Unhurried: A Soulful Read-Away Retreat

Unhurried is created for those who long to read but rarely allow themselves the time. For those whose lives are full, whose days move quickly, and who may even feel a quiet sense of guilt about pausing long enough to open a book and linger with it. This retreat offers permission to slow down, to rest without explanation, and to rediscover reading as a sacred practice.

During this two-overnight retreat, participants are invited to soak in or gently dive into a book that opens the soul—one meant to be read slowly, savored, and returned to again and again. Guests are welcome to bring a book that has been quietly waiting for their attention, or they may choose a book from the Well of Mercy gift shop upon arrival. This book is offered as a gift included with the retreat, a companion for the days of quiet reflection and a reminder to carry home.

This is not a retreat to finish a book, but to dwell with it—to notice the words that linger, to sense what rises in the spaces between sentences, and to allow God to speak through story, reflection, poetry, and silence.

The rhythm of the retreat is intentionally spacious, offering long, uninterrupted periods for reading, resting, journaling, walking, and simply being. Optional brief gatherings provide gentle moments for reflection and prayer, while still honoring each participant’s need for solitude and quiet.

A simple booklet with reflection prompts will guide our gatherings together and offer gentle ways to consider how the words we read may speak into our own lives. Participants are welcome to engage with the prompts as little or as much as they wish.

As a light-hearted invitation to explore the property, guests may also choose to take part in Reading Bingo—finding cozy and contemplative places to read throughout Well of Mercy. Participation is entirely optional, and those who complete a card will receive a small book-themed gift as a reminder of their unhurried time away.

This retreat is for anyone who needs permission to pause, who longs for spiritual nourishment without striving, and who trusts that God meets us not only in effort, but also in stillness.

Come as you are. Choose a book. Let your soul linger.

Book Suggestions from our Staff:

• An Altar in the World – Barbara Brown Taylor
• Parker Palmer: Let Your Life Speak – Parker J. Palmer
• The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry – John Mark Comer
• Ladder to the Light – Steven Charleston
• The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse – Charlie Mackesy
• The 11Fingered Jesus – Cathy Cook
• The Divine Spark – Paula D’Arcy