Curating the "Bibliothèque Intérieure:"
Enlightening Storytelling with SoulCollage®
April 9-11, 2027
San Damiano Retreat, Danville, CA
A weekend adventure of discovery, healing, and meaningful FUN!
Includes learning, sharing, individual and group activities - imagine the perfect blend of a retreat, workshop, conclave of peers, and meeting of friends.
Enlightening Storytelling with SoulCollage®
April 9-11, 2027
San Damiano Retreat, Danville, CA
A weekend adventure of discovery, healing, and meaningful FUN!
Includes learning, sharing, individual and group activities - imagine the perfect blend of a retreat, workshop, conclave of peers, and meeting of friends.
We each hold a library within, a "Bibliothèque Intérieur," where shelves are lined with the unique inventory of stories that have shaped us. As we evolve, the collection continues to grow - in content, clarity, breadth, and authenticity. The contents include our personal stories, sagas, and memories; the legacies provided by others; and the information, inspiration and guidance we have embraced from books, other media, and places. There may be a special section holding the stories within each of our SoulCollage® cards, a space where Neters are not only embodied individually, but in connection with each other.
This inner sanctuary is a personalized resource library, available only to you. Deep self-awareness awaits as you uncover tales that are both revealing and healing. With our SoulCollage® cards as masterful illustrators, we can explore deeply through heartfelt storytelling. In a supportive group of friends, we can share our "finest" or seemingly flawed performances, replay epic adventures, or reveal "mythic moments."
Our weekend will include reflections and excavations across our lifetimes, using a timeline as a tool. We'll be "digging" for and re-membering meaningful adventures and impactful experiences, as we formulate our unique tales. A collection of memorable stories will emerge, reflecting the amazing individuals that we are still becoming. Using your choice of storytelling approaches, you will craft illustrated personal tales, legends, myths, and sagas to adorn some shelves in your blessed interior library.
All genres will be encouraged, from the deepest drama to the craziest comedy! The Sacred Fool will be an important ally and guide as we recall and embrace stories from the phases of our lives that we choose. We'll also honor those who played essential, formative roles, including friends, family, and archetypal forces.
This restorative, informative weekend provides a wealth of activities to deepen your inner wisdom, grow your personal SoulCollage® practice, and (if you're a Facilitator) expand your facilitation repertoire.
Check-in opens at 3pm, Friday, April 9 and we begin at 4pm. We will close by 4pm on Sunday.
This inner sanctuary is a personalized resource library, available only to you. Deep self-awareness awaits as you uncover tales that are both revealing and healing. With our SoulCollage® cards as masterful illustrators, we can explore deeply through heartfelt storytelling. In a supportive group of friends, we can share our "finest" or seemingly flawed performances, replay epic adventures, or reveal "mythic moments."
Our weekend will include reflections and excavations across our lifetimes, using a timeline as a tool. We'll be "digging" for and re-membering meaningful adventures and impactful experiences, as we formulate our unique tales. A collection of memorable stories will emerge, reflecting the amazing individuals that we are still becoming. Using your choice of storytelling approaches, you will craft illustrated personal tales, legends, myths, and sagas to adorn some shelves in your blessed interior library.
All genres will be encouraged, from the deepest drama to the craziest comedy! The Sacred Fool will be an important ally and guide as we recall and embrace stories from the phases of our lives that we choose. We'll also honor those who played essential, formative roles, including friends, family, and archetypal forces.
This restorative, informative weekend provides a wealth of activities to deepen your inner wisdom, grow your personal SoulCollage® practice, and (if you're a Facilitator) expand your facilitation repertoire.
Check-in opens at 3pm, Friday, April 9 and we begin at 4pm. We will close by 4pm on Sunday.
What to Expect:
- Michele's perspectives and guidance, with examples from her own deck and evolving inner library
- A series of guided explorations of your deck and consultations with your Neters
- Guided, focused remembering adventures, with creative writing and speaking forays
- Pursue some inner repairs through storylines and cardmaking as we explore the art of kintsugi, cracks that let the light in (Leonard Cohen), and wounds that remain open to further injury
- Envision and share a story of your future, based on the Japanese philosophy of ikigai
- Saturday Night "Open Mic" for sharing our discoveries and telling some good stories
- Optional labyrinth walks
- Dedicated time and inspirations for capturing your stories and card making with oodles of images
- Breaks to enjoy the beauty of the Center and its grounds
- Your presence is requested at opening and closing sessions - but, everything is optional. It's a retreat!
- Please note: our sunny meeting room is accessed by stairs (no ramp or elevator). Sorry!
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Cost - includes 2 nights lodging (Fri, Sat) and 6 meals; all materials and supplies. To hold a space, please submit a deposit and complete the registration form (at right).
Single, with private bath - $769 Shared, with private bath - $719 Shared rooms have two beds and are assigned if two register as roommates. Additional nights (Thu, Sun): fee TBD, includes 3 meals. I'll reserve extra nights that you request, and you'll pay the venue upon arrival. REFUND AND PAYMENT POLICY: On January 1, you'll receive information about how to submit your balance due. Please submit your balance by January 15. (Let me know if you need more time.) If you cancel before January 15, you will receive a $100 refund from your deposit. After that date, partial refunds are only possible if someone fills your spot. |
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San Damiano Retreat is a Franciscan center in the beautiful San Ramon Valley hills of Contra Costa County. Fondly known as the “Oasis of Peace,” it offers comfortable meeting spaces surrounded by lovely gardens and fifty-plus acres of spectacular nature.
Each modest room has a private bathroom and one or two beds. The grounds include a welcoming labyrinth, hiking trails, and lovely spaces to simply enjoy the view.
The venue is accessible within a few hours by car from most of the San Francisco Bay Area. Up to a day’s journey gets you there from much of the west. Oakland (OAK) is the closest airport, about 25 miles away. We'll help you connect with other attendees to share rides, when possible.
Each modest room has a private bathroom and one or two beds. The grounds include a welcoming labyrinth, hiking trails, and lovely spaces to simply enjoy the view.
The venue is accessible within a few hours by car from most of the San Francisco Bay Area. Up to a day’s journey gets you there from much of the west. Oakland (OAK) is the closest airport, about 25 miles away. We'll help you connect with other attendees to share rides, when possible.
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Dr. Michele Manos has over 50 years of experience as an instructor for groups ranging from elementary school children (creative drama) to medical residents (as a Professor) to new and seasoned SoulCollagers. She trained as a SoulCollage® Facilitator in 2008 with Seena Frost, and has been taking her workshops and retreats to new and deeper levels since then. She has created and co-created an array of SoulCollage® offerings, including the 2009 and 2026 Facilitators' Conferences and more than a dozen retreats. In response to pandemic isolation, she expanded her SoulCollage® virtual gatherings and has since created over 60 online workshops. Michele loves sharing her ideas with and learning from other enthusiastic SoulCollagers.
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