‘The Holy Encounter’—a daylong retreat at La Casa de Maria

Rev. Karen S. Wylie, recently returned from her own holy encounter at the “House of Mary” near the ancient ruins in Ephesus, Turkey, will lead a daylong workshop retreat at La Casa de Maria on Saturday, November 9, 2013. The retreat, called “The Holy Encounter,” will run from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and include a wholesome, delicious lunch.

“In our busy lives, we typically don’t get enough time to step away from the distractions of the world to reconnect with the Self,” Rev. Karen explains. “That’s where the Holy Encounter takes place. So often we’re focused on the external, on answers outside of us, that we forget to turn within. Being on the sacred grounds of La Casa de Maria helps us remember our Divine Connection, as does being with others who are committed to dropping into that deep place.”

Rev. Karen recently returned from a trip to the House of Mary in Turkey, where she powerfully resonated with the spirit of comfort and compassion that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, has historically embodied. Though the retreat is non-denominational, it is this spirit of comfort and compassion she wishes to extend to participants. Rev. Karen will lead processes designed to bring participants to awareness of the Creator within. The day will also include quiet walks on the grounds, meditation, reflection, and heart-felt sharing.

Rev. Karen’s intention is that participants will leave the retreat with a greater appreciation of who they are and a greater awareness of themselves as the co-Creator (with the Divine) of their lives, rather than the victim of circumstances.

The retreat is open to people of all faiths and the cost is $75 before Nov. 1, $90 afterwards, and includes lunch. La Casa de Maria is located at 800 El Bosque Road, Montecito. For more information, contact Rev. Karen at 310-968-8928, or register online at www.karenswylie.com.

Rev. Karen S. Wylie is an Agape-licensed minister and spiritual counselor who graduated in 2008 from the University of Transformational Studies and Leadership under the direction of Rev. Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith. She also has a master’s degree in spiritual psychology from the University of Santa Monica, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UCLA. From June 2009 to October 2013 she served as spiritual director of the Symphony of Life Spiritual Center in Ojai, California. She is an agent for transformation, helping others develop the inner awareness and confidence to express their innate spiritual nature in all areas of their lives.