Retreats : I offer retreat leadership or co-leading on a variety of topics. Upcoming retreats and previous programs I have facilitated are listed below. Please feel free to contact me for further information for your retreat needs, or upcoming retreats and pricing.
Upcoming Retreats
Discovering the "Pure Diamond" of Your True Self
January 12, 2020: 9:30am – 3:30pm
Mercy by the Sea Retreat Center in Madison, CT
“At the center of our being is a point of nothingness which is untouched by sin and illusion,
a point of pure truth, a point or spark which belongs entirely to God…This little point of
nothingness and of absolute poverty is the pure glory of God in us. It is like a pure diamond
blazing with the invisible light of heaven. It is in everybody.” ~ Thomas Merton
As program facilitator, Laurie hopes to inspire fellow seekers to discover the “pure diamond” living in oneself. Just as Merton asserts above, she believes a shimmering point of pure truth is in everyone. No matter what our experiences, what we have done and what others have done to us, our diamond Self waits to be freed from the surrounding debris that separates us from the precious goodness inherent in all.
With the New Year upon us, step away from the busyness of your life and experience the peace and stillness at Mercy by the Sea. Let your New Year’s intentions include coming home to yourself. Who are you really? What is your longing? What do you place on the altar of your life? When we say “Yes!” to the pure diamond within us, we kindle the light of heaven in others. Using poetry, mandalas and ritual, our day together will include sharing, creativity and time for reflection on the beautiful grounds overlooking Long Island Sound. Participants are asked to bring an item that reflects their true self (to be returned at the closing.)
To register visit : www.mercybythesea.org or call Rosemary Jones in Guest Services at 203.245.0401, ext 114.
Creating Space for Grace: Intention, Reflection, Receptivity
October 26, 2019 9:am to 12:00
Seacoast Spirituality Group
St. Teresa's Church, 820 Central Road, Rye, New Hampshire
Grace – those ordinary moments with ordinary people in ordinary places when the veil of the familiar parts to reveal the movement of God.
In Laurie’s recently published book, Moments of Grace, she writes, “Moments of grace meet us where we are and we are changed.” Grace surprises and comes unsolicited. It comes whether we expect it, believe it or deserve it. Laurie invites us to be a witness to the many moments of grace that bless our lives and mend our tender hearts. Though we cannot make grace happen, we can ready ourselves for receptivity by practicing stillness, paying attention and becoming more aware of how laced with grace our lives really are.
Our personal stories weave themselves into our lives and shape us. Sharing those stories – who we are, what we love, how we feel and why we fear – connect us. I find myself in your story; you find yourself in mine. In so doing, we belong to each other and discover we are more alike than we are different. In this beautiful autumnal season, withdraw from the busyness of your life. Come and find sanctuary as we gather together with ritual and poetry. Bring your stories and your open heart.
(Moments of Grace is available from Amazon books.)
Previously Held Retreats and Testimonials
Finding Sanctuary: Making Space for Grace
June 15, 2019 Mercy By The Sea Retreat Center, Madison, CT, 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
During these challenging times of tumult and unrest when we may not know how to find peace, sanctuary opens us to grace and wonder. Grace always surprises. It comes unsolicited as a gift whether we expect it, believe it or think we deserve it. We can ready ourselves by seeking sanctuary and becoming more conscious of how laced with grace our lives really are.
In Laurie’s new book, Moments of Grace, she writes, “Moments of grace meet us where we are and we are changed. Our personal stories weave themselves into our lives and shape us. Sharing our stories — who we are, what we love, how we feel and why we fear – connects us.”
With summertime upon us, consider pausing from your busy life and come into the peaceful sanctuary of Mercy by the Sea.
Using poetry, ritual and mandalas, our day will include time for sharing our stories, creativity and for quiet reflection.
Participants are asked to bring a sacred item to place on our altar table (to be returned to you at closing).
To register visit : mercybythesea.org or call Guest Services at 203.245.0401.
September 29, 2018 Come Away: Find Sanctuary
Facilitators Laurie Blefeld and Sr Patty Cook
A Sacred Place Annual Fall Retreat, New London, CT
October 27, 2018 Making Space for Grace: Intention, Reflection, Receptivity
Mercy By the Sea Retreat Center, Madison, CT
Grace – those ordinary moments with ordinary people in ordinary places when the veil of the familiar parts to reveal the movement of God. Grace surprises and comes unsolicited. But it always comes as gift whether we expect it, believe it or deserve it. We can ready ourselves for receptivity by practicing stillness and becoming more conscious of how laced with grace our lives really are.
