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Our story descends from the Arthurian legend and the quest for the Grail. Within the tradition of Knighthood, each candidate, each “bachelor knight,” swore his love, his fealty, and his life to three persons—the King, the Lady, and the Bishop. At some point in his career this impossible task would be challenged, for it is not possible in every situation to be loyal to all three at the same time, and stay true to one’s self. Sir Gawain’s loyalty was challenged by the Green Knight.
During our lives, each of us may be similarly challenged. How are we to prepare for such a moment? Often the moment will come in a dream where we meet creatures similar to the Green Knight. What is happening that we should have a dream such as this? Here is a hint from the wonderful explicator of Jung’s psychology, Helen Luke:“…you know when you are confronted by one of these creatures, that they are there to challenge you to plunge into your imagination and your experience, into a deeper chaos to find a larger order.” In the deeper chaos of our story we will meet and confront the Fairy Knight, the Wasteland, the Lady, and the fated nick on the neck—Gawain’s and our own. Perhaps we will learn something new in the process about what we hold most dear.
Please join us for this grand adventure.
Bonnie L. Damron, PhD, LCSW, is a Jungian psychotherapist in private practice in Northern Virginia. In addition to her clinical work she conducts contemplative retreats, study tours, and offers seminars in fairy tales, myths, Shakespearian and Classical Greek theater, and the writings of C. G. Jung. Bonnie also teaches for the Jung Society of Washington, and the Washington Society for Clinical Social Work. She holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from The Catholic University of America, and a Doctoral Degree in American Studies from The University of Maryland. Her dissertation is entitled “Encounters with the Goddess: an Ethnographic Study of the Emergence of Feminine Forms of Consciousness.” She is currently writing a book on the figure of Penelope in Homer’s Odyssey.
| Group 1 | Dreams As Spiritual Messages | Stephen McDonnell |
Quakers wait in silent worship listening for messages from our Source, and these messages are tested by the sense of the others in the meeting. Journals of Quakers also record their dreams, and are equated with messages and visions. In this spirit, we’ll approach our dreams: we’ll begin by listening to our dreams as coming from our Source (which has many names, whether we are theists, non-theists, Jungians etc., God, the Self). And when we hear questions, promptings and leadings, we will test them in a discernment (clearness) process with the group. Of course, one needn’t be a Quaker to join this group process. Come prepared with a recent dream(s), and an openness to listen more deeply to your dreams and the dreams of others.
Stephen McDonnell, LICSW, LMFT, is a psychotherapist in private practice in Washington, DC. He is a member of the (Pennsylvania) FCRP Planning Committee, and a member of Friends Meeting of Washington.
| Group 2 | Parsing the Plenary | R. Dixon Bell |
We will focus on our reflections of and reactions to the Plenary sessions. We will choose from a variety of discussion and role-play models to provide opportunities for generating and sharing ideas. You are invited to bring your favorite poetry, CD, or musical instrument.
R. Dixon Bell is a poet and writer. He is currently in his 37th year as a teacher at Powhatan School, a small independent school in the northern part of the Shenandoah Valley, where he teaches history and directs an annual Shakespeare play. He lives in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia in a mid-Nineteenth Century renovated log cabin. Dixon is a member of the (Pennsylvania) FCRP Planning Committee, and a member of Hopewell Centre Meeting in Clearbrook, VA.
| Group 3 | Making Masks | Dana Gayner |
We all hide behind masks at one time or another, but rarely do we actually see the mask we present to the world. What do others see? In order to remove the mask, we must first acknowledge it. Join the merriment with this hands-on experence and find what mask(s) you like to present to the world. No required reading and no previous art training necessary.
Dana Gayner studied illustration at the Philadelphia College of Art, now the University of the Arts, but after having children, her interest turned to education. She now has 22 years of working in elementary schools teaching art to children from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. She has presented numerous art workshops for adults as well as children. For the past 5 years, she has maintained her fresh perspective on art by attending summer classes at the Artist/Teacher Institute at Rutgers in Camden, New Jersey. Dana is a member of the (Pennsylvania) FCRP Planning Committee.
| Group 4 | Archetypes, Movement, and Writing | Doris M. Tennyson |
This group will examine and explore archetypes, express them in movement, read brief poems about them, and record experiences in a variety of ways including writing poetic responses, journaling, drawing, etc. If the weather cooperates, we may take our quest for knowledge about ourselves outdoors. Bring a sense of adventure, writing materials, and something to place in the center of one of our circles. Wear comfortable clothing to accommodate movement.
Doris M. Tennyson, a member of the National Association of Poetry Therapy, is training to become a Certified Applied Poetry Facilitator. She has led small groups at the Annville and Wellspring FCRP conferences. She recently retired from 39 years service in a variety of positions involving publishing and publications at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). She was a massage therapist part time for 23 years and has been a student of dance therapy. Doris is a member of the (Pennsylvania) FCRP Planning Committee.
The conference begins at 7:30 pm Friday, February 19, 2010, and ends after lunch Sunday.
Each of the three Small Group and three of the four Plenary sessions are 1 ½ hours.
This year we are adding an additional 45 minute Plenary session on Sunday morning preceding Meeting for Worship.
Please arrive 5:00–7:30 pm on Friday to receive your conference information. A buffet supper will be available during this period.
We all share in meal-time responsibilities and find it an enjoyable community experience. Please sign up for one or two chores upon arrival.
Each room sleeps three persons—one single and one bunk bed. We will assign two-to-a-room as far as space permits.
If you are registering for overnight, please indicate on the registration form whether you will accept three to a room.
As an option to overnight attendance, there are several motels within a short distance of Wellspring.
Wellspring will provide vegetarian meals. Each cottage has a refrigerator where you may keep your own snacks or special foods if you wish. No liquor or pets permitted.
Bring a cup or mug for drinks, warm clothes, a flashlight, journal writing or note-taking materials, and a percussion instrument (if you have one) for group drumming.
The lodge tends to be drafty so you may wish to wear a sweater or jacket at the plenary sessions.
For emergencies only: incoming phone number at Wellspring 301-428-3373.
From Washington: Germantown Road Exit 15A right off I-270 to MD 118. Merge right onto MD 118. Approximately one-half mile on MD 118 to MD 355. Left onto MD 355. First right onto Neelsville Church Road. Approximately one-half mile on Neelsville Church Road to Wellspring entrance on left.
From Baltimore: I-70 West to MD 27. South on MD 27 to MD 355. South on MD 355 to Neelsville Church Road. Left onto Neelsville Church Road.
Fee is for the weekend and includes vegetarian meals.
| Overnight: | $225 | |
| Day: | $160 |