A Season of Thriving; The Art of Aging Well
As we begin to embrace our lives as 'seniors' (around ages 50+), new opportunities and anxieties arise. This workshop is designed to foster reflection and conversations as we embrace the coming seasons. We welcome a small group of 12 - 14 curious and whole hearted seniors to join us for this Friday - Monday retreat. Included is the Be Well Lead Well Pulse®, a personal wellbeing assessment from which we'll glean rich information about how thriving shows up in our lives today and how it might increase as we age. https://www.wisdom-works.com/assessment/ The tentative agenda and more inspiration below.
As we begin to embrace our lives as 'seniors' (around ages 50+), new opportunities and anxieties arise. This workshop is designed to foster reflection and conversations as we embrace the coming seasons. We welcome a small group of 12 - 14 curious and whole hearted seniors to join us for this Friday - Monday retreat. Included is the Be Well Lead Well Pulse®, a personal wellbeing assessment from which we'll glean rich information about how thriving shows up in our lives today and how it might increase as we age. https://www.wisdom-works.com/assessment/ The tentative agenda and more inspiration below.
January 23 - 26, 2026 Silver Lake, OHIO
Spots are still available: REGISTRATION DEADLINE: November 30, 2025
Leaders: Dave Schrader, Ph.D and Andi Schrader, M.Ed., CPCC
Guest facilitator: Renee Moorefield, Ph.D, MCC, CEO of Wisdom Works, a social enterprise she co-founded in 1999 to champion a world where everyone thrives—no exceptions.
https://www.wisdom-works.com/renee-moorefield/
Guest facilitator: Renee Moorefield, Ph.D, MCC, CEO of Wisdom Works, a social enterprise she co-founded in 1999 to champion a world where everyone thrives—no exceptions.
https://www.wisdom-works.com/renee-moorefield/
On earth today there are more old people than ever before in the history of mankind. And fewer elders.
In the Western world, older ones are not typically revered as elders who are a source of wisdom, guidance, and comfort. Rather, we are too often expected to find retirement solace in harmless hobbies until eventually passing away quietly. And yet, the world needs us to step into the ancient role of elder and actively support the next generations on their journeys into their futures.
These retreats are designed to help you consider several key important questions regarding your next, and perhaps, final chapters of life.
If you have begun to consider what your eventual death might mean for your life now, you are ready for this retreat. It is designed for guests 50+ who want to challenge taken-for-granted assumptions about what old age and “retirement” mean in our western culture. Our gatherings are also for those looking for a community of inquirers into this phase of life’s journey with which to share hopes, dreams, fears, and laughs.
What will we be experiencing together?
Our time together will be a delicious mix of structured and informal group conversations, and a weaving together of creative exploration of your inner landscape using various art mediums, journaling, and poetry. Solo reflection time is also built in for you to get clear about your heart’s desires for your final chapters.
In the Western world, older ones are not typically revered as elders who are a source of wisdom, guidance, and comfort. Rather, we are too often expected to find retirement solace in harmless hobbies until eventually passing away quietly. And yet, the world needs us to step into the ancient role of elder and actively support the next generations on their journeys into their futures.
These retreats are designed to help you consider several key important questions regarding your next, and perhaps, final chapters of life.
- What does my aging body have to teach me about living well now?
- How might my life’s meaning and purpose reach a zenith in these last decades?
- What do I have to give back, and to whom?
- How might I become a true elder?
- When I think about getting old and dying, how can I face my fears and uncertainties with love and courage?
If you have begun to consider what your eventual death might mean for your life now, you are ready for this retreat. It is designed for guests 50+ who want to challenge taken-for-granted assumptions about what old age and “retirement” mean in our western culture. Our gatherings are also for those looking for a community of inquirers into this phase of life’s journey with which to share hopes, dreams, fears, and laughs.
What will we be experiencing together?
Our time together will be a delicious mix of structured and informal group conversations, and a weaving together of creative exploration of your inner landscape using various art mediums, journaling, and poetry. Solo reflection time is also built in for you to get clear about your heart’s desires for your final chapters.
We'll gather at the welcoming home of Dave & Andi Schrader who have invited Renee Moorefield, Ph.D, CEO of Wisdom Works, to join us in leading this special journey together. This workshop is designed to foster reflection and conversations about embracing our lives as seniors with all the changes, responsibilities and joys that accompany this season. Together we'll explore life, aging, soul desires, fears and hopes. Opportunities for yoga, walk and talks and other somatic experiences will be included, winter weather permitting.
- How do you envision the last major chapter of your life unfolding?
- Are you consciously considering how the trajectory of your life to this point may be informing how you are called to continue growing in wisdom and love?
- What do you sense is your responsibility as an elder to serve and bless this beautiful, troubled world?
Day One: Friday, January 23
Plan to arrive by 3pm for our first gathering. We will get acquainted with one another and hear a bit of our stories, including: Why are you here? What woke you up to the need to look ahead at your final chapters? Renee will share some of her extensive research into thriving and wellbeing and we will share dinner together.
Plan to arrive by 3pm for our first gathering. We will get acquainted with one another and hear a bit of our stories, including: Why are you here? What woke you up to the need to look ahead at your final chapters? Renee will share some of her extensive research into thriving and wellbeing and we will share dinner together.
