Welcome.I am so glad you found yourself here! I am Whitney, the founder of Exploring Peace Ministries. I invite you to join me on this journey of exploring the gift of God's peace with breath, body, and spirit.
Between my 20's and early 30's, I experienced multiple health crises including melanoma skin cancer, stroke, and brain surgery (talk about being thrilled when I turned 40 - I was ready for a new decade!). I have known God my entire life but during this time of healing and recovery, I began to seek God's peace and deepen my relationship with God while exploring contemplative prayer tools. Learning to slow down has been challenging but since I was not given much choice in the matter, I eventually began to savor (yet admittedly still struggle with) the contemplative journey.
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What do I do and why?
I work with individuals, groups, and non-profits offering soul care through retreats, workshops, and private spiritual direction sessions - inviting others to use their whole self (breath, body and spirit) to explore the gift of God's peace. I enjoy creating space and resources for your soul care.
Since a young age, I have loved to write and create! I am the author of Holy Listening with Breath, Body, and the Spirit published by Upper Room Books - a 40-day devotional inviting you to use your whole body to listen for God. I completed professional certification in Spiritual Formation at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and now serve you as a spiritual director and retreat facilitator. As a a yoga and meditation instructor, I incorporate the gift of breath, body, and spirit into classes and private sessions at Bloom Yoga Studio (where I am co-owner, along with my very first yoga teacher). I also offer virtual gatherings and travel for your on-site events.
I am a Deaconess Candidate in the United Methodist Church, an order focused on love, justice, and service. I believe in accountability, diversity, equality, on-going learning, conversations with those who challenge me, and soul care for myself. In addition to peer supervision, Exploring Peace Ministries has a an advisory board of passionate and committed individuals offering guidance and discernment for ministry decisions. Professionally, I am a member of The Fellowship of United Methodist Spiritual Directors and Retreat Leaders, Spiritual Directors International and am a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance. I am a lover of the Trinity, am passionate about exploring the outdoors with my husband and son, devour all types of books, savor a great cup of hot tea, enjoy the hunt for a bargain, get filled up by a good cause, and look forward to hearing your God stories.
Since a young age, I have loved to write and create! I am the author of Holy Listening with Breath, Body, and the Spirit published by Upper Room Books - a 40-day devotional inviting you to use your whole body to listen for God. I completed professional certification in Spiritual Formation at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and now serve you as a spiritual director and retreat facilitator. As a a yoga and meditation instructor, I incorporate the gift of breath, body, and spirit into classes and private sessions at Bloom Yoga Studio (where I am co-owner, along with my very first yoga teacher). I also offer virtual gatherings and travel for your on-site events.
I am a Deaconess Candidate in the United Methodist Church, an order focused on love, justice, and service. I believe in accountability, diversity, equality, on-going learning, conversations with those who challenge me, and soul care for myself. In addition to peer supervision, Exploring Peace Ministries has a an advisory board of passionate and committed individuals offering guidance and discernment for ministry decisions. Professionally, I am a member of The Fellowship of United Methodist Spiritual Directors and Retreat Leaders, Spiritual Directors International and am a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance. I am a lover of the Trinity, am passionate about exploring the outdoors with my husband and son, devour all types of books, savor a great cup of hot tea, enjoy the hunt for a bargain, get filled up by a good cause, and look forward to hearing your God stories.
Now what?
If your soul needs some encouragement or you are simply curious to know more about how to listen for God with your whole self, browse the site for more information or sign up for your monthly dose of soul care via email. You can also contact me if you are interested in soul care opportunities for yourself, your group, your church, or other organization. Or, come visit me soon in person at Bloom Yoga Studio!
