Mary Oliver Mystic Series 2025
“Ten times a day something happens to me like this - some strengthening throb of amazement - some good sweet empathic ping and swell. This is the first, the wildest and the wisest thing I know: that the soul exists and is built entirely out of attentiveness.” - Mary Oliver Mary Oliver, a modern mystic, and possibly the most beloved American poet of our time, is best known for her compassionate, attentive regard for the natural world. Amidst the harshness of life, Oliver found sanctuary and hope in nature and generously shared her discoveries with us in simple, beautiful language that stirs both the heart and the imagination. Oliver published over 25 books of poetry and prose and received many honors including the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. Come join us as Oliver’s words of wisdom invite us into a portal of hope, exploration, and self-discovery all through her mystical eyes and ears, mind and heart. One of our most popular programs, this three-part series will include contemplative reading of a selection of Oliver’s poems, writing prompts, reflection, and small group discussion. Join us for one, two, or all three sessions as we spend time with Mary Oliver’s poems, listening to one another as her wisdom speaks to us.
DATE: Thursdays - 1/9, 1/16, 1/23/25
TIME: 1:00 - 3:00 PM ET
COST: $100 for all three sessions or $40 per session
LOCATION: ZOOM
IMPORTANT: You will receive an email from lorie@wellforthejourney.org at least 24 hours in advance of the start of your program. If you are unable to find the email, please check your SPAM or JUNK email folders. This email will include details to help you prepare for your program including any pertinent handouts, location information, and the ZOOM link for online programs. Please be sure you have received and read this email a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the start of the program. Thank you!
FACILITATOR: Greg Cochran and Sr. Kathy McNany
FACILITATOR BIO: Greg Cochran: Greg has been the Executive Director at Well for the Journey since 2010. He is a graduate of Clemson University and Southern Seminary. Greg was Associate Pastor at Woodbrook Baptist Church serving from 1988-2022. He also is a program/retreat facilitator and a spiritual companion. He completed the Shalem Institute’s Spiritual Guidance Program (SGP) in 2009 and is currently a SGP staff member. He is also a mentor for Paseo's "The Stewards of Mystery" Spiritual Guidance Program in Cottonwood, Idaho. Greg and his wife, Carole, live in Baltimore. They have two children (26 and 24). Greg is a hiker, photographer, woodworker, and loves being with family - and is always desiring to be open and listening for the invitation of the Spirit. Kathy McNany, OSB Sr. Kathy is the Prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Emmanuel Monastery. She also serves the community as Liturgist and Director of Communications. Kathy is a Spiritual Director, Retreat Director, leader of programs in prayer and spirituality at the monastery and in the broader community and works with other Benedictine communities in discernment facilitation and direction setting for the future.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If a program is cancelled by Well for the Journey, or rescheduled and you cannot make the new date, a full refund will be provided to you. For programs with pre-scheduled Inclement Weather Dates, refunds will be provided only if both the original scheduled date and the planned Weather Date are cancelled.
If you are unable to attend a program for which you are registered, you may gift your ticket to another party. Please notify the Well with your request at kristan@wellforthejourney.org and provide the name, mailing address, and email address of the person who is taking your place at the program.
If you cancel your registration 72 hours or more prior to the program start time, you may request a refund up to 50% of the program fee or request that your 50% refund be donated to the Well’s Scholarship Fund. Please contact the Well with your request at kristan@wellforthejourney.org .