“Working with my dreams, Almut has given me healing, comfort, and liberation from unconscious patterns that caused distress in my closest relationships, including with myself. Almut embodies the beauty and joy of philosophia (the Greek word for philosophy) and brings authentic, Benedictine humility to the sharing of her scholarship and wisdom. I consider her a midwife in dream work, someone who care-fully tends, attends, and guides the journey of birthing a new perspective.”

— Tracy R., MN

"The retreat was a wonderful experience in a beautiful setting giving me the opportunity to relax and focus on some important life questions."

-- Deb Anderson, participant

"This was, quite truly, among the finest learning experiences I have ever had. The content was substantive, on a par with the best in academic learning."

-- Steve Doughty, Greenville, SC

"Do a cloister. It will enrich the rest of your days."

-- Ina Christopherson, participant

"The discussion with leaders and participants was spacious. The devotional, communal context in which all this took place was deeply nourishing."

-- Steve, participant

"It is very rare in my experience to find leaders who delve so deeply into the academic understanding of a topic AND so skillfully help participants find personal meaning in it."

-- Sara Newberg, participant

Chuck and Almut share identically several essential gifts: wonderfully keen, informed minds; superb knowledge of their subjects; the ability to communicate their knowledge clearly, joyfully, and with humility in relation to the ideas and figures they offer; a clear (though never gooey!) devotion to personal growth in the ways and love of the Living God; hospitality towards the "students," a willingness to spend generous time with each of us...

Steve D., participant at Rumi & Benedict 2015

I read the following quote in a devotional book I read occasionally (Catherine Whitmire, Plain Living) that made me think of your work from the weekend:

One thing I understand now is that
one's intellect alone won't pull one through,
and that the greatest service it will perform
is to open a window for that thing
we call the divine spirit.

~Hilda Clark

-- Sara Newberg, participant

Almut is gifted in all aspects of group management so that all of the activities flowed together at a comfortable pace. She is also an excellent scholar and passionate about her subject.

--- Sue Swanson

As a regular reader of a number of thoughtful, spiritual writers’ blogs I thought I knew what to expect—interesting conversation with like-minded people. I was surprised and delighted when their writing guided me into a spiritual journey that unlocked thoughts and feelings I wasn’t aware I had buried. I really did find a breathing space here, as well as help for quieting my mind, tuning my heart, and opening my soul to the magnificence of God’s love.

-- Tracy Rittmueller, MN

What People say