Inviting in Peace, Clarity, and Rest
Eremos Fall Renewal Retreat:
Inviting in Peace, Clarity, and Rest
With Dianna Amorde & Leslie Wagner
October 2nd-4th, 2026
Cedarbrake Renewal Center, Belton, TX
There is something so special in the early leaves drifting from the trees—as if we are all to be allowed a chance to peel, to refresh, to start again.” —Ruth Ahmed
After four years away, Eremos is excited to return to the restful and inspiring beauty of Cedarbrake Renewal Center. Let time in silence and nature, combined with contemplative reflections offered by Dianna and Leslie refresh your body, mind, and spirit.
We’ll come together for short periods to learn from and support each other in making the most of this sacred time. Adding in laughter and conversation over some meals, we intend to co-create a special weekend of renewal for a special weekend of renewal for a small group of 10-14 participants. Are you one of them?
Dates & Times:
Friday afternoon (3pm to 5:30pm arrival), October 2nd through Noon on Sunday, October 4th.
FEE:
$297 per person. $100 deposit due upon registration (through 8/31/26). Final payment of $197 is due on Saturday, September 12th.
Includes 2 nights lodging in private (single) room, dinners on Friday and Saturday evenings, and all materials. (Guests sign up to bring food items for breakfast and lunch, with dinners pre-ordered and delivered from local restaurants.)
LOCATION:
Cedarbrake Renewal Center, 5602 TX-317 Belton, TX
FACILITATORS:
Dianna Amorde, Executive Director of Eremos, and Leslie Wagner, Board Member (facilitator of the Contemplative Mornings gathering, as well as co-facilitator of the weekly Quiet Pause group).
REFUND POLICY: Full refund, less $5 processing fee, through August 31st. Partial (50% refund through September 19th). No refund after September 19th. (You are welcome to secure a replacement for your spot.)
ABOUT OUR FACILITATORS
Dianna Amorde
With more than 14 years as Eremos’ Executive Director and 20 years of corporate leadership experience, Dianna brings her passion for helping people trust their inner knowing to her work at Eremos. Author of Aha! Moments: When Intellect & Intuition Collide and the weekly reflections in Eremos’ newsletters, Dianna views her service with Eremos as reflecting her desire to inspire people to trust their inner wisdom. She has witnessed the profound changes that taking time to go within to connect with Spirit can bring to people and their communities. Time among the trees and birds on early morning walks continues to renew her in these tumultuous days.
Leslie Wagner
Leslie Wagner is retired with a special interest in reconnecting to the divine through nature and creativity, both individually, as well as through leading small groups in meditation and connection with nature. With prior careers in IT Project Management, Chaplaincy and Mental Health counseling, her vocational focus has been on helping others along their path in life. She currently lives in Cedar Park, Texas, and enjoys camping, hiking and painting. She also serves on the Eremos Board of Directors.
Retreat will include:
- Welcome reflection and intention-setting for the weekend.
- Casual meals together.
- Brief explorations of the gifts found in attentive time in nature and optional techniques and poems and other reflections for your use in your quiet time.
- Group gatherings for listening and sharing.
- Periods of silence and solitude.
- Extended blocks of time for walking, rest, labyrinth, contemplation, journaling, art, and other chosen forms of restoration.
- Final reflection and opportunity to give voice to your weekend experience.
Logistics:
- Arrive Friday between 3:00 and 5:30pm. Tentative schedule for the retreat below.
- Participants contribute some food items for breakfast, lunches, and breaks.
- Participants assist with lunch preparation and clean up one time during the retreat. Breakfast prepared in the group kitchen any time prior to morning group sessions.
- Departure noon on Sunday. Note: You are welcome to linger on the grounds or in the group room, but you must be out of your room by Noon.
- Open to adults 18 or older.
Let the quiet of Cedarbrake Renewal Center and the company of others support you in finding peace, clarity, and rest this fall.
For those yearning for more details, here is our Tentative Schedule:
FRIDAY, October 2nd
- 3:00pm – 6:00pm, Arrive and get settled in your room. (Rooms assigned upon arrival.)
- 6:00pm – 7:00pm, Casual dinner together. (pre-ordered the week of the retreat and delivered by a local restaurant)
- 7:00pm – 8:00pm, Welcome, review schedule for the weekend, set intentions, and discuss opening reflection offered by Dianna & Leslie.
- 8:00pm through the night. Time on your own, ideally in silence and solitude.
SATURDAY, October 3rd
- 7:00am – 8:45am, Breakfast at your leisure, with time to journal, meditate, or walk the labyrinth.
- 9:00am – 12:00pm, Embracing the Wisdom of Autumn, featuring reflections, journaling, and conversation. Includes time for a break and outdoor activity (weather-permitting).
- 12:00pm – 12:30pm, break, as lunch items are put out for sandwich and salad preparation.
- 12:30pm – 2:00pm, Lunch and time to walk, rest, or reflect (as desired).
- 2:00pm – 3:00pm, An invitation to go deeper with nature’s wisdom with Leslie.
- 3:00pm – 5:00pm, On your own.
- 5:00pm – 6:00pm, Reflecting on the day with Dianna and Leslie.
- 6:00pm – 6:30pm, casual conversations or time in silence to journal or rest.
- 6:30pm – 7:30pm, Dinner delivered and enjoyed together.
- 7:30pm – 8:15pm, Optional session TBD
- 8:15pm through the evening, time to rest and reflect in solitude, color a mandala, or walk outside to see the stars. Silence or quiet conversations suggested.
SUNDAY, October 4th
- 7:00am – 10:00am, Breakfast at your leisure, with time to journal, meditate, or walk the labyrinth.
- 10:00am – 11:00am, Closing reflection and sharing stories of wisdom, peace, and rest gained with Dianna and Leslie. Group Nature Mandala created.
- 11:00am – 12:00pm, Pack, turn in room key, and say farewell to new and longtime friends.
