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Strengthening the Soul

An At-Home Hildegard Retreat

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Welcome to this self-led retreat inspired by the life and theology of the Christian Mystic, Hildegard of Bingen! Her work still inspires people today, and she's known for being a powerful healer. This retreat is for you to do in your space, whenever you need some strength and healing for your soul!


Here is a suggested quiet day outline:


  • 9:00 Build your quiet space

  • 10:00-10:20 Break

  • 10:20-11:00  Hildegard & Trauma Discussion

  • 11:00-11:20 Break

  • 11:20-11:30 Feather Meditation

  • 11:30-1:00 Mindful eating lunch, walk, rest

  • 1:00-1:30 Hildegard's Visions and a Walk into the Future

  • 1:30-1:45 Icon writing and music

  • 1:45-2:00 Break

  • 2:00-3:00 Journal studio

  • 3:30 Finish


You might want to have next to you:


– Speaker/headphone for music

– Herbal Teas (especially camomile & mint, which Hildegard believed increased joy)

– Art supplies

– Meditation cushion

-  Your favorite Bible

-  Guidelines by Hildegard for "Eating with the Natural Wisdom of the Body" (2 pages)


For an extra bonus, we're also including some of Hildegard’s own recipes from “St. Hildegard's Kitchen" by Jany Fournier-Rosset,  that the Saint used to help balance the body. Feel free to have these prepared for your lunch break for the full Hildegard experience.

Full Retreat Available Now

Membership Community

COURSE INSTRUCTOR

The Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining

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Hillary currently serves as the Rector of St. Columba's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. She’s an accomplished scholar and teacher, and is passionate about helping people deepen their connection to God through traditional and innovative means. She is the founder of The Hive, an online community focused on spirituality and wellness and holds a Master of Divinity from Yale University and the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, and a Doctor of Ministry from Drew University. Her academic work explores topics including leadership, reconciliation, preaching, trauma, and Indigenous theology—including meaningful research with her own tribe, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Native Americans, on ritual and intersectionality. As a pastor, Hillary is known for her warmth, deep listening, and creative spirit. She is also a spiritual director, yoga and meditation instructor, forest therapist, and beekeeper, and brings a holistic approach to ministry grounded in love, joy, and justice.


To learn more about Hillary, visit her personal website here.

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