In the early days of the Christian movement, “followers of the way” risked life and limb to follow the luminous teachings of their beloved rabbi, Yeshua (Gk: Jesus). Their faith and dedication shook the very foundations of the Roman Empire.
By the early 4th century, Constantine recognized the momentum this spiritual force had gained and chose to recognize it as an official religion. In a single edict, the age when martyrdom was a sure sign of sanctity had come to a close. Christian “faith” was now more likely to elevate your social standing than to threaten it.
A new question emerged from that moment that is highly relevant to our situation today: what can we sacrifice — literally “make holy” — in a culture where Christians have become the majority, and at times even the persecutor? Put another way, what is a spirituality of conscience as opposed to merely a spirituality of blending in?
Some of the most serious followers of Yeshua found their authentic response to this question by seeking solitude in the Egyptian desert. They committed not to seek the former martyr’s death — imprisonment, torture, and often grisly execution — but to encounter the deepest wounds and distortions of their own humanity.
Through an earnest and sincere life of meditation, prayer and self-giving, our Desert Mothers and Fathers re-animated the world-changing ministry of their Master and left behind a path of spiritual transformation for the rest of us to follow. Their wisdom and guidance come to us in a similar time of upheaval and renewal.
On December 3-5, Lower Lights will host a 3-day exploration of the desert path of transfiguring solitude, in service of the “more beautiful world our hearts know is possible.”
The retreat will include:
- Detailed instruction on meditation, prayer, purification and psychological healing
- Meditative time in nature
- Journaling and reflection on wisdom teachings that have shaped the Christian tradition
- Both Feminine and Masculine approaches to spirituality
- Group process and exploration
- Communal meals
- Fire
This retreat is for you if:
• You want to deepen your relationship with stillness and darkness.
• You care about re-centering feminine spirituality in our world
• You long for authentic companionship on the spiritual path.
• You are looking for mentoring and instruction in your meditation/contemplative practice
• You value Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s call for a “costly discipleship” and reject the cheaper path of religious safety in numbers.
• You long for intimacy with the Source of Life and are drawn to contemplative prayer as a path.
Join us for 3 days of renewal in the mountains of the high desert. This movement of Spirit is even more alive and urgent today as our world cries out to be reimagined.
Daily Rhythm:
• Morning session: 9 AM–Noon
• 90‑minute lunch/rest break
• Afternoon session: 1:30–4:00 PM
• 30-minute rest
• Silent practice: 4:30-5:30pm
Tuition: $650
Scholarships: If you would like to attend this retreat but lack the resources, please email us at info@lowerlightswisdom.org to be considered. In your email tell us about your financial situation and why you would like to attend.
Location & Lodging: Camp Tracy (3901 Mill Creek Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84124)
There is no lodging on site for this retreat. There are many wonderful airbnbs and hotels in the area.
Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be available within 90 days of the retreat. Prior to 90 days, a 90% refund will be provided with the exception of an administrative fee (10% of payment). To cancel, contact info@lowerlightswisdom.org
Facilitator:Thomas McConkie has been practicing in Buddhist meditation and Christian contemplation for over 25 years. He holds a master’s degree from Harvard Divinity School in transformative practice and envisions a renaissance in consciousness on the Wasatch Front.
Space is limited for this retreat. Please confirm your spot as soon as possible.
Questions? email us at info@lowerlightswisdom.org
In the early days of the Christian movement, “followers of the way” risked life and limb to follow the luminous teachings of their beloved rabbi, Yeshua (Gk: Jesus). Their faith and dedication shook the very foundations of the Roman Empire.
By the early 4th century, Constantine recognized the momentum this spiritual force had gained and chose to recognize it as an official religion. In a single edict, the age when martyrdom was a sure sign of sanctity had come to a close. Christian “faith” was now more likely to elevate your social standing than to threaten it.
A new question emerged from that moment that is highly relevant to our situation today: what can we sacrifice — literally “make holy” — in a culture where Christians have become the majority, and at times even the persecutor? Put another way, what is a spirituality of conscience as opposed to merely a spirituality of blending in?
Some of the most serious followers of Yeshua found their authentic response to this question by seeking solitude in the Egyptian desert. They committed not to seek the former martyr’s death — imprisonment, torture, and often grisly execution — but to encounter the deepest wounds and distortions of their own humanity.
Through an earnest and sincere life of meditation, prayer and self-giving, our Desert Mothers and Fathers re-animated the world-changing ministry of their Master and left behind a path of spiritual transformation for the rest of us to follow. Their wisdom and guidance come to us in a similar time of upheaval and renewal.
On December 3-5, Lower Lights will host a 3-day exploration of the desert path of transfiguring solitude, in service of the “more beautiful world our hearts know is possible.”
The retreat will include:
- Detailed instruction on meditation, prayer, purification and psychological healing
- Meditative time in nature
- Journaling and reflection on wisdom teachings that have shaped the Christian tradition
- Both Feminine and Masculine approaches to spirituality
- Group process and exploration
- Communal meals
- Fire
This retreat is for you if:
• You want to deepen your relationship with stillness and darkness.
• You care about re-centering feminine spirituality in our world
• You long for authentic companionship on the spiritual path.
• You are looking for mentoring and instruction in your meditation/contemplative practice
• You value Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s call for a “costly discipleship” and reject the cheaper path of religious safety in numbers.
• You long for intimacy with the Source of Life and are drawn to contemplative prayer as a path.
Join us for 3 days of renewal in the mountains of the high desert. This movement of Spirit is even more alive and urgent today as our world cries out to be reimagined.
Daily Rhythm:
• Morning session: 9 AM–Noon
• 90‑minute lunch/rest break
• Afternoon session: 1:30–4:00 PM
• 30-minute rest
• Silent practice: 4:30-5:30pm
Tuition: $650
Scholarships: If you would like to attend this retreat but lack the resources, please email us at info@lowerlightswisdom.org to be considered. In your email tell us about your financial situation and why you would like to attend.
Location & Lodging: Camp Tracy (3901 Mill Creek Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84124)
There is no lodging on site for this retreat. There are many wonderful airbnbs and hotels in the area.
Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be available within 90 days of the retreat. Prior to 90 days, a 90% refund will be provided with the exception of an administrative fee (10% of payment). To cancel, contact info@lowerlightswisdom.org
Facilitator:Thomas McConkie has been practicing in Buddhist meditation and Christian contemplation for over 25 years. He holds a master’s degree from Harvard Divinity School in transformative practice and envisions a renaissance in consciousness on the Wasatch Front.
Space is limited for this retreat. Please confirm your spot as soon as possible.
Questions? email us at info@lowerlightswisdom.org
