Climate wayfinding and ecospirituality: a Georgetown and Loyola joint retreat
The Laudato Si’ Student Leadership Retreat, hosted by Georgetown University and Loyola University Chicago, will be a 2-day, 3-night retreat in the Calcagnini Contemplative Center, a peaceful place surrounded by nature in the middle of Bluemont, Virginia. Intended for student leaders in climate solutions, the retreat will be focused on climate wayfinding and ecospirituality.
Participants should have a commitment to climate change action, be prepared to bring and interact with a diversity of experiences, and be enrolled as a students at Georgetown University or Loyola University Chicago.
The retreat program will include:
- Reflections on the eco-spirituality of Laudato Si’: student leaders will learn to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the interconnectedness of our planet and to cultivate awareness of their spiritual and embodied physical connection to the rest of creation.
- Guided Exercises: student leaders will create a personalized tool designed to help them navigate their role in the climate crisis. They will engage in six reflection exercises to “uncover inner clarity —around motivations, values, and superpowers— as well as external clarity —around climate solutions, context, and community.”
- Performance and art: student leaders will experience strength and vulnerability in their bodies as a way of processing the threat response (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) that can accompany engagement with the climate crisis.
- Spiritual activities: student leaders will have the opportunity to engage in spiritual activities such as guided meditation, breath practice, yoga, and daily prayer to connect with their bodies and the Earth.
- Post-event reflection activities: student leaders will prepare to activate their leadership in service of their community.
The purpose of the retreat will be to fulfill the Catholic imperative of care for the earth set out by Pope Francis in Laudato Si’ and, in that way, support student leaders as they cope with the climate crisis. Additionally, the retreat’s goal will be to support student leaders in finding their contribution to solving the climate crisis as well as connecting them with other student leaders. Last, the retreat aims to strengthen relationships within the network of Jesuit institutions through a focus on climate change solutions.
The planning team will be hosting a series of informational meetings in the early spring, 2024. To learn more about the retreat agenda and scholarships to attend, please fill in this interest form. A member of the planning team will be in contact with more information.