Introduction

Like the 2001 retreat at Sleeping Lady, the 2002 retreat combined presence in a beautiful natural surrounding and spiritual/connecting experiences, like the presence of our common altar or Cheryl Conner leading morning meditations, with the discussion of moving and important ideas. Like previous years, we began with personal introductions, that were once again moving, fascinating, and extremely encouraging — encouraging because we were able to reveal to one another how much we seek a different, more loving and caring world, and how each of us is trying to bring that world into existence through our various unique avenues.

In 2002, we had two non-lawyers, Lapis magazine editor Ralph White, who was writing an article about us, and Barbara Nussbaum, a woman of many talents who had already played an active role in trying to help us develop as a group both spiritually and practically. It was great to have them and to share perspectives with them and gain the confidence you can gain from having outsiders tell you you’re doing the right thing. About half of those attending this year were new retreat participants.