Upcoming Residential Retreats
Dr. Vimalasara (Valerie) Mason-John
Arisika Razak, MPH
Juneteenth Retreat: Meditation, Liberation, and Healing for People of Afrikan Descent
with
Dr. Vimalasara (Valerie Mason-John) &
Arisika Razak, MPH
Drawing from our deep and enduring wells of Afrikana wisdom, and Afrikan Diasporic lived experience, plus the healing powers of Nature, this special Juneteenth retreat invites all of us of Afrikan descent to reclaim the freedom, healing, and joy that is our intrinsic birthright. Held in the heart of the South, we will gather in sacred community, where we will integrate the wisdom of our ancestors with diverse spiritual traditions. We will apply an Afrikan liberation lens to Mindfulness contemplative practices; explore our embodied liberative modalities; and review the messages of healing, self love, and community found in our collective traditions.
This retreat offers a rare and necessary affinity space for people of Afrikan Diasporic descent who practice and embody diverse spiritual traditions—especially those living in the Gulf region of Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida—to practice liberation of the body, mind, heart and spirit.
This retreat normally costs $750 for 3 nights, and we are pleased to say due to generous donations from Hemera, we are able to offer it at the reduced price of $200 for the whole retreat. A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot and assure attendance.
WJ Kelly Retreat Center, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
510 N 2nd St, Bay St Louis, MS 39520
Residential Retreat • June 18–21, 2026
Thursday - June 18
Check In 3:30-5:30 pm Dinner at 6 pm, program begins at 7:30
Friday - June 19
Full day of Programming
Saturday - June 20
Full day of Programming
Sunday - June 21
Breakfast and Closing Ceremony Depart Center by 11:30 am
Summer of Love
with
Rev. Mikey Noechel and Andrew Chapman, LMSW
of Wild Heart Meditation Center of Nashville
In meditation, we develop an intimate awareness of the full spectrum of experience, both pleasant and painful, within the body, heart, and mind. With loving awareness, we begin to open
to the ever changing feelings, thoughts, emotions, and inner narratives that shape our lives.
So much of our ordinary life is spent trying to fit ourselves into the schedules, expectations, and
demands of the world around us. Over time, this can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves and overwhelmed by pressure.
*Your registration pays for 4 nights of accommodations and 10 meals. When planning your budget, consider including a contribution of dana (generosity) for the teachers at the conclusion of the retreat.
St. Mary’s Sewanee
770 St. Mary's Lane Sewanee, TN 37375
PLEASE NOTE REGISTRATION CLOSES
ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE RETREAT DATE
Residential Retreat • July 15 - July 19, 2026
Arrival & Registration 4:30-6:00 pm July 15
Retreat Concludes 11:30 am July 19
Sharon Shelton
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Caroline Durham
Welcome Peace: Finding Refuge in Community
with
Sharon Shelton & Caroline Durham
This retreat offers a soft place to land, as we return to a familiar place within. What does it feel like to embody and integrate mindfulness? What ways do we nurture self in community and community in self? Designed both for those new to mindfulness and experienced practitioners seeking a deeper engagement with the practices. We pause in this place of refuge, for healing, guidance, and rest.
*Your registration pays for 4 nights of accommodations and 10 meals. When planning your budget, consider including a contribution of dana (generosity) for the teachers at the conclusion of the retreat.
When planning your budget, consider including a contribution of dana (generosity) for the teachers at the conclusion of the retreat.
WJ Kelly Retreat Center, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
510 N 2nd St, Bay St Louis, MS 39520
Residential Retreat • September 3-7, 2026
Concluding on Labor Day
SAVE THE DATE
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