A New Year, A Weird Year
A Focus, a Book and a Retreat
I’m taking a week off from the writing, but knew you’d be missing the latest issue of “Notebooks.” Since it’s a new year, the time has come for resolutions, commitments to exercise, diets, and self-improvement. Most of mine went out the window by 9 a.m. this morning. However, I do have hopes of releasing a new book in 2022.
Most of the first draft is completed, except that stinkin’ chapter on relationships. I’m in need of help. Stories of relationships, friendships, community are appreciated. Why are they important to you? What relationships have been the hardest? The most rewarding? How have they changed as you’ve aged? Send me your ideas, thoughts, and stories. Click here
The book explores the stages of life through the work of psychologists Erik & Joan Erikson and Carl Jung, then uses a sacred story to illustrate the wisdom we can gain through the years. The wisdom is WEIRD because it’s not the typical stuff you find such as saving money, exercising and eating well, moving to a single floor housing unit, and trimming your nose hairs. (Though those are important) Instead, I look at the inner realm of the second half through these five themes.
Wisdom
Enchantment
Integrity
Relationships
Destiny
In March of 2022, I’m leading a retreat for people interested in this topic. You are welcome to join me at the Calumet Retreat and Conference Center in New Hampshire. All the details can be found here. Click away.
Topics include:
The Stages of Life according to Erik & Joan Erikson and Carl Jung: Where are you and what's going on as you move from one stage to the next?
The Cultivation of Wisdom as the goal of life: We are meaning-seeking creatures, and as we get older the pursuit of wisdom can provide that meaning.
Enchantment, Integrity & Relationships form the opportunities for growth in the second half of life. Using biblical stories, ancient texts and dreams from modern people we'll find ways to add depth to our lives.
Destiny is something more than a quote from Star Wars. As we grow we become more aware of time. How do we make the best of what is left so that we leave a legacy that serves God, others and our souls?
As I write this, I recognize we are in the midst of yet another burst of Covid-19, and you might be cautious about registering for a retreat. Fair enough. But, Calumet has a very generous refund practice. If we can’t meet in person, we’ll figure out an alternative. But for now, I’m hopeful this current wave will pass us by rather quickly.
Looking forward to a WEIRD year, until next time
Jim
“Notebooks” is published twice a month, typically around the 1st and 15th. I focus on the convergence of spirituality, depth psychology, and the ultimate questions of meaning. Sometimes it’s worth reading.