Cost: Sliding Scale $500, $375, $250
Anxiety, trauma, depression, self-doubt, self-hatred, self-criticism, overwhelm, addictions, stress-related illnesses: we are often taught that these forms of suffering are “personal problems,” or at the broadest, problems that originated in our families of origin. The recommended way of addressing them is thus with a private therapist, psychoactive medication, or individual addiction recovery.
However, we and our families exist in a larger historical and cultural context that also impacts our internal life. The good news is that looking at the larger context might reveal new pathways to healing to complement those listed above.
This retreat will incorporate wisdom and formats from 12-step recovery to explore this broader pathway of healing. Join us for fireside “recovery meetings,” good company, laughter, hiking, singing, and reflection on the beautiful Kittatinny Ridge. Twelve-step experience may be helpful but is not required.
Facilitators Bios:
Rev. Lynice Pinkard is a Black writer, teacher, healer, pastor, recovering addict, and public intellectual operating at the intersection of Christianity, economics, and social change. Her current work is dedicated to decolonizing the human spirit and freeing people from what she calls “empire affective disorder.” Her commitment is to inspire and nurture a new generation of Spirit-filled servant leaders dedicated to the remediation of day-to-day suffering, the building of collective resilience for transformative change, and the pursuit of structural and systemic justice in the world.
Nichola Torbett is a white spiritual seeker, recovering addict, gospel preacher, racial justice podcaster, nonviolent direct action trainer, and petsitter. She is committed to helping other white people recognize their own trauma and discontent as catalysts for the dismantling of systems of oppression that are killing us all, and killing Black and Brown people first. She is grateful to First Congregational Church of Oakland and Second Acts as her primary communities of accountability.
Lynice and Nichola have been teaching, writing, and fomenting communities of recovery and resistance together for twelve years. Forged by mutual longing, love, and shared risk, their longstanding cross-racial friendship forms the basis for the transformative work they do with others.