Living With Courage & Creativity:
An Introduction To Circles of Trust® 

An invitation to do "inner work" comes to each of us in individual and unique ways.  The creative process can be that opening.  While we are all born creative, many of us have allowed an internal critic to thrive while our souls long to “play” (to dance, to sing, to write, to paint, to create.)  Our internalized self-judgments, and the noise of busyness all around us, often prevent us from hearing our true inner voice.  Using the methods of Parker Palmer, Cindy Johnson and Donna Bearden will lead you through a series of exercises designed to help you listen to your positive, life-giving, creative voice. Through words, clay, collage, movement, quiet spaces, and the practice of safe circles for reflection and questions, you will learn ways to honor the inner spirit that longs for expression.  You will leave this retreat renewed and with a better understanding of your own natural creative processes.

ABOUT OUR PRESENTERS
This retreat is based upon the Circles of Trust® model of personal and professional renewal developed by Parker J. Palmer, noted sociologist, author and teacher (author of Let your Life Speak and A Hidden Wholeness).  Parker Palmer is the founder of the Center for Courage and Renewal in Washington State and Cindy Johnson was the first person to be trained to facilitate Palmer’s work by the national office.  She now is the Executive Director of Courage and Renewal - North Texas and Donna Bearden is a North Texas Partner Facilitator at the Texas Center who brings her creative and educational gifts to the circle.  

Cindy Johnson, in addition to her work with Parker Palmer and her position at Courage and Renewal – North Texas, is a licensed social worker.  She has executive experience with various other non-profit groups.  Cindy has had a lifelong love/hate relationship with art – constantly drawn to it and intimidated by her need to “get it right.”  As a result, she is deeply curious about how the creative process and blocks to creativity relate to the inner and spiritual life of individuals.

Donna Bearden’s first career was as a public information officer.   With an undergraduate degree in journalism, she spent time working in the fields of aging and health.   She earned a master’s degree in Instructional Technology and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. After several years of studying effective schools, teachers and learning communities, Donna is now following her passion of combining photography with inspirational writing.  She co-facilitates for Courage and Renewal – North Texas on the topic of creativity and art as personal exploration.  Donna creates “Mandala” art, and her motto in life is “Unleash Potential.”

Retreat Details:
Date: March 12 - 14, 2010
Time: Retreat begins at 3:00 p.m. on the 12th and ends at 3:00 p.m. on the 14th.
Place: The Mandala Center
Cost: $250 for retreat program (meals, lodging and travel expenses not included).  Read more about meals and lodging fees.
Forms of Payment: Check or Credit Card
Details:  Register online with The Mandala Center or call 575.278.3002.