Week-long immersion retreats in Assisi, Italy.
Through Beginner's Eyes:
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Seeking Perfect Joy:
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“Through Beginner’s Eyes” is an immersion retreat in Assisi, Italy - a unique opportunity to refresh your photography practice in this glorious medieval town. Like the Zen concept of “beginner’s mind”, beginner’s eyes allow us to see the world anew – with openness, eagerness and freedom from preconceptions. We expand our openness with exercises based on playful imagination, guided visualization, and mindfulness practices, coupled with photographic field trips. This retreat is open to photographers of all levels and equipment (bring your smart phones and tablets!) |
"Seeking Perfect Joy" is an immersion retreat in Assisi, Italy. It is an opportunity to live into two questions: Can we find perfect joy in imperfect circumstances? If so, how? This retreat takes inspiration from a declaration by St. Francis that, by overcoming ourselves, we can find perfect joy in challenging circumstances. The practice of "Seeking Perfect Joy" is an invitation to examine our own stance in the face of difficulty. Through radical acceptance and trust, we can open up to what is possible beyond our usual constructs or responses. |
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Interested? Questions? Use the contact forms, below.
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Are these retreats religious? Some have asked if my retreats are religious in nature. It's a great question, considering that some of the retreats incorporate Franciscan spirituality. Please take a look at the video for more insights on this question. |
What others have said...
"It helped me expand my creative process. The design and schedule are great. I also like the lodging and location. The relaxed format allowed us each to make different choices during the afternoon. All good!"
Wo Schiffman, 2019
"Through Beginner's Eyes"
"Paul put together an amazing program that lead me to challenge myself and stretch out of my comfort zone.
This trip was a wonderful experience."
Alexis King, 2019
"Through Beginner's Eyes"
"...the week was amply structured with a lot of space for self reflection and downtime. I especially enjoyed the afternoon thought sessions. I think you did a great job keeping us on course and allowing enough space so we each could personalize the experience."
Rose Deats, 2018
"Live the Questions"
"...it was the realization of a dream, and the pace was perfect. I appreciated the camaraderie and group chemistry. The places we visited were a gift. The restaurants and eating experiences could not have been better, and blended into the whole experience. The open and honest discussions were meaningful and thought provoking."
Rev. Wilfredo Benitez, 2018
"Live the Questions"
"We found the morning sessions, the visits to churches, the fabulous lunches and the afternoon reflections very meaningful and well paced. Thank you so much for a wonderful retreat."
Helena Lee, Richard Klapper, 2018
"Live the Questions"
"This was a life changing experience!! Paul is a gifted retreat leader; the group provided a wonderful context for exploring the questions we were given to consider. Assisi is breathtakingly beautiful and palpably spirit-filled. My hope is to go back next year."
Ellen Oler, LCSW, 2016
"Live the Questions"
"The morning talks & evening reflections were wonderful - far superior to any meditations I had been offered before. I continue to ask the questions that you posed to us, and I am very grateful."
Millicent Browne, 2016
"Live the Questions"
"Overall, it was a wonderful experience to go deeper into my Franciscan vocation. ..I found the talks to be very beneficial...
a good way to "frame" what were doing each day. Site visits were organized...we had plenty of time to explore.... "
Br. David Rutledge, OSF, 2015
"Live the Questions"
"Paul was excellent at balancing his program with our needs and taking advantage of being in Assisi. It was great having his experience...The retreat had the perfect tone for Assisi...going to the spots where the lives of St. Francis and St. Clair were lived...
made the retreat come alive."
Larry Quirk, 2015
"Live the Questions"
Wo Schiffman, 2019
"Through Beginner's Eyes"
"Paul put together an amazing program that lead me to challenge myself and stretch out of my comfort zone.
This trip was a wonderful experience."
Alexis King, 2019
"Through Beginner's Eyes"
"...the week was amply structured with a lot of space for self reflection and downtime. I especially enjoyed the afternoon thought sessions. I think you did a great job keeping us on course and allowing enough space so we each could personalize the experience."
Rose Deats, 2018
"Live the Questions"
"...it was the realization of a dream, and the pace was perfect. I appreciated the camaraderie and group chemistry. The places we visited were a gift. The restaurants and eating experiences could not have been better, and blended into the whole experience. The open and honest discussions were meaningful and thought provoking."
Rev. Wilfredo Benitez, 2018
"Live the Questions"
"We found the morning sessions, the visits to churches, the fabulous lunches and the afternoon reflections very meaningful and well paced. Thank you so much for a wonderful retreat."
Helena Lee, Richard Klapper, 2018
"Live the Questions"
"This was a life changing experience!! Paul is a gifted retreat leader; the group provided a wonderful context for exploring the questions we were given to consider. Assisi is breathtakingly beautiful and palpably spirit-filled. My hope is to go back next year."
Ellen Oler, LCSW, 2016
"Live the Questions"
"The morning talks & evening reflections were wonderful - far superior to any meditations I had been offered before. I continue to ask the questions that you posed to us, and I am very grateful."
Millicent Browne, 2016
"Live the Questions"
"Overall, it was a wonderful experience to go deeper into my Franciscan vocation. ..I found the talks to be very beneficial...
a good way to "frame" what were doing each day. Site visits were organized...we had plenty of time to explore.... "
Br. David Rutledge, OSF, 2015
"Live the Questions"
"Paul was excellent at balancing his program with our needs and taking advantage of being in Assisi. It was great having his experience...The retreat had the perfect tone for Assisi...going to the spots where the lives of St. Francis and St. Clair were lived...
made the retreat come alive."
Larry Quirk, 2015
"Live the Questions"
Sacred SitesYou will visit the major spiritual landmarks of Assisi, such as the Basilica of St Francis, pictured above. |
Glorious Surroundings You will be immersed in the verdant landscape of Umbria, called the "Green Heart of Italy". |
Food and FellowshipYou will have many opportunities to savor local cuisine in the company of fellow travelers. |