Here's a retreat for people who play golf religiously

Today Thomas Moore offers "Golf: The Game of Life" on his blog with Huffington Post. In this piece Moore writes about golf as a game of religion: "My field is religious studies, where I have explored the world's religions, depth psychology, the iconography of art, and symbolic aspects of culture. Golf fits into that last category. My dissertation advisor decades ago was David L. Miller, who wrote a book called Gods and Games. For years I've been interested in the play factors in culture and the importance of sport and play. So, when I began to play golf, I did it as a theologian."

He describes golf as a metaphor for life, an opportunity to enjoy nature, a way to be in relationship, and as an opening to the mystical. After mentioning his book of 18 short golf stories, The Guru of Golf and Other Stories about the Game of Life, Moore shares, "Now I'm planning to give retreats at golf courses. We'll play a game and then sit around and discuss the psychology and theology of the game. I hope these retreats will help people in spirit and soul and even improve their game. We begin in Ireland, a second home for me, where people understand play and where golf is treated with respect."

While acknowledging the health benefits of golf, Moore suggests, "Most things in life go deeper than we usually think. That's why we need theologians of everyday life and culture, and that's why you'll find more pleasure and meaning in golf when you play it theologically."

For information about Moore's May 2013 golf retreat in Ireland, visit Golf with a Soul Retreat.

Nature's soul and power lead retreat contemplation

Holy Names University's Sophia Center hosts Thomas Moore during its Summer Institute and Post-Institute Retreat this year on campus in Oakland, California. The Summer Institute is Thursday 18 July to Sunday 21 July 2013 followed by the retreat Sunday 21 July to Tuesday 23 July 2013.

During the Summer Institute Moore speaks Saturday 20 July at 7:00 p.m.: Nature’s Soul: Walden and the Gospel. His post-Institute presentation extends this theme through Tapping into Nature’s Mysterious Power: "By drawing on the mysterious powers of nature, we will discover new sources of talent and intuition."

Other speakers during the Summer Institute include Brian Swimme, Jennifer Berezan, Barbara Holmes, Paula D'arcy, and Stephen Dunn.

The promotional page doesn't indicate the registration fee. For more information and to register, please call 510-436-1046 or 800-794-8813, or email Grace Larra at larra@hnu.edu.

Join Thomas Moore in Ireland for a round of golf

Thomas Moore invites everyone to join him for a five night trip, 12-17 May 2013 during his Golf with a Soul Retreat in Killarney, Ireland. This event is for golfers and non-golfers, for anyone attracted to the majestic landscape and tranquility of southwest Ireland and soul. Moore is creating a program "to assist you to get more out of the game and understand it’s symbolism, while learning from spiritual traditions on how to focus, concentrate, relax and deal with emotional issues that interfere with the flow needed to enjoy the game."

FEE (in Euros)
Price per person sharing (Golfers): € 2,650.0 0
Supplement for Single Occupancy: € 450.0 0
Non Golfers (Sharing):
€ 2,250.00

Price includes accommodation with full Irish breakfast, welcome dinner, 4 rounds of golf, one evening of traditional Irish entertainment & luxury chauffeur driven coach transfers (tips not included), and talks with Moore to explore aspects of golf and it’s connection with the soul.  

Barque coverage
16 Jan 2013 "Games, play, religion, fun contribute to soulful life"
11 Jan 2013 "Play soulful golf with Thomas Moore in Ireland"