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SLOW DOWN SATURDAYS

Guided monthly Saturday retreats from January to June 2027

8:30am – 4:00pm

Have you ever wanted to go on a silent retreat? Or have a tech-free day? Do you feel unsure about what to do with your time once you turn everything off?
Join a community of people drawn to the invitation to nurture our inner lives.
Slowing down is a spiritual practice. Taking regular time away for retreat restores us and prepares us to re-enter regular daily rhythms with a deeper awareness and groundedness. Retreat gives us a container to release burdens we may be carrying and invite more of what we are desiring.

Learn contemplative practices to sustain you in the rhythm of daily life.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

There are two ways to invest:

  • The full retreat season: six Saturdays offered at a package price.
  • Invest on a month-by-month basis and pay-as-you-go.

Pre-registration is required for each retreat.

Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Registration is limited to 15 participants, so you will never feel overwhelmed by a large group.

For more information and registration options, click here.

Questions?

Email info@soulcarela.com

I’ll be happy to join you in discernment about your participation.

Slow Down Saturdays offers DMV locals a monthly retreat in daily life.

GUIDED PRACTICES:

  • Contemplative Prayer & Meditation
  • Mindful Nature Walks
  • Labrynth
  • Noble silence
  • Guided journaling
  • Group Faith-sharing
  • Healthy Meals
  • Collage & Crafts
  • Leisure
  • Rest & reflection
All practices are rooted in the Christian contemplative tradition, and open to people of all faith traditions.
A gentle teaching framework invites your participation and commitment to regular practices that you can sustain in small intentional ways between retreat days and beyond.

HOW IT WORKS

Slow Down offers a spacious itinerary with room for solo and group contemplation. Our time will include guided contemplative practice, group faith-sharing and reflection, invitations to experience silence in community, contemplative practice stations, and ample time to walk and wander around the property if desired.

Each Saturday will offer a similar contemplative rhythm which allows for deepening into our practice each month. Whether you attend monthly or occasionally, you will find that no two retreats days are alike. Like our experience at church, or in a yoga class, each day brings its own unique gifts, and we bring to each day our own unique experiences. Such is the rhythm of life and living, and the nature of God to meet us wherever we may be.

OUR LOCATION

The Farmhouse is approximately 30 miles from Dupont Circle.

Once you arrive you will feel secluded from the busyness of our nearby surroundings, without having to travel far.

The Farmhouse sits on 210 acres of land designated for silent retreats and is rich with walking trails, benches and quiet spots for reflection.

Read more about contemplation, contemplative prayer, and the Art of Spiritual Direction in the Christian tradition here.