Wrestling with Praise: Finding Joy and Devotion Even When It Seems Unlikely
Verilujah
[ver-uh–loo–yuh]
- the praise that rises when we are in a state of raw, naked honesty, aligning with the vast mystery of life as it is instead of clinging to our story about how we think life is supposed to be
from Latin verus (true) + hallelujah, song of praise
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It isn’t difficult to experience beauty and wonder, with so much surrounding us. And yet, we often get so caught up in the fullness of our lives that sometimes we miss it—and it is especially difficult when we are deep in the struggle. Taking a breath and a pause—and then, that next step to savor and offer our praise and gratitude deepens our devotion to what matters. It’s also healthy for us and those around us. Praise invites us to be inspired, to find solace, and to connect with something larger than we are, which is much needed especially when we are slammed every day with difficult news in the world all around us.
In this one-and-a-half-day contemplative writing retreat, we will nurture a trustworthy space to invite in an exploration of the power of praise, particularly that paradoxical praise for beauty, love, strength and connection that can only emerge as we wrestle with the worries and pains of daily living. We’ll explore the elation that arises when we trust everything belongs, and when we can be in service to that belonging and transformation.
Through the Courage & Renewal approach and poetry writing and exploration, this retreat invites you to connect with yourself and others—to slow down, reflect and notice, while experiencing poetry through the gateways of listening, creative writing, imagination, and shared exploration.
Wrestling with Praise: Finding Joy and Devotion Even When It Seems Unlikely will be grounded in the Courage & Renewal® approach which you can learn more about in Parker J. Palmer’s book, A Hidden Wholeness. All are welcome.
Marcia Eames-Sheavly and poet-teacher-storyteller Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer will co-facilitate this unique mini-retreat experience. You’ll find her poetry online at A Hundred Falling Veils.
December 4, 2025, 9:00 – 3:00 MT, December 5, 2025, 9:00 – 12:00 MT
If you are a newcomer to Circles of Trust® retreats, we have an additional hour-long time scheduled Monday, December 1, 2:00 – 3:00 MT, during which you will be able to orient to the Courage & Renewal approach.
Location: Online
Online, via Zoom. You will need access to a computer or laptop; a set of headphones/earbuds may be helpful. You will also need a strong internet connection and a location in which you can be uninterrupted during our sessions.
Cost:
$175.00, $150.00 early bird rate if you enroll prior to October 1, 2025.
Deposit:
A non-refundable deposit of $50 is required with registration, with the balance to be provided by November 19, 2025.
How to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSds4DOpdQ3-Vfik-weKn6mRWGDH75l9tE0B7FGx2CLWNOApog/viewform?usp=header
Information about cancellation policy:
Prior to November 19, 2025, the program fee can be refunded less the non-refundable fee. After this date, no refunds can be granted.