Ongo Retreat in Bali — 23-28th September 2025
This too is Sacred
An Ongo: Everyday Nonviolence Retreat to Embody:
Compassion in Action – For Whatever Arises
“This Too Is Sacred” reminds us that we were made for these times—not by accident, but by design. In moments of chaos, struggle, or uncertainty, this phrase can become an anchor, gently affirming that even now, there is meaning. It invites us to trust that we are equipped with exactly what we need to face the present moment, no matter how heavy or unfamiliar it feels.
Instead of resisting or wishing for different circumstances, we are called to show up fully, with open hearts and grounded courage. By seeing this moment as sacred, we reclaim our agency and remember that we are not just surviving—we are participating in something meaningful and deeply human. While challenging, the world we live in can be navigated, each and every day.
We invite you to gather with us in Bali this September. Practice in sacred community, and return home with embodied tools, clarity, and support to face whatever arises with grounded compassion – in and around you.
At the Ongo: Everyday Nonviolence retreat I’m co-leading with my dear friends and colleagues: Catherine Cadden and Jesse Wiens Chu (authors of The Ongo: Everyday Nonviolence) and Kate Raffin (illustrator of The Ongo Book, and long-time collaborator in sharing Ongo), I want to bring together the elements of my life that feel most alive and meaningful—ceremony, creativity, mindfulness, and everyday presence.
Ceremony, for me, is about pausing to honour what matters. It’s how I mark the sacred in simple, tangible ways: telling life stories, weaving connection in community, reading poetry that stirs something deep, walking in silence, practicing mindfulness, mourning and celebrating in community, or responding through writing or art — feeling, sensing, and living into our shared humanity.
At the retreat, I imagine exploring questions like: What does rest and safety feel like in my body? What does belonging truly mean? What is wellbeing? Not as abstract ideas — rather, as doorways into connection, presence, and healing.
I also bring with me a deep trust in the power of empathy and self-empathy—skills that have supported me through the rawness of real life. They’ve helped me stay grounded with my adult children as they make big decisions in their lives, with my grandchildren in challenging moments, be tender and present with my father as he journeys through dementia, hold space in high-conflict workplaces, and accompany grieving families in my funeral work. These practices help me meet life’s joys and struggles with more care, courage, and humanity.
This retreat is a chance to slow down, connect in community, and embody the principles of compassion and nonviolence—not just as ideas, but as daily practices that shape how we live and relate. There will be an exploration of Ongo and mindfulness practices, group and buddy sessions, ceremony, sharing circles, movement, laughter, possibly tears, connection and friendship.
I’d love to meet you in person and explore some of this and more with you. I hope you will join us for this very special opportunity to connect and laugh and learn together. 23-28th September 2025
Click here for more information and to register. Please feel free to reach out and ask questions.
Catherine, Jesse and Kate are all certified NVC (Nonviolent Communication) trainers. My quals? I am a certified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction facilitator and have facilitated many mindfulness retreats and also Ongo: Everyday Nonviolence programs; and mourning and celebration circles both online and in person.
We would love to have you come walk, dance and practice with us at this special retreat.
