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Speaking with Grace: Turning Difficult Conversations into Connection

Location icon
53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, USA
Date
August 22, 2026

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

Have you ever replayed a painful interaction in your mind, wishing you’d found the right words? Do you tiptoe around certain people to avoid conflict—or silently swallow your true feelings?
In this inspiring, day-long experience, you’ll discover new possibilities for communicating that you may never have thought possible. You’ll learn how to say “no” with grace, how to disagree without losing respect, and how to express hurt feelings in ways that leave you stronger, clearer, and more empowered.
Imagine being able to:



Introduce an idea to a group—even when you know they see the world differently.


Tell the people you love exactly what you want and what you do not want.


Draw boundaries with clarity, kindness, and confidence—and have them respected.


Through five proven, practical techniques, you will gain the skills to turn challenging conversations into moments of growth and connection. By the end of the day, you’ll leave not only equipped, but inspired to speak your truth with poise, respect, and results.
Begins at 9:00am - Ends at 5:00pm
Lunch is included.

 

Getting Here

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

Accommodation

Program Price

Customer Reviews

4.91 out of 5.0 average rating

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

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