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Private Retreat
May
9
to May 11

Private Retreat

The Forest will be closed to overnight visitors due to a private retreat. You are still welcome to join us as a day visitor to hike the trails, walk the labyrinth, meditate, and enjoy the peace and serenity of the grounds.

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Anam Cara: Exploring the Celtic Concept of Soul Friendship
May
30
to Jun 1

Anam Cara: Exploring the Celtic Concept of Soul Friendship

“The deepest things that you need are not elsewhere.
They are here and now in that circle of your own soul.
Real friendship and holiness enable a person
to frequently visit the hearth of [their] solitude;”

–John O’Donohue, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom

Have you ever felt lonely, even in the midst of a great crowd or a loud party?

Do you long for deep connection with others, but find it hard to make connections that go beyond small talk and chit-chat?

Do you yearn for a better way–deeper friendships, that last the test of time, and that weather all the storms of life?

Then you may be looking for Anam Cara,  a Celtic phrase meaning “soul friend.”

Join us for a weekend of exploring this mystical concept, which transcends what we normally think of as friendship and friendliness, and goes to something deeper–the depths of our souls in community with other, like-minded people.

We will spend some time in conversation, listening to one another, silent reflection, and connection with the earth as we seek to become, and recognize in others, the quality of Anam Cara. 

Schedule:

Friday–

1:30-4:30 p.m.    Registration and settling in
4:30 p.m.             Meditation
5:30 p.m.             Dinner
6:30 p.m.             Opening Ceremony in the Meditation Chapel
7:30 p.m.             Session one: Introduction (What is “Anam Cara,” and how do we recognize it?)
9:00 p.m.            Quiet Hours Begin

Saturday–

7:00–9:00 a.m.  Breakfast in silence
8:00 a.m.             Morning Meditation (will be held outside in the labyrinth, weather permitting)
9:30 a.m.             Session 2: Connecting with our own souls.
11:00 a.m.            Break
12:00 p.m.           Noon Meditation
1:30 p.m.              Free Time
3:00 p.m.             Afternoon Tea
4:30 p.m.             Afternoon Meditation
5:30 p.m.             Dinner
6:30 p.m.             Session 3: Connecting with the souls of those we love
8:00 p.m.            Campfire (weather permitting)
9:00                      Quiet Hours Begin

Sunday–

7:00–9:00 a.m.  Breakfast in silence
8:00 a.m.             Morning Meditation
9:30 a.m.             Session 4: Connecting with the Soul of the Divine and becoming “Anam Cara”
11:00 a.m.           Brunch
12:00 p.m.          Closing Circle

The cost of this retreat includes accommodation in one of our lovely cabins (single and double accommodations available–bring your soul friend if you wish!), meals, and all materials, including a copy of Anam Cara by John O’Donohue.

Cost (for the entire weekend, includes cabin, meals, and materials):

  • Upgraded Cabin: Mary (#6) – $300.00

  • Upgraded Cabin: Scholastica (#10) – $300.00

  • Hermitage: Guadalupe (#12) – $350.00

  • Single Occupancy (Private Cabin) – $270.00

  • Double Occupancy (Shared Cabin with Roommate) – $240.00

  • Commuter: $130.00

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Closed to Overnight Guests
Jul
4
to Jul 6

Closed to Overnight Guests

We will be closed to overnight guests this weekend so that our residents and staff can celebrate the holiday weekend. You are still welcome to come this weekend as a day visitor.

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"Be Still and Know" With Swami Sankarananda
Oct
23
to Oct 30

"Be Still and Know" With Swami Sankarananda

This silent retreat is open to all sincere truth seekers. Sacred space is provided and maintained, all participants are asked to observe & respect silence within scheduled times and remain at Osage Forest of Peace during the full extent of the retreat if possible. 

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Spring Cleaning Weekend!
Apr
25
to Apr 27

Spring Cleaning Weekend!

Help do some spring cleaning at the Forest! We’ll spend the weekend working on various tasks around the Forest, for example:

  • Picking up sticks and branches that have fallen

  • Tidying up the trails

  • Cleaning up the labyrinth pathway

  • Brushing off drip strips on the cabins

  • Cleaning debris off of roofs

  • Splitting and piling up firewood

  • Working in the garden

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Full Moon Forest Bathing
Apr
12

Full Moon Forest Bathing

Enjoy a spring evening bathing in the gentle peace of the Osage Forest. Join Forest Therapy Guide Emmie Brenzel for a slow wander in the Forest soaking in nature’s healing energy during the fade of evening and the rise of the full “Pink Moon.”

