Sacred Movements as Medicine for Ourselves, Each Other, and the World: A Wisdom School with Heather Ruce

Sacred gestures and movements have been a part of every sacred tradition. They are considered a means by which ancient Wisdom is preserved and passed down to future generations. Through their embodied symbolic language beyond our thinking mind, a deeper perception arises. This perception is anchored in our inner center, in our hearts. In this Wisdom School we will be working primarily with different kinds of sacred gestures and Movements from the Gurdjieff tradition. There are many types of Movements such as ritual, prayers, dervish dances, mathematical patterns, etc. The objective of them all is that they help us perceive with more of our integrated being and that they are prayers. Gurdjieff saw them as medicine. As we engage these sacred movements with presence, attention, and receptivity, we experience the medicine they offer in widening circles personally and collectively.

Join us on the beautiful grounds of Mercy Center Burlingame where we will engage a daily rhythm and practices specific to a ‘Wisdom way of knowing’; an integral way of knowing that engages and harmonizes the three intelligence centers: thinking, feeling, and moving (body). The Movements will be our teacher within a balance known in the Benedictine tradition as ‘ora et labora’ (prayer and work). We will work and pray on the Movements floor, as well as through centering prayer or silent meditation, guided meditations, chanting, and sharing observations. Although this is not a completely silent retreat, silence will be the container.

Familiarity with the Wisdom lineage of Cynthia Bourgeault or the Gurdjieff Work is required. Some experience in Gurdjieff Movements is preferred but not essential.

Filling out the following form is required with your registration to ensure that this retreat is a good fit for you. If you have any questions please reach out to Heather (heather@heatherruce.com).