Changing Your World retreats
“David LaMotte is a very good partner in this important work both for our world and for the human soul.”
— Richard Rohr, author of The Naked Now, and Falling Upward
Caring can be hard work. Spend a weekend with a small group of supportive people, guided by David LaMotte, exploring our own stories and our capacity to change them.
From time to time, a small group of new friends will spend the weekend exploring intersections between our gifts and the needs of the world around us. We also practice the self-care needed to do that work by eating good food, enjoying music, and soaking in the beauty of Western North Carolina.
The Changing Your World retreats are normally held in Montreat, NC. This is an intimate event in which a small number of people (22 or fewer) gather to discuss, connect, and grapple collectively with how individuals, communities, and movements can steward positive change in an often overwhelming world.
While we don’t currently have one scheduled, if you would like join David and friends for a weekend of engaging discussion, live music, rich conversation and exploration, please sign up for his newsletter.
Hope you can join us for the next retreat!
To keep up to date on further retreats, concerts, talks, etc., subscribe to David’s newsletter.
I love the spirit of this event, and the open hearts it will attract. But I wonder if being a helping force in the world necessarily requires us to be inclusive in a way that a gathering of this price point cannot? I’ve frequently seen caring become misdirected when we fail to include the voices of those we are caring for, and it’s rarely the privileged who cry out for our attention. I don’t mean to be critical, and offer these comments with humility as a fan of your work and intention.
Hi Carolyn,
Thanks, sincerely, for this good query. Yes, it’s something I’ve given a lot of thought to, and I hear your concern. Part of the response to that question has been to offer two scholarship positions, which are already filled for this retreat. I don’t think that’s sufficient, but I hope it is a worthwhile start. I also do lots of this work in contexts that are less expensive, or free, though any group of people that gathers in a cultural context has barriers to inclusion that need to be examined and challenged. I do think that nearly all of us can benefit by taking the time to wrestle with these questions, and that people who are generally considered to be privileged are often wrestling demons that are not evident at first glance. All that said, I would sincerely welcome your input about possible ways to address this issue. I will drop you an email so that you have my direct contact information. I would be sincerely grateful for any thoughts you have regarding finding a better way forward.
Jessica and I just found out about this (sorry for our technologically informed delay) and are sad that we won’t be able to attend but are grateful that you have a full registration! Please metaphorically beat me over the head with your advertising the next time you do one of these.
Will do, Daniel! 🙂
David – how much I want to be there, but I will be away. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. You are a “God send”, a blessing to so many. Keep up the good work and never lose ” the vision”. Hope the family is well. Your friend, Trish Russell
Thanks so much, Trish, and traveling mercies!
David,I promised not to do anything grandiose until I received my first retirement check and Social Security!?! I certainly do not think of Montreat as grandiose……..I found out yesterday I still have money in the credit union……I am still trying to work it all out! I just wanted you to have an update Sincerely, Joy Nichols Little Rock AR
Fair enough, Joy!
David, I would love to be there. It sounds like something I truly would need and enjoy. Unfortunately finances have to go towards my trips down to wake. Not sure how many I have to make yet. Peace to you my friend. I will be with you in spirit.
I sure understand that, Steve. Blessings as you navigate these challenging days.