As I have tried to discern the question — What is holy rest? My soul seemed to offer a real answer — Retreat. So, now I have an awareness of the new question — What does it mean to retreat?
My favorite retreats - Gethsemene, KY and Mepkin Abbey, SC - and the Monks of New Skete in NY.
MiiAmo Spa was my favorite indulgent retreat (so grateful for sabbatical grants ;) A good retreat is one where I feel supported by a schedule that provides a simple and easy daily structure (good worship primarily) in a surrounding that is quiet, spacious and with places for meandering walks. To have good accomodations and food is always the icing on the cake! I'm sorry to miss you at Bellweather Farm! I'll be there a bit before you for a CREDO. Blessings on your retreats! - Arianne
For me a retreat is solo. "Retreats" with others, led by others (heck I lead them myself) are lovely but to me those are spiritual conferences or something not a retreat.
The other component I need is "big water." I grew up on the Great Lakes and I need water I cannot see across, preferably water that becomes very deep. There is something about spending time alone with a body of water that is deeper than I can fathom and where what is on the other side is further than I can see sets my soul right.
Affordable is so contextual. I will say if someone needs something very cheap St Gregory's Abbey in Three Rivers Michigan is the place to be. No one ever talks about them but the brothers there are an Episcopal order, therefore any Christian is encouraged to take part in communion (something a lot of us don't get to do at RC monasteries/convents) and the location is quiet with woods to wander in.
I prefer renting a cabin on the Olympic Peninsula now that I'm out in the Seattle area. It gets me the solitude I need, and the Pacific ocean too, but it is a good sight more expensive than a donation based monastery stay.
Also books, I always bring lots of books, art supplies, and a journal. I don't bring music, videos, etc. NOTHING that creates the constant visual/audio stimulation we're used to. <3
I work and live at a Ecumenical Christian retreat center. We are called Richmond Hill and we are smack dab in the city of Richmond. Some might think, "what a retreat center in the middle of the city, how can that be relaxing." But even though it is in the South, it is essentially as a mid-western city feel. So not like DC or New York (though those places are cool too!) We are in the historic neighborhood of church hill and it is fairly quiet. Occasionally you can hear sirens and loud music but not always. Additionally, being in a city allows us to be accessible for those who may not be able to drive here. Buses in Richmond are free until I believe 2025. We have a strong history of engaging in racial justice initiatives in the city and other social justice issues. And because we are on a hill, we have a beautiful view of the city. We hold prayers three times a day for about 15 minutes with worship on Tuesday evenings. We offer a variety of options: we have Richmond Hill sponsored day retreats, we have opportunities for individual retreats, and we also hosts outside groups.
We have a beautiful garden and labyrinth. We have a deck outside the dining room that overlooks the city and a beautiful chapel with stained glass windows.
Oh I love this so much! The retreat center where I spoke in Wisconsin was in the middle of the city and I kept thinking -- do the people who live here know about this beauty hidden in the midst of them? So I love a middle of the city retreat. Plus, what a great image of how we can cultivate retreat within daily life! I will keep this in mind, and I am so glad you told me about it. Bless you in your work! What a gift.
Thank you for your kind words! And def give us a visit if you are ever in the Richmond ever (though first schedule through our website because our days can be busy!). And so many people don't know about us within richmond even though there is a giant historical marker plaque outside. before I came here I didn't even know retreat centers could be in the city! It's a different vibe for sure.
To retreat to me is simple -- it is to rest. But actually resting is the hard part. I really love the book Rest is Resistance. We can (and need) rest and retreat regularly.
Going on a retreat is experiential. It allows me to unplug and be with like-minded people who also want to experience whatever the retreat is centered around. A retreat, as an experience, is somewhere that isn't my home, is in community with others, but offers plenty of alone/solo time for rest and relaxation. The group activities/discussion center around some aspect of healing or processing.