In Laurie’s new book, Moments of Grace, she writes, “Moments of grace meet us where we are and we are changed. Our personal stories weave themselves into our lives and shape us. Sharing those stories – who we are, what we love, how we feel and why we fear – connect us. I find myself in your story; you find yourself in mine. In so doing, we belong to each other, and we are not alone.”
In this beautiful autumnal season, pause from the busyness of your life and experience the quiet and peace at Mercy By the Sea. Using poetry, ritual and mandalas, our day will include sharing our stories, creativity and time for quiet reflection. Participants are asked to bring an item for our table altar that reflects a time when you were touched by grace.
Mutual Radiance: Exploring the Gift of Blessing
Facilitator: Gunilla Norris, Co-facilitator: Laurie Blefeld
Saturday, February 3, 2018
Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, West Hartford, CT
Blessing is contagious. The more we feel blessed the more of a blessing we become. During challenging times, when we don’t know what to do and feel there is very little we can do, there is always blessing to turn to. We can count our daily blessings, send blessings to others, and so in time, grow to be agents of blessing. It isn’t easy to be aware that we are each steeped in blessing. To live in awareness of blessing, to cultivate it and to share it is a spiritual practice that can sustain us and fill us with strength and joy. In this workshop, we will create practices that nurture our ability to sustain a life lived in blessing, including the making of blessing postcards to share.
Match: A Practice to Bring Heart and Will Into Alignment with Gunilla Norris & Laurie Blefeld
Saturdays: September 16, 2017, 9:30 to 3:30pm; October 14, November 4, & December 16, 2017, 9:30 am. To noon.
Mercy By the Sea Retreat Center, Madison, CT
To bring one’s heart and will into alignment is no small task. To act on the desire to do so, we may need a way to be inspired and guided. This program offers a way to begin and the companionship of others. It is based on Gunilla Norris’ book, Match. The practice engages with matches and a matchbox, “to help us get out of whatever internal box we might be in,” according to Gunilla. “We need something to hold on to while we explore what we want to give ourselves to and how to respond. To have something small and utterly do-able is steadying and comforting.
COMING HOME: A DAY TO RECEIVE AND RENEW
Mercy By the Sea Retreat Center, Madison, CT
Saturday, October 22, 2016 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
For God To make love, For the divine alchemy to work, The Pitcher needs a still cup. --Hafiz
Do you find yourself pouring tea for everyone, yet forget to put out a cup for yourself? We live in a frenzied world. Our souls are parched from spiritual deprivation as everyday pressures drain us. Withdraw from the busyness of life and be the still cup as you come home to yourself and be nourished. Who are you really? What fuels your sacred spark? What is the call of your heart in service to others? The day will include poetry, creating mandalas and ritual, and time for quiet reflection in Nature’s autumnal beauty at Mercy by the Sea. Fee includes program and lunch. Participants are asked to bring a favorite mug.
Laurie Blefeld, MA, a writer, spiritual director, counselor and retreat facilitator, has worked for over twenty five years as a
counselor for women who have experienced emotional, physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence and homelessness. In recent years, Laurie provides spiritual direction for incarcerated women at York CI where she facilitates a transformational program designed to provide an opportunity for inmates to deepen their spiritual lives and develop tools for spiritual and emotional healing. Laurie also maintains a private practice for spiritual direction in which she mentors individuals and small groups of all faith traditions.
Laurie’s reflection on her work at York, “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall”, was published in March 2011 in Presence Journal, an International Journal of Spiritual direction, and “What Nourishes Your Soul?” published in Sacred Journey, March 2009. Laurie’s recently completed book, Moments of Grace, is currently in the process of publication. Visit her web site at www.laurieblefeld.com.
Participant Testimonial: I am still reflecting and processing the full, lovely day you created for us. I am forever amazed at the generous and creative spirit of women who prepare so abundantly for attendees they rarely know in advance. Your poetry and art projects were simply grand! I plan on sharing them with friends. I feel so blessed by such a special day of retreat! In gratitude, Bethany
WHAT IS YOUR SONG? October 1, 2016 A Sacred Place Annual Fall Retreat 2016 Waterford, CT
COMING HOME: A DAY TO RECEIVE AND RENEW April 23, 2016 Mercy By the Sea Retreat Center, Madison, CT
Do you find yourself pouring tea for the world, yet forget to put a cup out for yourself? In this springtime season of rebirth and renewal, come home to yourself and be nourished. Withdraw from the busyness of life and be the still cup as you explore,discover and celebrate all that is greening inside you. Who are you really? What fuels your sacred spark? What is the call of your heart in service to others? When we say "yes" to the light in ourselves, we live from the heart and become heartists. Using poetry, mandalas and ritual, our time together will include sharing, reflection and time to experience the quiet and beauty of Nature's greening at the Mercy by the Sea.
