Early this spring, over 30 participants from Camphill communities across the country gathered at Camphill Triform for the Homemakers Retreat. This event provided a space for deep reflection, learning, and collaboration, focusing on the vital role of homemaking in community life. The retreat was guided by Hans Muller-Wiedemann’s lectures “Contribution to the Self-Awareness of the Social Therapeutic Worker” which formed the foundation for the first two days together. Sashika Patell (Academy alumnus) and Stephen Steen (Academy faculty) worked closely to bring these lectures to life.
Exploring the Essence of Homemaking
The retreat program opened with an introduction to Muller-Wiedemann’s lectures, providing insight into his life, work, and the historical context in which these lectures were written. Participants engaged in discussions about why these teachings were chosen and their relevance to work in community living. A core theme of the retreat was self-awareness as a tool for homemaking. Attendees explored this concept through movement and breathing exercises, emphasizing the importance of speaking, listening, and conversation in creating a nurturing environment. The metaphor of homemaking as the “heart and lungs” of community life was a central focus.
Conversations on Strengths and Life Sharing
In small group discussions, participants reflected on their strengths and personal growth, sharing insights on: “What makes life sharing different from simply living together?” “Moments of experiencing or recognizing life sharing in our own lives.” Further explorations delved into individuality, biography, and shared destiny, as participants shared experiences of feeling unseen or, conversely, deeply recognized and uplifted. These conversations allowed for profound personal and communal insights.
The Art of Not Taking Things Personally
A special highlight of the retreat was a workshop with Christiana Wall, who has previously worked with the Triform Homemakers. Her session, The Art of Not Taking Things Personally, provided practical tools for navigating the complexities of community life with resilience and understanding. Christiana’s approach resonated deeply with participants, offering strategies to foster inner balance and compassion in daily interactions.
Artistic Expression, Reflection, and Connection
Throughout the retreat, attendees engaged in artistic workshops, conversation groups, and the Echo space—an open format inspired by our time together in Soltane in 2024. These activities created opportunities for self-reflection, creative expression, and meaningful connections among participants. As participants returned to their respective Camphill communities, they carry with them the insights, connections, and renewed commitment to their work. The Homemakers Retreat at Camphill Triform was not just an event but a shared journey toward a deepening understanding of what it means to create and nurture a home, in all its forms.
