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.
BioSpiritual Focusing Silent Directed Retreat - 4 Day
Top Rated
BioSpiritual Focusing Silent Directed Retreat - 4 Day
4.8671 reviews
53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA 01085
June 17 - 22, 2026
About this Retreat
Donna O’Connor completed the Spiritual Direction Internship Program in Bloomfield, CT in 2006. She has focused her 1:1 work entirely at Genesis since that time. Having taught fitness/yoga classes for over thirty years now, Donna has a particular interest in helping people who struggle with weight, body image and disordered eating, and is experienced in 12-Step Spirituality.
Dawn Turgeon, a native of Western Massachusetts, brings over 40 years of experience in mental health nursing. She has been dedicated to her spiritual journey since 1989, beginning with 12-step recovery and spiritual direction, and eventually discovering Bio-Spiritual Focusing (BSF). Since 2014, Dawn has been deeply engaged in BSF training and practice, completing the advanced BioSpiriitual Companioning education program in 2022. She now serves as BSF Coordinator at Genesis and is an active member of the BSF team.
Passionate about fostering mental wellness through spiritual growth, Dawn treasures time spent with her family, friends, and dogs.
Details of this retreat
Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth during our immersive BioSpiritual Focusing Silent-Directed Retreat, where you will have the opportunity to explore the guiding presence of the Spirit in a deeply enriching environment. This retreat is open to individuals with BioSpiritual Focusing training and background.
During a silent-directed retreat, each participant meets daily with an experienced BioSpiritual Focusing Director who serves as a spiritual companion throughout the retreat. Utilizing their specialized training, conversations with your spiritual director will enhance your prayer experience and help you discern where the Spirit might be leading you. Aside from these daily conversations, you can set aside the time for your own personal prayer, journaling, art, exploration of the grounds at Genesis, spiritual reading, or your choice of contemplative practices. Your retreat is unstructured so you can take the opportunity for rest or reflection throughout our grounds and facility.
The retreat opens with an evening gathering that introduces participants to BioSpiritual Focusing and the unique BioSpiritual Focusing Silent-Directed Retreat experience. Each morning begins with a period of quiet prayer and a brief BioSpiritual Focusing lesson, followed by individual BioSpiritual Focusing direction sessions. The retreat concludes with a group sharing and discussion of participants’ journeys, ending with a meaningful closing ritual.
During a silent-directed retreat, each participant meets daily with an experienced BioSpiritual Focusing Director who serves as a spiritual companion throughout the retreat. Utilizing their specialized training, conversations with your spiritual director will enhance your prayer experience and help you discern where the Spirit might be leading you. Aside from these daily conversations, you can set aside the time for your own personal prayer, journaling, art, exploration of the grounds at Genesis, spiritual reading, or your choice of contemplative practices. Your retreat is unstructured so you can take the opportunity for rest or reflection throughout our grounds and facility.
The retreat opens with an evening gathering that introduces participants to BioSpiritual Focusing and the unique BioSpiritual Focusing Silent-Directed Retreat experience. Each morning begins with a period of quiet prayer and a brief BioSpiritual Focusing lesson, followed by individual BioSpiritual Focusing direction sessions. The retreat concludes with a group sharing and discussion of participants’ journeys, ending with a meaningful closing ritual.
Getting Here
Genesis Spiritual Center, 53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA 01085
Accommodation
Program Price
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.
Last Chance
