Throughout nature, galaxies spiral, seasons cycle, and life unfolds through repeating patterns of creativity and connection. The labyrinth and the mandala both echo these universal forms, inviting us into a deeper relationship with the rhythms that shape both the cosmos and our own lives.
Through labyrinth walks, watercolor painting, and the slow, mindful practice of stitching gold thread into circular mandalas, we'll quiet our minds and center ourselves as we slowly stich the mandalas. Each stitch becomes a gesture of presence. Each step on the labyrinth a quiet act of trust. Together they invite us to discover the threads that weave our individual lives into the greater story of the universe.
Alongside creating new stitched mandalas, you'll have the opportunity to bring SoulCollage® cards, personal photographs, or other treasured images into the creative process by adding sacred circles and stitches onto these images. A line of stitching may illuminate what has been hidden, celebrate what is precious, or reveal unexpected relationships within the image itself.
Like walking the labyrinth, this gentle practice of stitching invites us to slow down, to notice, and to discover that meaning often emerges not through analysis, but through loving attention.
The labyrinth teaches us that transformation happens one step at a time. Slow stitching reminds us that beauty is created one stitch at a time. Neither can be rushed. Both invite us to trust that small, faithful acts of attention gradually create a life of wholeness.
VENUE
This retreat will be held at the St. Francis Springs Prayer Center, 477 Grogan Road, Stoneville, NC, which is about 30 miles north of Greensboro, NC and the closest airport is Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO). The Center is situate on 140 acres of peaceful wooded land and has a labyrinth based on the Chartres pattern.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES
You can arrive any time after 3pm on Friday, October 29th to check in to your room, and we will officially start after dinner which is served at 6pm. We will finish on Sunday at 1pm.
COST
The cost of this weekend retreat which includes accommodation in a single room with private bathroom, all meals, snacks, and stitching supplies is $795 per person.
Payment is as follows:
A non-refundable admin fee/deposit of $155 is required to register for the retreat. REGISTER HERE
The balance of $640 is due on or before August 20th, 2027.
YOUR STITCHING KIT WILL CONTAIN
Set of 16 Viviva Watercolors
Twelve 4x6 watercolor sheets
Twelve watercolor circles
Mandala stencil for marking the mandala stitching holes
An awl
A supply of gold thread to take home with you
Needles and magnet to store needles
Stitching Travel Scissors
Roll of Tape
There will be an abundance of gold and silver thread to use during class as well as colored embroidery threads. We will be stitching on our watercolor paper as well as any SoulCollage® cards or personal photographs you bring to the retreat.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Should it be necessary for you to cancel your participation in this retreat you will be refunded the retreat costs less the non-refundable deposit and any accommodation fees already due and paid to the retreat center, provided your cancellation is made more than four weeks prior to the start of the retreat. You are also welcome to find someone to take your place in the retreat.
If you do not wish to self-insure, it is highly recommended that you take out a travel insurance policy to cover your cancellation due to unexpected events such as flight cancellations and illness. Travel insurance policies from companies such as Allianz Insurance are available if you are traveling more than 100 miles from home.
Should Catherine need to cancel this retreat for any reason, you will be refunded amounts paid to Catherine for this retreat. Catherine will send registrants a full refund of all monies paid within seven days of notification of cancellation, and accepts no additional liability for travel costs or any other additional costs incurred.