Becoming the Elder Tree: Purpose in Second Half of Life Retreat

Name: Becoming the Elder Tree: Purpose in Second Half of Life Retreat
Start: 2026-08-14T18:30:00-05:00
End: 2026-08-16T13:00:00-05:00
Location: 120 E Boyson Rd, Hiawatha, IA, United States, Iowa 52233

Schedule

Fri, 14 Aug, 2026 at 06:30 pm to Sun, 16 Aug, 2026 at 01:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

120 E Boyson Rd, Hiawatha, IA, United States, Iowa 52233 | Hiawatha, IA

Learn to be like elder trees in the forest that nurture, support and pass wisdom to others for the wellbeing of the community
Friday, Aug. 14, 6:30 p.m.–Sunday, Aug. 16, 1 p.m. U.S. Central Time
Join a weekend retreat that invites you to envision a second half of life that calls forth your truest self and unique purpose and to consider what it means to be an elder in the deepest sense: when our lived years contribute to a special wisdom, vision and wholeness of self that are shared for the benefit of the community and society. We will place the development of elderhood in the context of our interdependent relationships with the more-than-human world, from nature outside our window all the way out through our entire solar system, the world soul and the greater universe story. Inspired by ecologist Suzanne Simard’s revelations about how forests are communities that are cooperative, collaborative, communicative and reciprocal, we will consider how we can be the elder trees that nurture, support and pass wisdom to others for the health and wellbeing of the entire community. Prairiewoods’ revered Grandmother Oak will thus be our touchstone and inspiration for the weekend.
This retreat follows the Circle of Trust® approach developed by Parker Palmer and the organization he cofounded, the Center for Courage and Renewal. A Circle of Trust invites the individual soul, or inner teacher, to show up in a safe, welcoming, hospitable space, where it can be heard and supported by a trustworthy community. For more on the approach’s core values, touchstones, and principles and practices, visit couragerenewal.org/courage-renewal-approach/.
This retreat at Prairiewoods (120 East Boyson Road in Hiawatha) with Dr. Thomas Dean and Dr. Chris Johnson will welcome participants of all ages and at any stage of life.
The cost of this weekend retreat is $255 and includes sessions, Friday and Saturday lodging, and Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch. The commuter fee is $195 and includes sessions, Saturday lunch and dinner, and Sunday lunch.
A non-refundable deposit of $25 is required at registration. (Full payment is required to register online. If you prefer to pay the $25 registration fee now and the balance when you arrive, please call 319-395-6700.) If you want to stay in a Hermitage, you also will need to register by phone. If you have dietary restrictions that affect your health, please list them on the next screen. If you have missed the registration deadline or the retreat is sold out, please call to be added to the wait list.