“The imaginal is a meeting ground, a kind of cosmic intertidal zone... In this realm, the fruits of our human strivings — both conscious and unconscious — are offered up to the whole. From this realm, in turn, we receive blessing, inspiration, guidance, and vivifying force, which are ours to share and bestow here below.”

―Cynthia Bourgeault

The Mercy Center Centering Prayer Program presents:

Wisdom School: The Imaginal Realm

You are invited to join us at Mercy Center in Burlingame. Rest, reflect, and explore the imaginal realm during this special summertime retreat experience.

This 'Wisdom School' will use Cynthia Bourgeault’s e-course video teachings to explore the Imaginal Realm so that we might learn to open ourselves to this world that surrounds and sustains us and to give back, participating in this divine exchange as conscious planetary servants.

The teachings draw from her book "Eye of the Heart: A Spiritual Journey into the Imaginal Realm" in which she offers us a new cosmic map and perspective of how an attuned and open heart may approach the current challenges we face and receive the assistance necessary for navigation.

There will be an integration of Cynthia’s transmissions and an invitation to a ‘wisdom way of knowing' through a daily rhythm of periods of video teaching from Cynthia, centering prayer, chanting, mindful work, mindful movement, sharing, and contemplative free time.

*In addition to the registration fee this wisdom school requires extra material costs of $137. Please bring a check with you, made out to Way of Wisdom Knowing. Included in this fee is access to the video teachings to review afterward.

Retreat Leaders:

Heather Ruce, M.A. is a wisdom spiritual director with a background as a therapist and training in a neurophysiology-based approach to trauma resolution. She loves working with individuals as well as facilitating groups and retreats focused on learning and practicing the Wisdom Tradition.

Joy Andrews Hayter, Ph.D. is a spiritual director and Centering Prayer coordinator at Mercy Center. Joy is dedicated to fostering contemplative practices such as Centering Prayer and others within the Christian Wisdom tradition that help us become aware of God's ever-present love. As a scientist, she sees in the physical world an expression of that love.

Catherine Regan, Ph.D. is a spiritual director, retired psychologist, and adjunct staff member at Mercy Center, primarily serving on the Centering Prayer team. She has a special interest in participating in the reclamation of the Christian Wisdom tradition and fostering the contemplative practices so urgently needed at this time in our world.