WASSAIC — The World Peace Sanctuary’s U.S. headquarters in Wassaic finished out the month of July with a retreat that welcomed community members from near and far.

According to Director of Programs & Activities Ann Marie Robustelli, the retreat held on the weekend of July 30 and 31 was a great success.

The goal was to provide participants “an opportunity to get to know [them]selves better through communing with others,” said Robustelli, who added that in what she described as a “unique, two-day retreat, the attendees also served as the facilitators.”

The longtime director at the sanctuary added that “in the act of ‘giving and receiving’ everyone quickly realized, we were also serving the whole, collectively — simply through the exchange of energy.”

The program was geared to boost the body, mind and soul of those taking part, with workshops and programs to engage all the senses.

Many activities focused on movement, with a sunrise walk and sound meditation and Qigong. Those who attended also watched documentaries in the evenings, followed by discussions.

“And of course [we] prepared and shared home cooked meals,” noted Robustelli. “We opened the weekend with a World Peace Prayer Ceremony and closed with remarks of gratitude.”

For information on upcoming programs, email info@worldpeace.org, go to www.worldpeace.org or call  845-877-6093.

— Whitney Joseph

The World Peace Sanctuary held a workshop on the weekend of July 30 and 31. Photo submitted

Facilitator Michael Mager, right, presented “Lateral Thinking” at the peace sanctuary at the end of July. Photo submitted

Facilitator Michael Mager, right, presented “Lateral Thinking” at the peace sanctuary at the end of July. Photo submitted