Taking these words to heart -- thank you. Rest is Resistance is something I need to read for sure, for a variety of reasons. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with me. <3
My favorite retreats - Gethsemene, KY and Mepkin Abbey, SC - and the Monks of New Skete in NY.
MiiAmo Spa was my favorite indulgent retreat (so grateful for sabbatical grants ;) A good retreat is one where I feel supported by a schedule that provides a simple and easy daily structure (good worship primarily) in a surrounding that is quiet, spacious and with places for meandering walks. To have good accomodations and food is always the icing on the cake! I'm sorry to miss you at Bellweather Farm! I'll be there a bit before you for a CREDO. Blessings on your retreats! - Arianne
For me a retreat is solo. "Retreats" with others, led by others (heck I lead them myself) are lovely but to me those are spiritual conferences or something not a retreat.
The other component I need is "big water." I grew up on the Great Lakes and I need water I cannot see across, preferably water that becomes very deep. There is something about spending time alone with a body of water that is deeper than I can fathom and where what is on the other side is further than I can see sets my soul right.
Affordable is so contextual. I will say if someone needs something very cheap St Gregory's Abbey in Three Rivers Michigan is the place to be. No one ever talks about them but the brothers there are an Episcopal order, therefore any Christian is encouraged to take part in communion (something a lot of us don't get to do at RC monasteries/convents) and the location is quiet with woods to wander in.
I prefer renting a cabin on the Olympic Peninsula now that I'm out in the Seattle area. It gets me the solitude I need, and the Pacific ocean too, but it is a good sight more expensive than a donation based monastery stay.
Also books, I always bring lots of books, art supplies, and a journal. I don't bring music, videos, etc. NOTHING that creates the constant visual/audio stimulation we're used to. <3
I am going on a 48 hour retreat this week and I'm taking your advice -- journals & books!
I work and live at a Ecumenical Christian retreat center. We are called Richmond Hill and we are smack dab in the city of Richmond. Some might think, "what a retreat center in the middle of the city, how can that be relaxing." But even though it is in the South, it is essentially as a mid-western city feel. So not like DC or New York (though those places are cool too!) We are in the historic neighborhood of church hill and it is fairly quiet. Occasionally you can hear sirens and loud music but not always. Additionally, being in a city allows us to be accessible for those who may not be able to drive here. Buses in Richmond are free until I believe 2025. We have a strong history of engaging in racial justice initiatives in the city and other social justice issues. And because we are on a hill, we have a beautiful view of the city. We hold prayers three times a day for about 15 minutes with worship on Tuesday evenings. We offer a variety of options: we have Richmond Hill sponsored day retreats, we have opportunities for individual retreats, and we also hosts outside groups.
We have a beautiful garden and labyrinth. We have a deck outside the dining room that overlooks the city and a beautiful chapel with stained glass windows.
Our website is: https://www.richmondhillva.org
Oh I love this so much! The retreat center where I spoke in Wisconsin was in the middle of the city and I kept thinking -- do the people who live here know about this beauty hidden in the midst of them? So I love a middle of the city retreat. Plus, what a great image of how we can cultivate retreat within daily life! I will keep this in mind, and I am so glad you told me about it. Bless you in your work! What a gift.
Thank you for your kind words! And def give us a visit if you are ever in the Richmond ever (though first schedule through our website because our days can be busy!). And so many people don't know about us within richmond even though there is a giant historical marker plaque outside. before I came here I didn't even know retreat centers could be in the city! It's a different vibe for sure.
To retreat to me is simple -- it is to rest. But actually resting is the hard part. I really love the book Rest is Resistance. We can (and need) rest and retreat regularly.
Going on a retreat is experiential. It allows me to unplug and be with like-minded people who also want to experience whatever the retreat is centered around. A retreat, as an experience, is somewhere that isn't my home, is in community with others, but offers plenty of alone/solo time for rest and relaxation. The group activities/discussion center around some aspect of healing or processing.
Taking these words to heart -- thank you. Rest is Resistance is something I need to read for sure, for a variety of reasons. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with me. <3