Participant testimonial: "The Coming Home Retreat was a blessed event. I had two friends, neither of whom had participated in this sort of experience in the past, join me for the day and both had the same reaction: “It was extremely meaningful and far exceeded our expectations.” Laurie offers her generous soul to all who will hear her. She is open-spirited and accepting which allows those who do hear to discover something important for themselves. Her guided meditations are truly inspired. I got caught blind-sided discovering my own spirit as she gently led me along. Her generosity manifests in the many ways she incorporates creative projects in the further exploration and discovery of our own spirit. Laurie has a wonderful gift and to the great benefit of all those around her she is willing to share it. This program is but one example. ~Pat Z. 4/2016
Discovering the "Pure Diamond" of Your True Self
January 12, 2020: 9:30am – 3:30pm
Mercy by the Sea Retreat Center in Madison, CT
“At the center of our being is a point of nothingness which is untouched by sin and illusion,
a point of pure truth, a point or spark which belongs entirely to God…This little point of
nothingness and of absolute poverty is the pure glory of God in us. It is like a pure diamond
blazing with the invisible light of heaven. It is in everybody.” ~ Thomas Merton
As program facilitator, Laurie hopes to inspire fellow seekers to discover the “pure diamond” living in oneself. Just as Merton asserts above, she believes a shimmering point of pure truth is in everyone. No matter what our experiences, what we have done and what others have done to us, our diamond Self waits to be freed from the surrounding debris that separates us from the precious goodness inherent in all.
With the New Year upon us, step away from the busyness of your life and experience the peace and stillness at Mercy by the Sea. Let your New Year’s intentions include coming home to yourself. Who are you really? What is your longing? What do you place on the altar of your life? When we say “Yes!” to the pure diamond within us, we kindle the light of heaven in others. Using poetry, mandalas and ritual, our day together will include sharing, creativity and time for reflection on the beautiful grounds overlooking Long Island Sound. Participants are asked to bring an item that reflects their true self (to be returned at the closing.)
To register visit : www.mercybythesea.org or call Rosemary Jones in Guest Services at 203.245.0401, ext 114.
Creating Space for Grace: Intention, Reflection, Receptivity
October 26, 2019 9:am to 12:00
Seacoast Spirituality Group
St. Teresa's Church, 820 Central Road, Rye, New Hampshire
Grace – those ordinary moments with ordinary people in ordinary places when the veil of the familiar parts to reveal the movement of God.
In Laurie’s recently published book, Moments of Grace, she writes, “Moments of grace meet us where we are and we are changed.” Grace surprises and comes unsolicited. It comes whether we expect it, believe it or deserve it. Laurie invites us to be a witness to the many moments of grace that bless our lives and mend our tender hearts. Though we cannot make grace happen, we can ready ourselves for receptivity by practicing stillness, paying attention and becoming more aware of how laced with grace our lives really are.
Our personal stories weave themselves into our lives and shape us. Sharing those stories – who we are, what we love, how we feel and why we fear – connect us. I find myself in your story; you find yourself in mine. In so doing, we belong to each other and discover we are more alike than we are different. In this beautiful autumnal season, withdraw from the busyness of your life. Come and find sanctuary as we gather together with ritual and poetry. Bring your stories and your open heart.
(Moments of Grace is available from Amazon books.)
Previously Held Retreats and Testimonials
Finding Sanctuary: Making Space for Grace
June 15, 2019 Mercy By The Sea Retreat Center, Madison, CT, 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
During these challenging times of tumult and unrest when we may not know how to find peace, sanctuary opens us to grace and wonder. Grace always surprises. It comes unsolicited as a gift whether we expect it, believe it or think we deserve it. We can ready ourselves by seeking sanctuary and becoming more conscious of how laced with grace our lives really are.
In Laurie’s new book, Moments of Grace, she writes, “Moments of grace meet us where we are and we are changed. Our personal stories weave themselves into our lives and shape us. Sharing our stories — who we are, what we love, how we feel and why we fear – connects us.”