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Climate Cafe at the Forest
Apr
12

Climate Cafe at the Forest

You are welcome to join us throughout the day on the grounds. The formal program will begin with meditation at noon, followed by lunch at 12:30, and the Climate Cafe itself starting at 1:30. You are then welcome to stay around the grounds as long as you’d like. There will be a guided Forest Bathing experience that evening (registration is separate), also led by Emmie. Sign up for one or both, or for the whole weekend!

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Knitting as a Spiritual Practice
Apr
4
to Apr 6

Knitting as a Spiritual Practice

Spend time knitting together by the fireplace with a group of Forest friends, learn new techniques, share favorite patterns, yarns, and tools of the craft! We’ll have time for discussions of how knitting can enhance our spiritual lives, as well as opportunities to connect with each other and the beauty of the Forest of Peace in wintertime. 

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Spring Equinox Refresh and Reset: Radical Resilience with Pleasure, Power, and Purpose with Carol LaRue
Mar
21
to Mar 23

Spring Equinox Refresh and Reset: Radical Resilience with Pleasure, Power, and Purpose with Carol LaRue

In rhythm with the emergence of Spring, we will gather with the guidance and healing properties of nature and the animal kingdom at the Forest and awaken from the quiet beauty and sacred stillness of Winter. The Spring Equinox invites us to return to balance with clarity of purpose and resilient intention.

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"Practicing the Presence" with Linda Alegria
Mar
14
to Mar 16

"Practicing the Presence" with Linda Alegria

Live life with more peace, love, and joy!

This retreat will offer a variety of ways to live with more presence which leads to more peace, love and joy. Presence is the core of all spiritual teaching, and transitioning into Presence and away from the clutter and attachment of the
mind and ego may be the most important task of our lives. Presence helps bring clarity in place of mental noise—a vital shift for this turbulent, chaotic world.

Practice

A number of practices will be taught to connect with that inner stillness and the development of spiritual consciousness where fear and anxiety disappear. We will be listening for that “still, small voice” that our culture with its noise and distractions and speed often mitigate against. This weekend retreat will provide a safe container for connecting to your deepest and truest self which is love. That love can lead to your finding meaning and purpose in your own life and ways to be of service to others.

“The ego needs success to thrive; the soul only needs meaning” Richard Rohr

The retreat will provide sessions which include journaling, art, music, dance, time in nature, as well as alone time to rest, reflect and experience Being.

This retreat is facilitated by
Ms. Linda Alegria who has provided counseling and
retreats for over 45 years. She currently
maintains a life coaching and spiritual direction practice

Linda Alegria, your retreat facilitator

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Private Hosted Retreat
Mar
7
to Mar 9

Private Hosted Retreat

This weekend, we are hosting a private retreat for an outside organization. If you are interested in hosting a private retreat for your group, please contact us at: hello@forestofpeace.org

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Oblate Sunday
Mar
2

Oblate Sunday

The Benedictine oblates will meet in the Bede building or via the Zoom option. The Sand Springs oblates of St. Benedict are affiliated with the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration at their monastery in Clyde, MO.

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Private Hosted Retreat
Feb
7
to Feb 9

Private Hosted Retreat

This weekend, the Forest is being used for a private, hosted retreat for an outside organization. If you are interested in hosting a private group retreat at the Forest, contact us at hello@forestofpeace.org

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Oblate Sunday
Feb
2

Oblate Sunday

The Benedictine oblates will meet in the Bede building or via the Zoom option. The Sand Springs oblates of St. Benedict are affiliated with the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration at their monastery in Clyde, MO.

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Imbolc and Feast of St. Brigid 2025
Jan
31
to Feb 2

Imbolc and Feast of St. Brigid 2025

Join Director David MacDonald for a weekend of activities to celebrate the Celtic festival of Imbolc also known as St. Brigid's Day. Join in learning more about this festival and making butter, soda bread and Celtic crafts.

Join us for a Celtic Weee

St. Brigid’s Day and Imbolc mark the traditional beginning of Spring in the Celtic world.

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Oblate Sunday
Jan
5

Oblate Sunday

The Benedictine oblates will meet in the Bede building or via the Zoom option. The Sand Springs oblates of St. Benedict are affiliated with the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration at their monastery in Clyde, MO.

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