Top Rated iconTop Rated

Thresholds of Hope: A Spiritual Practice Retreat

Location icon
53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA 01085
Date
May 29 - 31, 2026

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

Step across the threshold into a weekend of renewal, where prayer, movement, and the ancient wisdom of Celtic spirituality awaken hope and courage for uncertain times. Here, amidst sacred listening, discover the strength Earth and Spirit offer—inviting you to live and act with deeper compassion.

Join us for an experiential weekend led by Cami Twilling, Director of Earth & Soul, and based on the teachings of John Philip Newell in which we explore the thresholds we are in the midst of today – as a world, as nations and religious traditions, and as individuals. Mornings will begin with prayer followed by in-depth times of spiritual practice, accessible tai-chi like movement, and space to listen deeply. Saturday evening, we will experience the film version of Hebridean Treasure, which is a live-stage dance, music, and song performance in which John Philip Newell tells the story of Celtic Spirituality and its love of Earth through the lens of the Western Isles of Scotland.

How do we sustain ourselves in times of change and be strengthened to live more compassionately in the world? This retreat is an invitation to move deeper, paying attention to the wisdom we carry within as well as listening to the wisdom Earth holds for us. Small group reflection and sacred listening will be an integral part of our time together.

May our time together lead to a deeper awareness of Earth and the human soul and how we are being called to reawaken so that we may live and act with compassion.

The suggested reading for this retreat is Sacred Earth Sacred Soul by John Philip Newell.

Getting Here

Location icon Genesis Spiritual Center, 53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA 01085

Accommodation

Program Price - Single Occupancy
Program Price - Double Occupancy (Requires Two People)
Program Price - Weekend Commuter
Program Price - Saturday Only Commuter

Customer Reviews

4.91 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
Verified logo
Perfect
I had a wonderful first visit during a weekend retreat.
The food and hospitality were just right. Clean, comfortable rooms, comfie bed and pillows, too. Love having a sink in the room. The program I attended was well planned and entirely worth the trip. I plan to return as frequently as I can for future events. Thank you!

5.0
Verified logo
Becoming the Wise Woman: Embracing the Sacred Path of the Elder
Janice led our small group of wonderful ladies through exercises that made us think, helped us remember, and strengthened us our resolve to embrace the life we have this very moment. Through journaling, meditation, yoga, small group discussions and small and large group sharing we grew connected to one another and strengthened ourselves. I would recommend this retreat to my friends. I have attended retreats with Janice before and have made plans to do so again

The retreat house is lovely, clean and well managed. The food was delicious

5.0
Verified logo
Upgrading the Heart: Living Beyond the Egoic Operating System
My experience was one of quiet peace, and unwinding from my busy life. At the same time, I felt an inner excitement to be learning new techniques to contemplative living. The grounds and spaces were quieting, and pleasant. Everyone's quiet friendliness made me feel confident, and accepted. I made friends, and felt refreshed by being around unique people, but with common passion.
Thank you.

5.0
Verified logo
A heart-expanding experience
I recently attended Father Bill Sheehan's Upgrading the Heart: Living Beyond the Ego Operating System at Genesis. It was such an expansive experience that it's hard to believe I was only there for 43 hours. It felt like 4 or 5 days! Father Bill is such an amazing priest. He has been doing and teaching Centering Prayer for decades, and there is no one like him! He is so knowledgable, compassionate, articulate, and humorous. This workshop brought me closer to myself and to God than I would have believed possible in just a weekend.
As always, Genesis provided a warm (literally and figuratively!), comfortable, welcoming and supportive space as the backdrop for our learning to take place. Jen's meals were delicious, nutritious and plentiful. The staff were welcoming, kind and helpful.
I have already signed up for Father Bill's return workshop in December.

5.0
Verified logo
Enneagram for the Inward Journey
This was an excellent retreat and a very spiritual experience. Genesis is a place of peace and transformation.

Similar retreats