Programs

With Fr. Brendan Ellis Williams, CMR

This retreat offers a deep but accessible introduction to the fundamentals of contemplative practice from an inter-spiritual perspective, bringing together both Eastern and Western approaches. Participants will learn ancient, time-tested skills in meditation, breathwork, somatics, and contemplation that can fundamentally transform their outlook and quality of life, and they will be guided in embodying and integrating those practices in a sustainable way. The sacred work presented in this four-night retreat speaks to the heart-essence of the perennial spiritual quest. Key elements of the true contemplative life offered in this experience will open a door to the discovery of greater freedom, joy, alignment, wholeness, beauty, and aliveness through a holistic transformation of body, mind, and spirit.

Experience the quiet magic of fall at The Bishop’s Ranch on a guided Saturday hike through some of its lesser-known trails. Nestled on rugged terraces above the Russian River, the Ranch is a unique crossroads of ecosystems—bordered by the towering conifers of the coastal forests and the fertile, cultivated floodplains with remnants of riparian woodland.

This moderate-level hike will cover 4–6 miles, with some elevation changes along the way. While not strenuous, the terrain includes hills and uneven footing, so participants should be prepared for a moderately challenging walk. The pace will be relaxed and rambling, with plenty of time to pause, take in the views, and enjoy the journey.

Ranch host Julie Miller will lead the way, drawing on her background as a former park ranger, nature guide, retreat leader, and spiritual director. Her thoughtful approach invites hikers to see more than just the trail—to notice the stories the land holds and to connect more deeply with the natural world.

The group will stop midday for a Ranch-prepared sack lunch, offering a chance to rest, reflect, and enjoy the company of fellow hikers in a beautiful setting.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or simply eager to be outdoors, The Fall Hike offers fresh air, inspiration, and the gentle beauty of nature in transition.

Use breath and meditation to deepen your understanding and appreciation of yoga. Our focus will be on choosing what opens your heart, supports your health, and uncovers your inner wisdom. You will be guided and encouraged to move past your resistance into a state of peace, clarity, and joy. After a morning of active, uplifting asana practice, focused on raising the energy and creating a sense of strength and lightness, in the afternoon, we will practice Restorative/Yin Yoga, moving into increased levels of awareness and stillness.

Registration closes November 3, 2025.

This creative collage, word, painting project is based on the book, The Kitchen Madonna, by Rumor Golden. We will explore the book together and then we will create our own kitchen Madonna's to bless our own kitchens. Each Madonna will be a unique expression of our own spirituality, culture, cooking and home life. The process will be as meaningful as the final art piece.

Join us for our annual contemplative Advent retreat amidst the beauty, peace, and hospitality of The Bishop’s Ranch. As in previous years, the Advent retreat will be curated and overseen by our Chaplain, Fr. Brendan E. Williams, CMR, who is also a professional spiritual director, scholar of religion, and experienced teacher of contemplative practices. Whether you are long experienced with the practice of quiet, contemplative retreats or exploring new vistas, we invite you to nourish your soul in the depth and contemplative quietude of Advent at the Ranch.

This four-week art and hiking program will take place on consecutive Saturdays in January. Each week, participants will embark on a guided hike to a unique location within The Ranch. During the hike, we will introduce you to a specific natural element of our ecosystem, such as ferns, mushrooms, our creeks, or the Mayacamas Mountains. You will then have some time to explore the area and collect specimens that inspire you.

Following the hike, we will enjoy lunch together. In the afternoon, we will have a three-hour art session. You will have the opportunity to create your own art project that creatively combines the natural items you observed and collected during the hike with the artistic style featured that week.

This program offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, explore your creativity, and learn a little about art history. Co-led by Greta Mesics and Brooke Wright.

Make time for those unfinished projects or new endeavors at a four-night quilt retreat. With all meals provided and no chores in sight, beginning through advanced quilters can truly focus on their passion. You’ll have time to be with old friends and the opportunity to make new ones while working on your own projects or sharing your creativity with other participants. This retreat is intended to give you the time you need for yourself without formal instruction or sales pitches.

A weekend of respite, creative reflection and renewal. Winter is a time to dig our roots into the deep rich soil of our lives and get reconnected to our inner wisdom. We will enter this exploration through the making of SoulCollage® cards, guided meditations, and gentle movement.

Our creative time will center around the creation of SoulCollage® cards. The process uses found images, intuition, and imagination.  First you use intuition to select images, sourced mainly from old magazines and books, which we then collage onto 5x8” cards.  Once a card is created, then we use our imagination to dialogue with the collage and listen for the wisdom it holds for us. A completed card, with its unique composition of images chosen by you, has a dream-like quality to it.  Like our dreams, each card can carry multiple layers of meaning. As we work with our cards and our personal deck grows, we become more fluent in the symbolic language of our personal journey. This process is accessible to all, anyone can do SoulCollage®, even people who believe they have no artistic ability. Your cards are unique to you and are for your personal use to discover your own inner truth and wisdom.

During the weekend as you make cards for your SoulCollage® deck there will be opportunities to go deeper in your inner exploration with mediation time in the beautiful Chapel of St George, walks on the meandering Bishop Ranch trails and wandering the lovely labyrinth. There will be other optional opportunities with afternoon and morning movement time.

All materials are supplied but feel free to bring old books, magazines, or art papers you might want to use in your card making process.

Find out more about artist and educator Lisa Thorpe and connect with her at https://lisathorpe.com