Keeping Green: A Retreat with Hildegard of Bingen

Facilitated by Kim Langley

“O, You who are ever giving life to all life, moving all creatures, root of all things, washing them clean, wiping out their mistakes, healing their wounds, You are our true life, luminous, wonderful, awakening the heart from its ancient sleep.” ~ Hildegard of Bingen

Hildegard has been called one of the most important women of her age, and described as the “Sibyl of the Rhine” for her wisdom, and influential writings. She’s one of only 4 women to be named a doctor of the church.

She was born in 1098, but has been rediscovered in the last 40 years, and a flurry of books, articles and films have generated a passionate group of admirers for her as a writer, composer, philosopher, herbalist, Christian mystic, artist, visionary, and polymath.

Hildegard seems almost contemporary in her thinking, and she is a foremother of eco-spirituality. Her music and art have inspired wide audiences, and her spiritual writings are uplifting, challenging and deeply comforting all at once.

She was no stranger to controversy, and like her contemporary, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Hildegard was a woman of substance. She corresponded with theologians and leaders, suffered terrible headaches and illness, and established monasteries, all with a graceful reliance on God.

Hildegard was an unflagging advocate for every human person to develop their God-given talents. She spoke her mind and was undeniably feisty! She did not hold back because she was a woman, or even draw back from rebuking the pope and emperor when she felt it was needed.

We will dip into her fresh and nearly modern writings, explore her optimistic and positive spirituality which focused on the “greening” of the soul, and have quiet time to rest and reflect, hear her music, see some cuts from award winning films of her life.

Imagine the refreshment of spirit to be gained from spending a retreat with Hildegard, who said “The earth of humankind contains all moisture, all verdancy, all germinating power. It is in so many ways fruitful.” Together we will hope to participate in the fruitfulness of this extraordinary woman.

$10 / session