October 2-8, 2025
The annual GWish Art of Presence Retreat offers a sacred space for you to contemplate your own spirituality and deepen your commitment to your call to serve. This retreat is designed for health care practitioners—doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, chaplains—as well as other professionals open to deepening their spiritual lives. All seekers are welcome, regardless of faith, belief system, or culture.
Now is your chance to visit a contemplative and beautiful city, visited by millions each year. During this one-of-a-kind retreat, we will experience a much-needed pause and reflect on what gives meaning in our lives. We will also explore the importance of being present not only with our patients, but with ourselves.
GWish Retreat: A Spiritual Experience
Health professionals and providers from many disciplines who care for patients and families are invited to participate in an interdisciplinary retreat designed to provide respite and renewal, reflection and nourishment, and to re-ignite your passion for your vocation.
Experience what it means to be a compassionate presence to those you serve. Understand the role of personal boundaries as you care for those who are deeply suffering and explore how your own spirituality enables you to practice compassionate presence.
Dedicate this time to your professional well-being through reflection, small group sharing, journaling, meditation, and taking time for yourself.
In this retreat you will:
- Experience peaceful presence through meditation, journaling, and sharing.
- Learn tools, skills, and rituals to share with patients and colleagues.
- Reflect on your own commitment to your chosen vocation.
- Reinforce personal boundaries when caring for patients.
- Meet in small groups to listen, share, and support.
- Explore your own spirituality and how it helps you be present to the people you serve, especially those who are suffering.
- Give yourself time off from the everyday demands of your work.
- Earn CE credits for participating.
Join us for the GWish Art of Presence Retreat and bring a deeper meaning and purpose to your practice. Set aside October 2-8, 2025 to contemplate your call to serve at the GWish Art of Presence Retreat.
I have never in my entire life felt this much energy. This is not a retreat. It's a pilgrimage. It's spiritual. It's energy. It's communication and communion.
—Rebecca RN, CNP, Four Seasons Hospice, Hendersonville, NC
Sign up for GWish announcements to be notified of open registration.
Christina Puchalski, MD, FACP, FAAHPM Physician and Founder of The George Washington University Institute for Spirituality* |
Carolyn Jacobs, PhD, MSW. |
Mario Cagna, MDiv. Chaplain, Pastoral Care, Genoa, Italy |
Edward O'Donnell, M.A. |
Registration coming soon!