With summertime upon us, consider pausing from your busy life and come into the peaceful sanctuary of Mercy by the Sea.
Using poetry, ritual and mandalas, our day will include time for sharing our stories, creativity and for quiet reflection.
Participants are asked to bring a sacred item to place on our altar table (to be returned to you at closing).
To register visit : mercybythesea.org or call Guest Services at 203.245.0401.
September 29, 2018 Come Away: Find Sanctuary
Facilitators Laurie Blefeld and Sr Patty Cook
A Sacred Place Annual Fall Retreat, New London, CT
October 27, 2018 Making Space for Grace: Intention, Reflection, Receptivity
Mercy By the Sea Retreat Center, Madison, CT
Grace – those ordinary moments with ordinary people in ordinary places when the veil of the familiar parts to reveal the movement of God. Grace surprises and comes unsolicited. But it always comes as gift whether we expect it, believe it or deserve it. We can ready ourselves for receptivity by practicing stillness and becoming more conscious of how laced with grace our lives really are.
In Laurie’s new book, Moments of Grace, she writes, “Moments of grace meet us where we are and we are changed. Our personal stories weave themselves into our lives and shape us. Sharing those stories – who we are, what we love, how we feel and why we fear – connect us. I find myself in your story; you find yourself in mine. In so doing, we belong to each other, and we are not alone.”
In this beautiful autumnal season, pause from the busyness of your life and experience the quiet and peace at Mercy By the Sea. Using poetry, ritual and mandalas, our day will include sharing our stories, creativity and time for quiet reflection. Participants are asked to bring an item for our table altar that reflects a time when you were touched by grace.
Mutual Radiance: Exploring the Gift of Blessing
Facilitator: Gunilla Norris, Co-facilitator: Laurie Blefeld
Saturday, February 3, 2018
Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, West Hartford, CT
Blessing is contagious. The more we feel blessed the more of a blessing we become. During challenging times, when we don’t know what to do and feel there is very little we can do, there is always blessing to turn to. We can count our daily blessings, send blessings to others, and so in time, grow to be agents of blessing. It isn’t easy to be aware that we are each steeped in blessing. To live in awareness of blessing, to cultivate it and to share it is a spiritual practice that can sustain us and fill us with strength and joy. In this workshop, we will create practices that nurture our ability to sustain a life lived in blessing, including the making of blessing postcards to share.
Match: A Practice to Bring Heart and Will Into Alignment with Gunilla Norris & Laurie Blefeld
Saturdays: September 16, 2017, 9:30 to 3:30pm; October 14, November 4, & December 16, 2017, 9:30 am. To noon.
Mercy By the Sea Retreat Center, Madison, CT
To bring one’s heart and will into alignment is no small task. To act on the desire to do so, we may need a way to be inspired and guided. This program offers a way to begin and the companionship of others. It is based on Gunilla Norris’ book, Match. The practice engages with matches and a matchbox, “to help us get out of whatever internal box we might be in,” according to Gunilla. “We need something to hold on to while we explore what we want to give ourselves to and how to respond. To have something small and utterly do-able is steadying and comforting.
COMING HOME: A DAY TO RECEIVE AND RENEW
Mercy By the Sea Retreat Center, Madison, CT
Saturday, October 22, 2016 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
For God To make love, For the divine alchemy to work, The Pitcher needs a still cup. --Hafiz
Do you find yourself pouring tea for everyone, yet forget to put out a cup for yourself? We live in a frenzied world. Our souls are parched from spiritual deprivation as everyday pressures drain us. Withdraw from the busyness of life and be the still cup as you come home to yourself and be nourished. Who are you really? What fuels your sacred spark? What is the call of your heart in service to others? The day will include poetry, creating mandalas and ritual, and time for quiet reflection in Nature’s autumnal beauty at Mercy by the Sea. Fee includes program and lunch. Participants are asked to bring a favorite mug.
Laurie Blefeld, MA, a writer, spiritual director, counselor and retreat facilitator, has worked for over twenty five years as a
counselor for women who have experienced emotional, physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence and homelessness. In recent years, Laurie provides spiritual direction for incarcerated women at York CI where she facilitates a transformational program designed to provide an opportunity for inmates to deepen their spiritual lives and develop tools for spiritual and emotional healing. Laurie also maintains a private practice for spiritual direction in which she mentors individuals and small groups of all faith traditions.
