Autumn, Season of Surrender and Transformation
Day Retreat with Leslie Matthews
Saturday, September 26, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Join us for a day inspired by medieval women mystics who found a connection to the Divine through direct experiences of nature. See nature through the eyes of mystics Hildegard of Bingen, Julian of Norwich, Catherine of Siena, and others as we explore meditations, symbolism, and the spiritual significance of autumn through nature connection. Through meditation and contemplation, silent observation, mindful walking, optional writing invitations, and guided group activities, begin to cultivate a practice of sacred attention in order to deepen your connection with yourself, others, and the natural world. In this retreat, we will have several different activities, some solitary and some in groups, that draw us into the present moment and closer to the sacredness of all creation. 

Weather permitting, we will be spending quite a bit of the day outside on the beautiful Holy Family grounds, so please dress accordingly. In the event of rain, the retreat will be held indoors.

Please bring a small notebook with blank pages and a pen or pencil. The Gallery will supply the rest of the necessary supplies.
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Offering: $75, includes lunch and supplies
ABOUT  LESLIE MATTHEWS
Leslie Matthews draws upon a lifetime of personal, deep spiritual connection with nature. She brings unique, wide-ranging, and varied experience to her work as a mindful art teacher and Earth Art Connection Guide. She is a self-taught artist and poet whose work has been featured in shows and publications in Connecticut, Maine, and Virginia. Leslie teaches mindful art, nature journaling, watercolor, poetry, and other classes in central CT. Find out more at https://www.artwithleslie.com