Conflict in the Courage Way: Cultivating Skillful Connection in a Divided World

In a time of deep division, this one-day Courage & Renewal® retreat invites participants into a transformative experience rooted in the principles, practices, and touchstones of the Center for Courage & Renewal, along with the Skills of Real Dialogue, this retreat offers a reflective and structured space for learning how to speak and listen with integrity, courage, and compassion. Through personal reflection, dyads, small group work, journaling, embodiment practices, and large group dialogue, participants will explore how conflict is one reality of being human and ways to cultivate connection during these moments that keeps both people held in.

This retreat is ideal for educators, community leaders, therapists, organizers, activists, and all who are longing for more skillful ways to show up in the presence of difference.

Lunch and class materials are included.

Peggy Dippen, M.Ed. is a Mindfulness-Based Psychedelic Guide devoted to cultivating love, gratitude, and compassion in the world. Trained at the Center for Medicinal Mindfulness in Boulder, CO, her approach bridges the science of consciousness with a deeply spiritual, heart-centered presence. A certified yoga teacher (200- and 300-hour YTT), Peggy is also a Real Dialogue™ Specialist, committed to keeping conflict human and bridging the divides that fracture families and fuel disconnection.

With 26 years as a public educator, Peggy first began attending Courage to Teach retreats in 2011 and is now honored to serve as a Courage & Renewal® Facilitator. She delights in supporting individuals and communities in reawakening to the beauty of self, others, and the world through practices rooted in integrity and relational trust.

Peggy lives in Hinesburg, Vermont, with her son Oak and is an active member of the United Church of Hinesburg. In 2023, she founded Mindful Journeywork, LLC—a home for integrating her passions into one wholehearted offering of service.

About the Co-facilitator

Mike Berger is a Real Dialogue specialist and hypnotherapist with a BA in Sociology and graduate work in Motivational Psychology under the creator of Personal Causation at Washington University. Co-founder of Psychedelic STL, a 501(c)(3) focused on harm reduction and education in the psychedelic space, Mike also provides business coaching and consulting. As co-host of the podcast, "Waking Up Is Not Enough," he brings deep insight into ego development and integration, fostering renewal, trust, and authentic growth.