Retreats and Programs that Open the Heart
Community Events
Discover gatherings, retreats, and programs that invite you deeper into the Practice of Presence. These events connect with various aspects of the resources we provide—Choosing Presence, the Practicing Presence app, and the Awakening to Presence online course—helping you bring awareness, peace, and connection into your daily life.
We’re glad to share these events as a resource for our community. Some are hosted by outside organizations or individuals; unless noted, Choosing Presence isn’t responsible for their content, leadership, or outcomes. For event details, contact the listed organizers directly. Questions or want to submit an event for consideration? You can do so here.
Rooted in the Land: A Men's Writing Retreat Inspired by Wendell Berry
Registration is open for a weekend of reflection, writing, and brotherhood inspired by the poetry and agrarian wisdom of Wendell Berry. Join us at the Bergamo Center in Dayton, Ohio, January 15–17, 2027, as we write our way toward a deeper rootedness and belonging.
What does a healthy masculine spirituality look like?
What does a healthy masculine spirituality look like, and how is it lived out? Join Fr. Jim Clarke for a weekend retreat, February 26–28, 2027, at the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien, Illinois. Through teachings, council, stories, journaling, ritual and nature, we’ll explore the transformed man, the father and mother wounds, and creating a community of brothers, ending with Eucharist.
The Wild God: Five-Day Exploration of the Masculine Spiritual Journey
What if the parts of yourself you’ve spent a lifetime hiding are actually the doorway to freedom? Join Jim Taylor and Marc Oehler for five days and four nights at Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center in New Jersey, April 28 – May 2, 2027. Through wisdom teachings, men’s council, ritual, a sweat lodge and a 24-hour solo wilderness fast, we will explore what it means to become more fully ourselves before God.