November 1-3, 2024
with Diamond Approach Teachers:
Jim Lockridge, Kathleen Graham, Kara Vangen
Retreat Teaching
Activation of the Red Latifa carries the sacred impulse of “I Can”; from the depths of the heart to the surface, allowing us to expand with strength and courage in our life and spiritual journey. Red fuels our inner journey with the heartfelt desire to truly know who we are and to address any inner conditions that obstruct this knowing.. With natural assertion of our life force there is clarity, strength, courage to express and become our truth.
Although this is a stand alone retreat, it is part of a series of teachings we are presenting on the qualities of our being known as the Lataif. These are subtle qualities that include aspects such as strength, will and support, peace, courage, joy, and compassion. Strengthening our access to these aspects not only enriches our lives but helps us build the capacity for spiritual deepening. In that regard, the Lataif can be thought of as tools for our unfoldment, qualities that help us understand ourselves at our deepest nature. We will continue the exploration of these qualities throughout the next several retreat weekends.
Retreat Structure
There are 4 weekend retreats per year. Our retreats are a hybrid blend of zoom only retreats and in person retreats with a zoom option.
Weekend retreats are composed of meditation, breath and movement practices, lectures and inquiry practices; geared toward connecting with our True Nature and facilitating the unfoldment of our souls.
In-person retreats are held at the Christine Center in Willard WI. The Christine Center offers a serene, natural environment that enhances and supports inner exploration and integration.
Schedule: Friday evening thru Sunday at noon.
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- Friday 7-9:30PM,
- Saturday 9:00AM-8:30P
- Sunday 9:00AM-12:00PM.
For those new to the Diamond Approach, you might want to consider participating in a DA retreat with a group of students who are developing as a committed, vibrant and dynamic ongoing DA community.
At 6 PM on Friday there is an introduction to the retreat for new people and anyone interested in reviewing the retreat format and practices at 6 pm on Friday.
“If there’s anyone else you know who’s under 40 and on the fence about checking out the DA, here’s the link to the youth scholarship fund: https://dayouthfund.org/.
It can be for the first retreat, either online or residential in-person and can also cover child care costs!”
This retreat is a vital part of our exploration into the five Lataif; a group of essential aspects that not only enrich our lives but help us build the capacity for spiritual deepening in all aspects of our development.
More Information about Midwest 4 Diamond Approach Retreats
The Diamond Approach is the core teaching of the Ridhwan School (www.diamondapproach.org) and has been in existence since 1977. The method has become well known through the books of A.H. Almaas such as Essence by A.H. Almaas, or Introduction to the Diamond Approach by John Davis. These are recommended reading as are other books by A.H. Almaas (Shambhala Press).
The Diamond Approach path was first introduced in the Midwest in 1996 by Diamond Approach teacher, Sr. Johanna Seubert, FSPA. Ongoing Diamond Approach retreat groups have a dedicated presence and have been consistently meeting at the Christine Center through the years. The newest group, MW4, began in 2022. THis is an open group, accepting new students for the next few years.
Meet the Teachers
Jim Lockridge
Diamond Approach Teacher
Jim Lockridge is an ordained teacher of the Diamond Approach where he has been a student since 1998 and began working with students in 2012. He is a lifelong investigator of both the physical and spiritual worlds. Jim began his spiritual quest at age 14 when he first discovered Catholicism and soon became an altar boy. He was a research scientist for 40 years, an auto-mechanic, a floor waxer, army reservist, meditator, school bus driver, gardener, high-school summer teacher, father of 2 daughters, grandfather and lately, an expert popsicle developer. He currently lives in St. Paul with his lovely wife, Stephanie. Jim is passionate about teaching others how to investigate and reveal the truth of who they are.
Kathleen Graham, RN, MS, she/her
Diamond Approach Teacher
I have been a student of the Diamond Approach since 1996, and after many years of deeper study in the DA seminary program, was ordained as a teacher of the Diamond Approach in 2016. Since then I have been working with individual students and I am part of the teaching team for Midwest DA group 4. Prior to my work as a Diamond Approach teacher I enjoyed a long career as an advanced practice oncology nurse and hospice nurse which informed me about the nature of presence, although I didn’t know what to call it then. I learned as I was with those facing their suffering and mortality what an open heart really means. I find presence is a kind of nourishment for ourselves and others and is what welcomes just what is there. From the earliest days of attending Diamond Approach retreats I have been so impacted by the open hearted sensitivity of the teachers to invite me to be right where I am, with all places that felt so untouchable. This is an ongoing and every revealing journey for me. As a teacher, I bring this love and passion, and kind holding for ever unfolding and deepening truth for the students I work with. I enjoy life itself very much and I resonate completely with spending time in nature, hiking, swimming, traveling especially in the more remote parts of the world, and spending time with my partner and family of the heart.
Kara Vangen, MSW, CHTP, she/hers
Diamond Approach Teacher
Kara is passionate about doing the, “deep inner work” required to show up authentically in life and community and believes that our value and happiness as human beings arises from our ability to illuminate our inner life. She has been a member of the Ridhwan school for 25 years and is an ordained Diamond Approach teacher.
Kara’s professional experience includes front line work as a social worker in community mental health and as a Mental Health Therapist where she combines traditional and complimentary health practices to address mental health. She is co-director of the Cauldron Studies program which centers spiritual practice in both the study of culture and the sacred feminine. She has been teaching and working with others for over 20 years.