Spirit Writing
With Cheryl Johnson, Andy Kennaly, Sr. Teresa Jackson, OSB, Linda Plamondon and Sr. Carlotta Fontes, OSB
June 20 - 24, 2022
“The path is made by walking,” says Antonio Machado. Spirit Writing invites you to do that—slowly walk the woods and grounds of the Monastery or the labyrinth; follow images and words and see where they take you. Attend to what shimmers within. Teachers are everywhere. The Spirit invites us into deep awareness–the buttercup in deadwood for a poem; the Psalm for your new creation; the hermit crab that finds a dwelling for your story; a simple crayon drawing that leads you on a pathway of wonder to your 8-year-old self; the circular path of Tai Chi.
Writing engages the present moment. It demands quiet listening, a deepening, not only of craft but heart. It is a spiritual practice like the daily rhythm of life in a monastery, with time “out” for solitude and renewal. Come join us on this path. You don’t have to be a writer. We are here to listen to the Spirit in the practice of writing.
About the Leaders
Cheryl Johnson
Now that I’m retired from teaching, when someone asks, what do you do? I answer, Write, as a spiritual practice. The reaction is usually, Oh, you’re a writer then. Yes and no. I don’t write for tenure now, or my name in lights. I contemplate world and word, waiting for a spark to light and […]
Learn more about Cheryl JohnsonAndy Kennaly
The art of writing expresses and explores aspects of mystery and grace. Mystical expressions of contemplative faith resonate between silence and words as I listen and write. With intention, my voice invites awareness to overlapping circles of creation and the Christ within it all. The creative process is dynamic, has a relational quality, and gives […]
Learn more about Andy KennalySr. Teresa Jackson, OSB
Sister Teresa was elected prioress of the monastic community at the Monastery of St. Gertrude in November 2023. She made her first monastic profession in 2000 and began working in retreat ministry. As part of an outreach program, she traveled across Idaho, Washington, and Oregon facilitating retreats as well as organizing meaningful experiences for often […]
Learn more about Sr. Teresa Jackson, OSBLinda Plamondon
I am an artist and writer who, by way of images and words, dreams, memory, and fairy tales, brings a Jungian perspective to my work as an art therapist, addiction counselor, and spiritual director; I offer contemplative, creative workshops that touch on the passion of our hearts, the beauty of our souls, and the mystical […]
Learn more about Linda PlamondonSr. Carlotta Fontes, OSB
Sister Carlotta was born in Taunton, Massachusetts. Her father was in the Air Force and the family lived in several places including Japan. They moved to Boise, Idaho, in 1974 upon his retirement. As an adult, Sister Carlotta worked in a manufacturing company. Then, in 2000, she went to Europe, inspired by the apparitions of […]
Learn more about Sr. Carlotta Fontes, OSBCategories : Spirit Center Retreats, Spirituality and The Arts
Spirit Center | spirit-center@stgertrudes.org | 208-962-2000
Monastery of St. Gertrude | 465 Keuterville Rd., Cottonwood, ID 83522