Friendship and the Spiritual Search
I passed through a deep crevice at twilight,
And I saw a narrow vista of trees,
Magical in the mists--
Vocal to the hush of meaning,
Whispering to the wisdom of shades,--
Of degrees,--
Before the backdrop of eternity. . . .
And I had a friend. . .
Whose dust with mine was not the bond,
Whose love with mine was not the bond,
Whose teaching with me was not the bond,
Both of us had been to this same place,
To the twilight in the narrow crevice,
And because of this place, we are eternal.
-Richard Rose, Carillon
Come together for a weekend retreat to share friendship and to celebrate each step of the journey that becomes our spiritual life.
This TAT meeting will be a little different. Many seekers have come forward, willing to share their stories, trials, and triumphs with us all in hopes of helping, and being helped. Come join...
Weekend Schedule Friday, June 12, 2015 5:00 to 7:30 PM - Set-up and arrivals 7:30 to 9:00 PM - Welcome and evening interactive session led by Mike Whitely on The Only Two Things That Matter 9:00 to ? - Free time; open discussion Saturday, June 13, 2015 7:30 to 8:00 AM - Optional meditation session led by Leesa Williams 8:30 to 9.30 AM - Arrivals and pot luck continental breakfast 9.30 to 10:00 AM - Welcome, announcements and “Friendship” intro by Paul Constant 10:00 to 11:00 AM - Talk by Bob Harwood 11:00 to 11:15 AM - Break 11:15 AM to 12:00 PM - Q & A with Bob Harwood 12:00 to 1:30 PM - Lunch (provided) and open discussion 1:30 to 3:00 PM - Seeker Stories & Q&A (session 1, with several speakers) 3:00 to 3:15 PM - Break 3:15 to 4:00 PM - Optional walking meditation led by Bob Harwood 4:00 to 5:30 PM - Seeker Stories & Q&A (session 2, with several speakers) 5:30 to 7:00 PM - Dinner (provided) and open discussion 7:30 to 9:30 PM - Group Inquiry sessions 9:30 PM to ? - Free time; open discussion Sunday, June 14, 2015 7:30 to 8:00 AM - Optional meditation session 8:00 to 9:00 AM - Pot luck continental breakfast and open discussion 9:00 to 10:00 AM - Seeker Stories & Q&A (session 3, with speakers) 10:00 to 10:30 AM - Break 10:30 to 11.30 AM - Rapport Sitting 11.30 AM to 12:00 PM - Weekend wrap-up 12:00 to 1:00 PM - Lunch (provided) and open discussion 1:00 PM - Depart |
Location and Facilities
The event is being held at the Claymont Society Mansion near Charles Town in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. The mansion's historical ambience mixes perfectly with 350 private acres of forests and farmland. Sleeping accommodations include a mixture of single and double beds in 12 rooms and 6 shared bathrooms. Claymont provides towels and bed linens for overnight guests (guests make and strip their own beds). During the registration process, we will do our best to accommodate room preferences, but all mansion guests should expect to share sleeping quarters and bathrooms with other participants. On-site camping is available in the lawn area near the mansion.
The Claymont Society is located near 667 Huyett Road, Charles Town, WV 25414 [GPS coordinates: N39.26740, W77.90390]. Claymont is 50 miles/60 minutes from the Dulles International Airport near Washington D.C. Travel directions to Claymont Mansion.
Costs
The June Gathering fees per person for TAT members are as follows:
The non-member fees per person are:
Full-time students should contact for information on discounted registration fees.
Use PayPal to pay with these credit cards (PayPal account not necessary). PayPal is "fast, free and secure" and allows payment by credit card or electronic withdrawal from a bank account. Checks (in U.S. dollars, drawn on a U.S. bank) or money orders (domestic only) made payable to the TAT Foundation are also accepted if received by the registration deadline.
Become a TAT member for $40 on or before May 17th and register at the discounted member prices.
Visit our membership page for information
about TAT memberships.
* The TAT Foundation hosts four public events each year. Registration fees vary depending on the event location. Because we are an all-volunteer organization, please allow up to 5 business days before receiving confirmation of your payment. See our membership overview or email if you have questions about registration fees.
Space is limited, so registration is required. The deadline for registration is Friday, June 5th. Upon receipt of your registration, a packet containing information on lodging and driving directions will be sent to you. You may cancel your registration on or before Friday, June 5th and receive a refund, minus a $5 handling fee. Cancellations after June 5th will not be refunded. Because ADA-compliant facilities are limited in the mansion, persons with a disability should contact before registering.
Meals
Meals are potluck style for Saturday and Sunday continental breakfasts, Saturday and Sunday lunches, and Saturday dinner. As a good rule-of-thumb, we ask that each event participant bring enough food to feed 6 people (about $10). All meals are included for non-members. Sorry, we cannot reduce fees for those who prefer to bring their own food. TAT will provide coffee and tea.
Lodging
For those who register using the alternative (off-site) lodging option, the following overnight accommodations are located near the Claymont Society Mansion:
What is the TAT Foundation?
A group encouraging people to think rather than believe. A group determined to help people find ways and means to answer their deepest philosophical questions. A gathering of folks who are not afraid to be honest with one another. An island of hope and sanity (or at least the hope for sanity!). Last, but not least, TAT is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization chartered in 1973.