Life is beautifully unpredictable — full of joys, challenges, and unexpected turns.
Begin Again: A Day of Renewal is a sacred pause –
a chance to breathe, be together, explore, and simply receive.
Join us for a deeply restorative day at the serene Mt. Olivet Retreat Center in Farmington, MN, where you’ll be nourished – body, mind and spirit. Our dynamic trio of experienced, creative and heart-centered facilitators (Andy, Michael and Lynn) will guide you through a relaxed program of meaningful storytelling, soulful live music, guided relaxation, rich conversations, and time for personal reflection – all designed to restore, inspire, and reconnect you to yourself within a safe, loving community space. Together, we’ll explore what it means to navigate life’s unplanned unfoldings with presence, authenticity, and resilience.
Whether you come seeking inspiration, connection or simply a day to exhale, this retreat is designed for you. Come as you are; we’ll take care of the rest – from our guided program with dynamic activities to coffee/tea/snack and a locally-sourced, chef-prepared lunch, to quiet time in our beautiful surroundings or the prayer labyrinth…Please allow yourself to be well-fed in every sense. Leave with a few more tools for the journey, a lighter heart, and an inner knowing that you can begin again - however you need.
Who is this retreat for?
☀️ Anyone seeking renewal. This retreat is open to everyone. At one time or another, we all will experience unplanned unfoldings in our lives. And often we will be called to journey alongside others navigating such shifts.
☀️ Please know that our exploration of being human will include stories of Andy's cancer journey as well as topics of grief and loss. (and joy!) Our intended audience is 18+.
Michael Nelson is passionate about helping people discover -- and lean into -- what makes them light up! She is committed to creating safe and welcoming spaces for people to build their capacity to connect, and explore conversations, including difficult ones. She is a coach, public speaker, passionate arts educator, volunteer, and caregiver.
Lynn O'Brien is a performing singer, songwriter, and speaker who believes fully in the power of music to help hold and mold the human experience. She has played thousands of concerts, recorded a slew of original albums, and worked as a board-certified music therapist in hospital and trauma settings. Learn more about Lynn HERE.
As described on their webpage, Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat Center, is a place of exceptional beauty and gracious hospitality, far from the business and busy-ness of everyday life. Surrounded by woods, lakes, and prairies, groups engage in creative conversation. Stillness and rest inspire new ideas and renew meaningful commitments. Persons are nourished and restored by connecting with nature, others, and themselves.
Reflections from Begin Again Participants
"Your message was so universal and applicable to the human experience."
~ Anon
“I go back to many thoughts shared during the sessions on most days. Thank you.”
~ Mary Ann
“Begin Again is a heart-felt reminder that 'unplanned unfoldings' can help you live your best life with intention. Lynn's beautiful music was a witness to Andy and Michael's experience as they navigate cancer together. Together, their story is full of lessons that reminded me to be present, take the next step, and seek joy -- no matter the circumstances. Thank you for a wonderful experience!"
~ Joan B.
“I came away feeling grateful for the life I have and the opportunity to be alive today!”
~ Josh A.
“Begin Again will touch your heart and open you up to live into the greatest life you can imagine. Your hosts will share their stories and invite you to discover what is true for you. What brings you joy, meaning and purpose, and what doesn't? Enjoy the beautiful poetry, universal wisdom, perfectly timed songs and a rich interconnected community. This is a gift to your soul.”
~ Anni B.
The truth is, of course, that what one regards as interruptions are precisely one's life.
~ CS Lewis
Such an interruption happened to Andy and Michael Nelson in October of 2016, when Andy was diagnosed with stage four cancer. As the Nelson family began the step-by-step journey of facing this unexpected reality, they started to document the journey on their CaringBridge site. Through this practice, they decided that rather than just provide medical updates, they would look for lessons learned to share with their growing community of supporters.
Now, after journeying over eight and half years on this particular path, they have been feeling increasingly called to do more with what they have learned along the way, from both their own experiences, and from the stories and journeys of others navigating life detours of all kinds.
To move this work forward, Andy and Michael reached out to Lynn O'Brien, an award-winning performing artist and speaker who also has a clinical background as a trauma-informed, board-certified music therapist. One of her gifts is her ability to bring people together.
In April 2024, the three of them boldly rented a 250-seat theater in Lakeville, MN and filled it! After the event, the audience indicated that they wanted more, most specifically more time for individual reflection around the themes explored. This Spring the trio ran a two-part online interactive event designed to be half presentation and half community reflection and sharing. Feedback again indicated that there was still a desire for even more opportunities to gather with even more space built in for reflection and connection. This upcoming retreat is our next step forward in creating a a more expansive setting and timeline for people to come together to explore:
☀️ How to show up more deeply
☀️ How to navigate the unknown
☀️ What it means to begin again each day, and
☀️ How to embrace the practice of being human.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you cancel your reservation on or before April 15, 2025, your payment will be returned, less a $50 administrative fee.
If you cancel your reservation after April 15, 2025, you will forfeit your entire payment.
The facilitators of this event reserve the right to make exceptions to these policies in the case of extreme unforeseen circumstances. Please contact beginagainpractice@gmail.com in the case of an emergency cancellation.