Dear Visitor,
In the summer of 2001, I had the wonderful
opportunity of visiting the island of Iona in the Scottish
Hebrides. Iona is home to the Iona Community, a worldwide,
spiritually-based organization emphasizing social engagement
and activism. I came away
from that experience deeply inspired by their vision, and began
to ponder how something similar might be accomplished in my hometown
of Austin. Around that same time, I became aware of the
Center for Action and
Contemplation in Albuquerque. The
CAC was founded by Franciscan Father Richard Rohr and offers
a “radical voice for peaceful, non-violent social change” as
well as a “forum for renewal and encouragement for the
seeking individual”. In a very short time, I found myself
working as an intern at the CAC managing their guesthouse, Tepeyac. My
tenure there lasted for 5 months. It was a time of awakening
and transformation for me, during which I resolved to do my best
to try something similar in Austin. Upon returning to Texas,
I was fortunate to find like-minded individuals who were willing
to commit time, treasure and talent to the realization of the
vision, and, before we knew it, RiverStone was born.
Today, RiverStone is a nonprofit
organization that offers silent retreats, workshops
promoting wholeness, social change and the empowerment
of women, and public liturgies highlighting the
spiritual dimensions of politics and social engagement.
Our activities are open to individuals from
all walks of life, of all faiths and no faith
and emphasize the interconnectedness and sacredness
of all things. Currently, our retreats
are being offered at Santa
Soledad, a private retreat center between
Austin and Houston, through the |
generosity
of its owners, Charles and Awanda Whitworth.
In short, RiverStone has begun to BE and to be
recognized in the community as a living, breathing
entity.
Our
plans for the immediate future include finding
an urban home, continuing our series of weekend
workshops on women’s
rites of passage and extending the audience for
our social engagement activities.
We hope one day to add men’s rites of
passage and also to become a place of renewal
and spiritual grounding for groups and individuals
who work for peace and social change. And
someday, somehow, if the Universe continues
to smile on us, we hope to build a place of
retreat for you in Austin. Upon returning to
Texas, I was fortunate to find like-minded
individuals who were willing to commit time,
treasure and talent to the realization of the
vision, and, before we knew it, RiverStone
was born.
Today, RiverStone is a nonprofit
organization that offers silent retreats, workshops
promoting wholeness, social change and the empowerment
of women, and public liturgies highlighting the
spiritual dimensions of politics and social engagement.
Our activities are open to individuals and all
seekers in the quiet, wild beauty of the Texas
Hill Country.
You are cordially invited to participate in our project and
to send us your suggestions and comments.
May peace and every good be yours.
Sincerely,
Cindy Ybarra
Founder of RiverStone |
