By JENNIFER SOLIS
Daily News Correspondent
2005

BYFIELD -- "Never doubt that a group of small, dedicated citizens can change the world --indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." With echoes of anthropologist Margaret Mead sounding in her ears, Rev. Anna Smulowitz has organized for the second year in a row, the Women's Interfaith Spiritual Encounter (WISE) at Adelynrood, a retreat and conference center in Byfield. The purpose of the retreat is to bring together women from various walks of life for a weekend of spiritual renewal and, hopefully, of better mutual understanding. Seven spots remain open for the 3 day event held on August 12 through 14.

Smulowitz created the WISE weekend last year as a way to gather the numerous "bright women of not only different religions, but different cultures" that she has met during her own interfaith spiritual journey. "Whenever I met or studied with someone who transformed me, I decided they needed to come to (the WISE retreat)," she explained.

Best known in Greater Newburyport for the past 26 years as director of Smulowitz Productions theatre company, Smulowitz has been following a spiritual calling for several years. Last month she was ordained as an Interfaith Minister through the Chaplaincy Institute of Maine and currently works as the chaplain of Brooksbys Assisted Living in Peabody. She holds a M.Ed. in expressive therapy from Lesley University and an M.A. in Jewish Studies from Brandeis.

The retreat focuses on the healing arts, with an emphasis on personal growth and spiritual direction. Retreat goers attend workshops; share communal meals, and participate in evening performances and readings.

Smulowitz contends a women-only spiritual retreat is a much needed event these days.

"A majority of the governments in our world are run by men…and I would like to say, look at the world." Traditionally, women, as the creators of life, are the nurturers of families and communities, she points out. It is through this unique perspective that Smulowitz hopes women can find their collective voice and create a platform to bridge the religious and cultural chasms currently dividing much of the world.

"The ultimate goal of understanding each other is to reverse this aggressive period we are in…you know, 'The opposite of war is not peace, it's creation,'" said the former drama director, quoting Jonathan Larson, creator of the Broadway musical Rent.

Adelynrood, located on Elm Street, has been owned and operated by the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross for the past 80 years. The handicap accessible facility has sleeping accommodations for 70, with some double rooms and shared bathrooms. It features a large chapel, libraries, buffet dining, and spacious and well groomed grounds.

Retreat goers can choose from 14 different workshops -- everything from "Bridging East & West Peace Initiative" by Iraqi-American Afaf Stevens and "Don't be a bramble, become the Rose" by Sufi Muslim Melinda Krokus to "Honor Your Heart Song, Even If Your Voice Shakes" by recording artist, Marsie Silvestro and "Belly Dancing as a Sacred Woman's Dance" by Kathleen Miller.

Artist Barbara Hill will again lead a workshop on creating Goddess Necklaces, a popular activity last year, and throughout the weekend there are opportunities to schedule sessions of yoga, massage, and Reiki.

On the first night, Donna Bivens, Co-Director of Women's Theology Center of Boston, gives her keynote address, " Naming, Claiming and Changing: Spiritual Leadership as Path to Health." Bivens addresses the impact of internalized racism as a barrier to social change and how to work through differences to better attain social, economic, and spiritual justice.

Also that evening, Ellen Kennedy will lead a Sacred Circle Dance using simple dancing mantras from India, Romania, Scotland, Macedonia, and other countries. No previous dance experience is necessary to participate.

"There are no wrong steps, just variations," Kennedy asserts.

The second evening features a drumming and dance performance by Inanna, a popular percussion and vocal ensemble known for their talent with 5 part harmony. The group, which hails from Northern Maine, performs songs originating from places such as West Africa, Bosnia, and Ireland. Retreat goers are invited to participate with their own instruments or through dance.

Last year's retreat brought together 65 strangers, many whom were initially quite shy with one another, Smulowitz noted.

"By Sunday, there was an extraordinary sense of joy," with lots of laughter and exchanging of email addresses, she recalled.

"I want to see more of that on the planet and certainly a lot more of that in my community," Smulowitz concluded.

Details on how to register for the weekend, including information on commuter discounts for people not choosing to stay over night, can be accessed at www.spiritualencounter.com. The website includes pictures from last year's retreat. Participants save $50 by registering prior to July 14.