Day Two: Saturday, January 24
Gathering after breakfast, we'll dive right in with a walk and talk about Our Received Stories of Aging. This will lead to a rich group conversation setting a foundation for the rest of our time. We will be introduced to the concept of the Two Curves of Existence. After lunch together it will be time for an artistic application! Get ready for a playful, refreshing time using unfamiliar materials sprinkled with laughter and insights.
Late afternoon there will be optional yoga, led by Renee, a certified instructor, more creative engagement, a sauna or cozy reflection time in 'the nook' (which will be yours to use all weekend.) We will share aperitif together and after a long day, you'll be free to enjoy dinner out (or at home) and relax.
Gathering after breakfast, we'll dive right in with a walk and talk about Our Received Stories of Aging. This will lead to a rich group conversation setting a foundation for the rest of our time. We will be introduced to the concept of the Two Curves of Existence. After lunch together it will be time for an artistic application! Get ready for a playful, refreshing time using unfamiliar materials sprinkled with laughter and insights.
Late afternoon there will be optional yoga, led by Renee, a certified instructor, more creative engagement, a sauna or cozy reflection time in 'the nook' (which will be yours to use all weekend.) We will share aperitif together and after a long day, you'll be free to enjoy dinner out (or at home) and relax.
Day Three: Sunday, January 25
Plan for another abundant day of community sharing and personal insights as we begin with a group debrief of the Be Well Lead Well Pulse® survey you took before the retreat. Renee, in conjunction with the University of Colorado, crafted this well researched tool which provides rich insights into our personal wellbeing. We will make direct connections between your personal results and thriving in your next season. Later we will introduce the idea of "Surfing the Curves," reflecting on questions like:
Plan for another abundant day of community sharing and personal insights as we begin with a group debrief of the Be Well Lead Well Pulse® survey you took before the retreat. Renee, in conjunction with the University of Colorado, crafted this well researched tool which provides rich insights into our personal wellbeing. We will make direct connections between your personal results and thriving in your next season. Later we will introduce the idea of "Surfing the Curves," reflecting on questions like:
- How do you welcome and/or resist the aging of your body?
- What could your body be teaching you, if you'd listen deeply?
- Are there any obsolete self-images you still hold on to? What comfort do they give you? What might happen for you if you were to admit they'd outlived their usefulness?
- Are you noticing new life possibilities sprouting for you that might need tender care and nurturing?
Day Four: Monday, January 26
Andi makes a mean scone, so with hot drinks, fresh scones, and open hearts we will begin our day. After much conversation and reflection over the past three days, there will be plenty to wrap up together as we answer the profound question, What Does it Mean to Thrive as I age? We will celebrate with a closing community ritual, share a light meal and bid farewell to our new friends, better prepared to lead the way as elders in the coming days.
Andi makes a mean scone, so with hot drinks, fresh scones, and open hearts we will begin our day. After much conversation and reflection over the past three days, there will be plenty to wrap up together as we answer the profound question, What Does it Mean to Thrive as I age? We will celebrate with a closing community ritual, share a light meal and bid farewell to our new friends, better prepared to lead the way as elders in the coming days.
INVESTMENT
We can welcome 12 - 14 participants
Your investment includes:
*The wise leadership of three "beginning elders" who are devoted to helping you thrive in the coming years. Renee will be flying in from Colorado to join us!
*Two sumptuous (probably private chef prepared) dinners, three lunches, aperitifs, lots of snacks and endless hot drinks. (January in Ohio...)
*All art supplies and instruction
*Your personal Be Well Lead Well Pulse® survey to be taken ahead of time.
*Special surprises because that's what Andi does for retreats!
Note: If you need housing, contact us for ideas.
We can welcome 12 - 14 participants
Your investment includes:
*The wise leadership of three "beginning elders" who are devoted to helping you thrive in the coming years. Renee will be flying in from Colorado to join us!
*Two sumptuous (probably private chef prepared) dinners, three lunches, aperitifs, lots of snacks and endless hot drinks. (January in Ohio...)
*All art supplies and instruction
*Your personal Be Well Lead Well Pulse® survey to be taken ahead of time.
*Special surprises because that's what Andi does for retreats!
Note: If you need housing, contact us for ideas.
$650 for one participant
$1,100 for two participants (who share finances)
Financial hardships?: Let's chat before you rule it out
$1,100 for two participants (who share finances)
Financial hardships?: Let's chat before you rule it out
TO REGISTER: (REGISTRATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 30, 2025)
Please email Andi [email protected] or Dave [email protected]
All registrations will be honored in the order which they are received via the time/ date on the email
1) include your name, address, email and phone
2) we will coordinate the retreat payment (see above) with you via check, Zelle, Venmo or credit card. (Credit Card will incur a 3% fee.)
We hope you're inspired and eagerly await our time together this winter!
Please email Andi [email protected] or Dave [email protected]
All registrations will be honored in the order which they are received via the time/ date on the email
1) include your name, address, email and phone
2) we will coordinate the retreat payment (see above) with you via check, Zelle, Venmo or credit card. (Credit Card will incur a 3% fee.)
We hope you're inspired and eagerly await our time together this winter!
