ended. It would be helpful if an agenda could be sent out the day before the program begins. As commuters, it was a bit challenging to make sure we knew exactly when we needed to be there and for how long.
That said, as always, the staff was welcoming, helpful and friendly.
I have one suggestion for Genesis. There was some confusion about the agenda, in terms of times of the sessions as well as when the actual sessions began and ended. It would be helpful if an agenda could be sent out the day before the program begins. As commuters, it was a bit challenging to make sure we knew exactly when we needed to be there and for how long.
That said, as always, the staff was welcoming, helpful and friendly.
3.0
Verified
Toxic christianity
This workshop had outstanding researched material. The presenter was very knowlegable.
I was overwhelmed by so much input with no processing time permitted. I wished the presenter could present his points in everyday language.
I was overwhelmed by so much input with no processing time permitted. I wished the presenter could present his points in everyday language.
5.0
Verified
Christianity in Crisis
Retreat center was quiet and accommodations were very comfortable. Bro Don Bisson is an excellent presenter
5.0
Verified
Christianity in Crisis
The topic was very relevant and well presented. There were opportunities for questions and comments. It provided thoughtful information to bring home to continue to digest, absorb and live from.
