3-Day Retreat - Becoming One
September 10th-12th, 2026 • St Luke’s • London
Across the great wisdom traditions — separated by centuries and continents — human beings have arrived at a remarkably similar discovery: that we are capable of joining ourselves with the fullness of all that is. Some have called this awakening. Others, liberation. In the Christian tradition, a quietly radical concept points toward the same reality: atonement — or, as its roots suggest, at-one-ment.
But how do we translate this understanding into a lived, embodied reality? When we feel estranged from ourselves and from the Divine, what can we do to return to a state of creative flow and grace?
This retreat offers a practical exploration of that question, drawing on practices from Thomas's recently released book, At-One-Ment.
Practitioners Monthly Retreat - September 19th
Becoming a practitioner, in essence, is an increased commitment to come to know yourself at the deepest level. Next, it is an intention to share your freedom and compassion with the world in the way that only you can.Practitioners enjoy a number of benefits at Lower Lights: This monthly retreat, meditation instruction and developmental coaching, priority registration for events, and discounts on our offerings. Drop-in’s are also welcome.
Practitioners Monthly Retreat - October 17th
Becoming a practitioner, in essence, is an increased commitment to come to know yourself at the deepest level. Next, it is an intention to share your freedom and compassion with the world in the way that only you can.Practitioners enjoy a number of benefits at Lower Lights: This monthly retreat, meditation instruction and developmental coaching, priority registration for events, and discounts on our offerings. Drop-in’s are also welcome.
7-Day Meditation Retreat (Hillsboro, Oregon)
We'd love for you to join us this fall at Scholls Valley Lodge, nestled in the rolling hills of Hillsboro, Oregon, for a seven-day meditation retreat.
At Lower Lights, we take a distinctive approach to meditation — one rooted in the ancient wisdom of mindfulness, Christianity, and Buddhism, but also informed by modern insights from developmental psychology. The result is a practice that meets you where you are and supports real, lasting change.
Retreat is one of the most powerful things you can do for your inner life. When we step away from the noise and demands of daily life for an extended period, something shifts. The mind settles. Old patterns — the ones that keep us stuck, reactive, or exhausted — begin to loosen their grip. We start to see more clearly, feel more deeply, and respond to life with greater care and intention.
3‑Day Contemplative Retreat: The Desert Mothers & Fathers
3-Day Contemplative Retreat: The Desert Mothers & Fathers
December 3rd-5th, 2026 • Millcreek Canyon, Utah
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
LL Monthly Gathering - September 2026
Come join us for our monthly in-person gathering at Bell Hall in Salt Lake City.
It will consist of guided meditation, small groups, and a dash of dharma.