An invitation to pause
my upcoming mini-retreat + links for a busy season
There is so much I want to say here. I want to write about the beautiful spring we’re having and the new life I’m witnessing all around me. I have some things to say about what’s going on in our country and even some updates as I finish my first year of seminary. But with finals to study for, a sermon to write, and figuring out a costume for the 4th grade wax museum, I’m reserving what’s left of my energy as I prepare for my mini-retreat happening this week!
So today is just a quick check-in, but do I want to invite you one more time to participate in my Eastertide virtual mini-retreat: Preparing to Notice, if you’re interested! I have two different times available — one on Tuesday night, May 6 from 7:30-9 pm CT and another on Wednesday, May 7 from 12 - 1:30pm CT. This is my first time to lead a mini-retreat during the season of Easter, though as many of you know I’ve been leading Advent and Lent mini-retreats for several years. One Advent retreat attendee said this about her experience:
[Holly’s] Advent mini-retreat came at a moment of needed grace and space — to be able to be quietly present while [she] led us through reflection of our lives, naming what is real within them, and creating intention for this year’s advent.
If you’re looking for a pause among the chaos of May, you’re invited to join us tomorrow or Wednesday! If cost is a barrier, please reach out to me directly, I have scholarships available.
Alongside you,
Holly
Links for a busy season …
I wrote: Spiritual Practices for a Busy Season last fall, but I think there is a lot of overlap as we end the school year!
This is truly such a busy and full time of year! I’ve been thankful for voices stepping in to remind me It’s Okay - I loved this from Shauna Niequist.
Kendra Adachi, at the Lazy Genius is my go-to in overwhelming seasons. I cried through the first 10 minutes of How to Have An Easier Maycember — feeling seen and also very aware of the season I’m in and the rest of the episode felt helpful and practical.
One practical piece of advice from Kendra — “plan your hotdogs.” This made me laugh AND is a good reminder to stock the freezer with some easy dinners over the next few weeks if you find your schedule a little more crowded than usual. Your “hot dogs” might be frozen pizza or scrambled eggs — but you get the idea!
When I feel overwhelmed, I often turn to poetry. A poem offers so much in just a few words and I can feel refreshed after only a page or two of text. A few books of poems I’ve been enjoying lately are (as I mentioned last week) Naomi Nye Shihab’s: Everything Comes Next and James Crews’ collection: How to Love the World: Poems of Gratitude and Hope. And some old favorites: Devotions by Mary Oliver and Kate Baer’s: What Kind of Woman and And Yet.
Spiritual Direction News & Updates
I have a few spots open for new directees. If you or someone you know are interested in Spiritual Direction you can find out more about the practice here or set up a complimentary time to connect here.
If you want to stay up to date with my spiritual direction practice and upcoming events you can sign-up for my monthly newsletter for my spiritual direction community at hollyporterphillips.com (scroll to the bottom!).
This summer I’m hosting a spiritual direction group for clergy & ministry leaders. I’d love for you to join us! For more information or to register, follow this link.