Laurie’s reflection on her work at York, “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall”, was published in March 2011 in Presence Journal, an International Journal of Spiritual direction, and “What Nourishes Your Soul?” published in Sacred Journey, March 2009. Laurie’s recently completed book, Moments of Grace, is currently in the process of publication. Visit her web site at www.laurieblefeld.com.
Participant Testimonial: I am still reflecting and processing the full, lovely day you created for us. I am forever amazed at the generous and creative spirit of women who prepare so abundantly for attendees they rarely know in advance. Your poetry and art projects were simply grand! I plan on sharing them with friends. I feel so blessed by such a special day of retreat! In gratitude, Bethany
WHAT IS YOUR SONG? October 1, 2016 A Sacred Place Annual Fall Retreat 2016 Waterford, CT
COMING HOME: A DAY TO RECEIVE AND RENEW April 23, 2016 Mercy By the Sea Retreat Center, Madison, CT
Do you find yourself pouring tea for the world, yet forget to put a cup out for yourself? In this springtime season of rebirth and renewal, come home to yourself and be nourished. Withdraw from the busyness of life and be the still cup as you explore,discover and celebrate all that is greening inside you. Who are you really? What fuels your sacred spark? What is the call of your heart in service to others? When we say "yes" to the light in ourselves, we live from the heart and become heartists. Using poetry, mandalas and ritual, our time together will include sharing, reflection and time to experience the quiet and beauty of Nature's greening at the Mercy by the Sea.
Participant testimonial: "The Coming Home Retreat was a blessed event. I had two friends, neither of whom had participated in this sort of experience in the past, join me for the day and both had the same reaction: “It was extremely meaningful and far exceeded our expectations.” Laurie offers her generous soul to all who will hear her. She is open-spirited and accepting which allows those who do hear to discover something important for themselves. Her guided meditations are truly inspired. I got caught blind-sided discovering my own spirit as she gently led me along. Her generosity manifests in the many ways she incorporates creative projects in the further exploration and discovery of our own spirit. Laurie has a wonderful gift and to the great benefit of all those around her she is willing to share it. This program is but one example. ~Pat Z. 4/2016
COMING HOME TO YOURSELF A Sacred Place Annual Fall Retreat 2015 Waterford, CT
Participant testimonial: "This is the second retreat Laurie facilitated for A Sacred Place, Inc. I didn't think this could top the retreat from last year which she facilitated on Intentional Self Compassion, but it did. Laurie's gentle and present manner, use of story and metaphor, and exercises, helped me to dig deeper to recognize ways to quiet myself, and my internal motivations to do so. Her practical tools to practice being the still cup, so I can refill, were excellent and sustainable in my day-today living. Laurie brings a calm presence, compassion, and openness, that makes her one of the most extraordinary facilitators I have ever had. I feel blessed to have her in my life". ~ Marty Purdy Executive Director, A Sacred Place 9/2015
INTENTIONAL SELF COMPASSION A Sacred Place Annual Fall Retreat 2014 Waterford, CT
INTENTION, CREATION AND REFLECTION: WITNESSING THE SELF AND THE SACRED Retreat Sorelle LLC in Dennis, MA
EFFECTING CHANGE IN OUR LIVES: EXPLORING YOUR INTERIOR LANDSCAPE WITH COLLAGE Seacoast Spirituality Group for Women in Rye, NH
Participant testimonial: "This is the second retreat Laurie facilitated for A Sacred Place, Inc. I didn't think this could top the retreat from last year which she facilitated on Intentional Self Compassion, but it did. Laurie's gentle and present manner, use of story and metaphor, and exercises, helped me to dig deeper to recognize ways to quiet myself, and my internal motivations to do so. Her practical tools to practice being the still cup, so I can refill, were excellent and sustainable in my day-today living. Laurie brings a calm presence, compassion, and openness, that makes her one of the most extraordinary facilitators I have ever had. I feel blessed to have her in my life". ~ Marty Purdy Executive Director, A Sacred Place 9/2015
INTENTIONAL SELF COMPASSION A Sacred Place Annual Fall Retreat 2014 Waterford, CT
INTENTION, CREATION AND REFLECTION: WITNESSING THE SELF AND THE SACRED Retreat Sorelle LLC in Dennis, MA
EFFECTING CHANGE IN OUR LIVES: EXPLORING YOUR INTERIOR LANDSCAPE WITH COLLAGE Seacoast Spirituality Group for Women in Rye, NH