Spiritual Direction Colorado is Proud to Present:

Mary Oliver’s Poetry -

A Doorway to Connection With Nature and the Divine

Date: Friday, October 2nd through Sunday, October 4th

Location: Drala Mountain Center

FACILitator: Greg Rose

Description:

What if you could step away from the hurried pace of daily life and into a weekend where poetry becomes prayer, mountains become sanctuary, and where Mary Oliver’s luminous words guide you home to yourself? This retreat offers that—a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the sacred rhythms of nature and the divine presence woven through it all. Through Mary’s poetry, we’ll explore what it means to truly see: the deer in an open meadow, light filtering through aspen leaves, the quiet stirrings of our own souls, appreciating more deeply the miracles all around us. 

As spiritual directors, we spend our days accompanying others on their journeys. This weekend is for your journey—for rest, renewal, and remembering why we too love this world. 

We’ll gather in the mountains for reflection on Mary’s poems, intimate small group discussions, contemplative time in nature, personal writing, and the warmth of community. Together, we’ll bear witness to the healing and transformative energies of Mary's gift to witness the sacredness of all creation—including ourselves and those we serve. Join fellow practitioners for a weekend of beauty, wisdom, and restoration. 

“For me the door to the woods is the door to the temple.” —Mary Oliver​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 

Registration and LodginG:

The Early Bird Registration is $125 for SDCO Members and $150 for nonmembers. After April 15, the registration price will be $150 for SDCO Members and $175 for nonmembers.

Once you register, you’ll be sent a link to book lodging reservations of your choice with Drala Mountain Center. Lodging costs begin at $139 per night. Please review the Retreat Center site for the full range of lodging options.

About Greg Rose:

Greg Rose, our retreat facilitator, obtained his MA in theology from Chicago Theological Seminary and completed his spiritual direction training at The Claret Center in Chicago. Based in Boulder, Colorado, Greg is a spiritual director and community volunteer. He serves on the Board of The BTS Center, which focuses on “Spiritual Leadership for a Climate-Changed World”. Prior to pursuing his theology degree he worked in the corporate world for 30 years after earning an MBA from Northwestern University. One of Greg’s greatest blessings in life was his personal friendship with the poet Mary Oliver, from their meeting in 2010 until her passing in 2019. Greg seeks to honor their friendship through helping to bring her healing and inspired presence to others. He has recently led Mary Oliver retreats in Maine and Wisconsin.