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Joy in Absence

Nyx Ember FirebournAt times we can be the orchestrator of our own discomfort. We choose things for our lives and at times we don't consider the weight those things may have. Protecting your joy is not only about preserving your own happiness. It preserves both your mental and physical health.  Life is stressful enough without adding things that create more hardship. That's not  self love or care.  What may logically be the right thing may not be the most healthy thing for your life.  Wisdom is learning your limits and where to step back for your own personal well being.

It's been three years since I started my journey for a more joyful existence. Some things I kept in my life out of obligation even though I knew they were causing me harm. I wanted to be a good person. I wanted to do the right thing. I had no peace. I was never able to rest my body or my thoughts. Rest is necessary for a positive experience and peaceful life. You can't live in chaos and expect peace or joy. You can't heal or be healthy without the ability to regenerate through effective rest.

Read more: Joy in Absence

Spring 2026 Retreat

MAY 28 - 31, 2026

We will be back at the lovely Pilgrim Park near Princeton, IL. You'll have an option to arrive on Thursday for an extra day/night!

Stay tuned for details.

Cost per person:

2 nights – Single $290
2 nights – Double $230
2 nights – Triple $200
3 nights – Single $400
3 nights – Double $315
3 nights – Triple $265
 

REGISTER NOW FOR SPRING RETREAT

2026 Tea n Talks

Saturdays at 2:00 pm Central time

June 20

September 19

October 31

If you would like the Zoom link, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Upcoming Retreats

Spring 2026 Retreat
05-28-2026 4:00 pm
Pilgrim Park
Summer Retreat 2026
08-14-2026 4:00 pm
Ronora Lodge and Retreat Center
Fall 2026 Retreat
10-16-2026 4:00 pm
Cedar Valley Retreat Center

For Tea n Talk or Book Club dates,
see the Calendar page!

DONATE or PAY RETREAT BALANCE

Voices of Women

Fall - November 2025

Summer - July 2025

Spring Equinox - March 2025

SUBSCRIBE! Email webweaver [at] uuwomensconnection.org

Vaccination

UU Women's Connection no longer requires retreat attendees to be vaccinated against Covid-19, however we do ask that you use good judgment and not attend if you are sick. Updated 2025-04-24. CDC Guidelines

Unitarian Universalist Women's Connection

Illinois - Michigan - Wisconsin

info [at] uuwomensconnection.org

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Feminism and the women's movement generally constitutes a transforming vision that will change the very nature of the world in which we live ...

UUA Women & Religion Committee Report, June 1983

UU Women and Religion

  • Joy in Absence
  • New Officers
  • Core Group
  • 2026 Store Tour Dates
  • Chalice Earrings

2026 UU Women's Connection