Bridging the Unknown
From role work to soul calling in later life BY Elaine Patterson and Karyn Prentice
COURSE OVERVIEW
"We are like a river flow, surprised by its unfolding."
— John O'Donohue
"Bridging the Unknown" is a contemplative retreat, as creative and exploratory as it is immersive, experiential and experimental. It responds to the invitation each of us receives as we enter later life: to move away from being defined by our multiple roles or jobs, and toward the yearnings of our soul for gentler, more profound ways of being in the world.
As we move into the late summer or autumn of our lives, we start to notice that our priorities, relationships, energies and interests — as well as our bodies — are subtly changing. The river flow of our lives is inviting us into new dispensations, untapped possibilities and fresh directions, and probably some much-needed decluttering.
Crossing this bridge will bring both joy and some heartache, and everything in between, as we search for new meanings, new balances, new agreements, let go to let come, and sense into a rejuvenated sense of belonging which may or may not have formal work as an element in it.
Our Intention
How do you want to RSVP to your later-life invitation?
"One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again."
Abraham Maslow
Working with the life journey of ageing is an invitation to listen to how life is calling us, from a place of profound honouring, gracious gratitude, loving compassion and gentle wisdom — a preparation that comes from embarking on our own inner bridgebuilding, owning our shadows and doldrums as we connect to our own brilliant light.
How the retreat unfolds, threshold by threshold
The programme is virtual, running from late January to November 2027. Each threshold follows the same rhythm: two live gatherings, then a longer riverside day for lingering.
Every threshold opens with
Two Zoom Gatherings
- 2 hours each, held a month apart
- 8.00–10.00am and repeated 3.00–5.00pm, to suit time zones
- Explores the first two touchstones of the threshold
Then deepens with a
Riverside Day
- A relaxed, retreat-style virtual day: 6 hours, in the third month
- Morning group and afternoon group options
- Time to linger for longer with the closing touchstone
And is supported by
Riverside Conversations
- Small group conversations hosted by Elaine or Karyn
- One per threshold: April, July and November 2027
- Further conversations available at an additional cost
From the temenos of a rich creative partnership
Elaine Patterson and Karyn Prentice are from the award-winning PattersonPrenticeDesigns. Both are international executive coaches and coaching supervisors, authors and lifelong creatives.
Their work is grounded in the philosophy of their books, including Reflect to Create!, Our Humanity@Work and Homecomings ~ 52 Ways Back to Ourselves by Elaine, and Nature's Way by Karyn — and in the learning from co-designing "Cultivating and Choreographing the Rich Tapestry of your Wholehearted Creativity" and "Bridging the Unknown". Their retreats at Tofte Manor in the UK, before COVID, were widely acclaimed.
Their new workbook, Creativity's Compass Rose: 8 Ways to Awaken your Creativity, is out now. Their next book, From Role Work to Soul Calling — Crossing the Bridge to Creative Eldering, is due in early 2027.
What to bring
- Journals and sketchbooks
- Coloured pens, painting and arts crafting materials
- Metaphor or inspiration card decks
- Camera, computer and Zoom software
A commitment to the whole crossing
Given the intimacy and tender nature of the work, we ask for a clear commitment to attend all the gatherings that make up the retreat, though we recognise that emergencies happen, and that this is not always possible.
"I own nothing of value at all. I spend money on experiences."
— Miranda Hart
Programme Dates January to November 2027
Welcome Webinar: 8.00–9.15am and 3.00–4.15pm GMT on Thursday 21st January 2027.
Nine touchstones. Three thresholds. One bridge.
The invitation uses the metaphor of a bridge as we cross from known territory to new land. Nine interlaced touchstones of personal and shared inquiry sit within three overarching thresholds. Tap a pier to read what it holds.
| Module | Date | Session | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Threshold 1: Setting Off | Thu 11 Feb 2027 | No. 1 — Taking the First Step | Webinar, 8.00–10.00am and 3.00–5.00pm GMT |
| Mon 15 Mar 2027 | No. 2 — Honouring our Roots | Webinar, 8.00–10.00am and 3.00–5.00pm GMT | |
| Tue 13 Apr 2027 | No. 3 — Celebrating our Riches | Integration Retreat, full day — 10.00am–4.00pm BST (Morning Group) / 2.30–8.30pm BST (Afternoon Group) | |
| Thu 29 Apr 2027 | 1st Round — Riverside Conversations | 3.00–5.00pm BST | |
| Threshold 2: Journeying | Thu 13 May 2027 | No. 4 — Retrieving | Webinar, 8.00–10.00am and 3.00–5.00pm BST |
| Thu 10 Jun 2027 | No. 5 — Reverence | Webinar, 8.00–10.00am and 3.00–5.00pm BST | |
| Mon 5 Jul 2027 | No. 6 — Re-Imagining | Integration Retreat, full day — 10.00am–4.00pm BST (Morning Group) / 2.30–8.30pm BST (Afternoon Group) | |
| Thu 29 Jul 2027 | 2nd Round — Riverside Conversations | 3.00–5.00pm BST | |
| Threshold 3: Threshold 3 New Beginnings | Tue 7 Sep 2027 | No. 7 — Revitalising | Webinar, 8.00–10.00am and 3.00–5.00pm BST |
| Tue 4 Oct 2027 | No. 8 — Reconfiguring | Webinar, 8.00–10.00am and 3.00–5.00pm BST | |
| Tue 16 Nov 2027 | No. 9 — Stepping Forward onto New Ground | Integration Retreat, full day — 10.00am–4.00pm GMT (Morning Group) / 2.30–8.30pm GMT (Afternoon Group) | |
| Tue 30 Nov 2027 | 3rd Round — Riverside Conversations | 3.00–5.00pm GMT |
Start your journey today!
Pricing
£1,995 Early bird, before 1 November 2026
- Deposit to confirm booking£350Full price after early bird
- £2,400 normal rate
- CPD /Resource Development 101.15 hrs
VAT may be added where applicable, depending on your country of residence.
Secure your spot now and start your journey!
