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The poet George Herbert wrote one of the greatest of all poems in Love (III). You are invited to read it (even learn it by heart!) for this Monte Oliveto Retreat which explores the immense gift of being and the ways we try but often fail to receive it. Fr Laurence describes how our failures may – strangely – be turned to our advantage and bring us to an opening of the deeper levels of our being where the gift patiently awaits us.
About The Monte Oliveto Retreat
Situated on the dramatic landscape of the Crete Senesi in the Tuscan countryside the 15th century Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore is the mother house of Laurence Freeman’s monastic family. Its striking natural beauty and its sense of sacred time have long made it a central part of the life of the WCCM.
The WCCM international retreat has been held here for 30 years, leading the participants into a unique experience of silence, friendship and homecoming.The day is composed of times of meditation, yoga, teaching, worship, solitude and sharing. The extensive grounds of the monastery are inspiration for artists, walkers and being in the present. The spirit of silence during the day renews the spirit, while the evening meal is a time of relaxation and friendship with fellow meditators from around the world.
“Success, Failure and Meaning” by Laurence Freeman OSB
“Was Jesus a failure or a success?” by Laurence Freeman OSB
“Attention and Mindfulness” by Laurence Freeman OSB
“Redefining the Sense of Self” by Laurence Freeman OSB
“Learning from Failure” by Laurence Freeman OSB
“Beyond Duality” by Laurence Freeman OSB
“Change is part of the journey (like it or not)” by Laurence Freeman OSB
“Searching for the Centre” by Laurence Freeman OSB
“Hesychia and a new definition of ‘stillness'” by Laurence Freeman OSB
“The balance between contemplation and action” by Laurence Freeman OSB
“Different kinds of change, transformation and oneness” by Laurence Freeman OSB
Giovanni Felicioni (Bonnevaux Associate Director) has been part of the WCCM since its inception in 1991. He is an Oblate, a certified Advanced Rolfer™, a Rolf Movement™ practitioner and a Yoga Teacher.
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