God’s creation is ongoing, yet we often experience difficulty knowing how God is at work in the midst of the sorrow, suffering, and losses in our lives.  In this professional development retreat, Dr. Diane Millis will introduce us to an array of approaches for mining the meaning in our stories.  Together, we will listen deeply to the stories we tell about our lives so that we may increases our awareness of God’s action in them.  Through time in prayer and reflection, personal writing, and group spiritual companioning, we will learn how to tell more life-giving stories and explore how we might do the same with those we companion.

Bio:

Diane M. Millis, PhD, is an educator, spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and author. She has taught at a number of schools including the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University, Saint Catherine University, and the University of Minnesota.  She currently teaches at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.  Her most recent book, Re-Creating a Life: Learning How to Tell Our Most Life-Giving Story, was named one of the best spiritual books of 2019 by Spirituality and Practice.  Diane is a frequent presenter for Spiritual Director’s International, and serves on the editorial board for Presence.  She and her husband Mark live in Minneapolis and are parishioners at Our Lady of Lourdes. To learn more about her ministry, visit www.dianemillis.com.

What participants are saying . . .

--Diane's work speaks to a basic human desire that is growing stronger with each passing year.  We live in a world where people are increasingly lonely.  Through technology, we have never been more connected, and yet, most people feel very disconnected and isolated.  Diane does an excellent job of speaking to that strong desire in many people for a life with deeper connection and greater intimacy. She describes what we need to do to break out of that isolation.  She gives practical strategies for deeper listening to others which begins with a deeper listening to our own stories, emotions and spirit.  We struggle to connect with others until we first know ourselves.  Diane offers practices and opportunities to connect with our own story so that we can better hear the stories that others are trying to tell.  As we better listen to each other, we create the connection that leads to deeper relationships and stronger organizations.

--Just a brief note to thank you for the deep work that you offer in your teaching, spiritual development, and retreat style. I am an avid retreat attender and have not received anything as powerful. The timing and the pairing of your reflection questions offered a new and refreshing glimpse into my authentic heart . . . The intimacy has fostered a stillness that I have been working with for the past week which is bringing forth new clarity. Your willingness to risk and be vulnerable with participants was a clear example of you living  and practicing what you say and deliver. Please know I have deep gratitude for the work you bring into the world. Yes, your quiet powerful presence has left an imprint in my heart. I am grateful for the two days to learn from you.

--Thank you again for the wonderful  experience!  I knew the day before the workshop that it was going to be a very important and life-giving experience but didn't expect it to be as powerful as it was. I feel especially fortunate to have shared the small group experience.  It was very special to me.   It will continue to bear fruit for me, as I resumed daily writing practice again after several years' break with your book as a guide.  Blessings to you and your important work!