During this Mini Retreat, we gather the best of what NEWConnective has to offer. We have lengthy conversations about Life's Big Questions. We turn inward during a meditation. We go out into the city. We read a bunch of different texts. And, of course, we share a Dutch lunch and a good meal. But we try some different things as well, like a tea ceremony and short films. Basically, we try to gather a bunch of nice people and a bunch of nice inspirational sources.
Unlike our usual activities, this program will have a cost: we ask you to contribute €17,50 to cover some of the program's expenses. Also unlike our usual activities, we have limited spots, so if you're thinking of signing up, don't postpone too long. Lastly – again, unlike our usual activities – we'll be meeting off-campus. One of our partners, the Protestant Church of Amsterdam, has been so kind to sponsor us with one of their lovely locations. We'll be meeting in the attic of the Nieuwe Keizersgracht 1A.
This probably still leaves you with some questions. Below you can find a program as detailed as we currently have to offer. If this doesn't answer your questions, please do reach out to us: newconnective@vu.nl. You can also ask your questions in the dedicated Mini Retreat WhatsApp chat. Please note that joining this chat doesn't automatically sign you up for the event itself.
9:45 a.m. » Doors Open
10:00 a.m. » Croissants and Conversation
We start our day together with coffee (or tea, of course), croissants and our infamous deck of cards: Life’s Big Questions. But we have more time together than usual, so we’ll throw in a twist.
11:00 a.m. » Exploring the Senses
After chatting, it’s time for silence. We guide you through a basic meditation that focuses on the senses, to get comfortable in the space we share for the day.
11:30 a.m. » ✺
12:15 p.m. » Reading Great Minds
The day has started, it’s almost time for lunch, and we should be ready for some substance. Together we read three texts across genres, connected in a theme. We take these texts with us throughout the day.
1:00 p.m. » ✺ (lunch)
1:45 p.m. » Walking and Gathering
We’ve been inside for long enough now: let’s go out! With a set of texts and questions in the back of our mind, we explore the eastern part of the city center and gather what we come across.
3:15 p.m. » ✺
3:30 p.m. » Tea Beyond Tea
We share in an interpretation of a tea ceremony to warm our bodies from our time outside, and get ready for what’s next.
4:00 p.m. » Discussing Great Minds
We return to our previously read texts and see what’s in them.
5:30 p.m. » ✺
6:00 p.m. » ✺ (dinner)
7:30 p.m. » Short, Short Movie Night
With the collective attention span of a six-year-old, we opt for short movies over a regular length one. We explore the richness of the medium, from video clip to animation, and in-game documentary to fiction.
8:30 p.m. » Debriefing
We check in before we, eventually, check out.
9:00 p.m. » ✺
10:00 p.m. » Doors Close