Deep Change: Befriending the Unknown is a retreat to be held the weekend of October 3-5, 2025, at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley. The retreat is open to the public. Sessions will begin early Friday evening, continue all day Saturday and conclude Sunday afternoon. Specific times are listed below.
 
Many of us feel the call of Deep Change amid our everyday lives, more so in recent times, as new uncertainties arise. Events and experiences that shake our sense of personal identity, as well as our view of the world, can open us to the journey of Deep Change. These may include the loss of a relationship, loss of a job, change in location, retirement and illness. But also, Deep Change can begin with no apparent reason. We may feel a sense of being lost or disoriented. These feelings are often exasperated by the unraveling of our culture and society due to examples such as divisive politics, pandemic, climate change. So, why a person finds themselves in the journey of Deep Change can be a mystery.
 
In this retreat, participants may realize they have a longing for greater freedom, compassion, connection, and belonging. While Deep Change holds great promise, it can also be quite challenging. For example, at first, we may experience a sense of emptiness, meaninglessness, something missing in ourselves or in our lives.
 
Understanding the 7 shifts of Deep Change and their interconnectedness can help us better comprehend, navigate, and cooperate with the unseen life-giving forces of Deep Change as we discover how these shifts can transform our experience of ourselves and our world.
 
The retreat will be structured as a ‘Circle of Trust’ in which participants may share individually and collectively, questions and experiences. Since each person’s sharing is personal and private, maintaining a “safe space” and confidentiality is paramount. Participants will come away with “footholds” and supportive practices and tools.
 
Registration for the retreat is $100. (Includes materials, snacks and Saturday lunch.) Some scholarships are available. No one will be kept from this program due to finances.

To register and/or for further information and questions, please contact:
Susan Plummer
spplummer@gmail.com
or call her private line at 805-488-2711
 
Dates and Times
Friday, October 3: 6-9pm
Saturday, October 4: 9am-5pm
Sunday, October 5: 12 noon-5pm
 
The instructor/facilitator is Susan P. Plummer, MSW, Ph.D., author of Deep
Change: Befriending the Unknown. She currently has a private psychological counseling and consultation practice in the Santa Ynez Valley.