She Magazine

Four peaceful retreats

Published:
By Mary Bergin

Sometimes the world moves too quickly, life seems too complicated or the mind feels numb because of a significant loss, change, crossroads or challenge.

Why me? What next? Which path? Who matters?

If you are asking these questions, maybe time alone and inner reconnection is a better goal than the distractions and escape from reality of an average getaway.

One dictionary definition of “retreat” is “a quiet, secluded place where people go for rest and privacy.” Religious communities are longtime conduits for this.

Some arrange group programs to explore specific topics. Some encourage private contemplation, ongoing silence.

I’ve encountered no preachy or judgmental vibes during my own ecumenical overnights. I also have not been quizzed about my faith or lack of it, although one-on-one spiritual guidance typically can be arranged upon request.

Meals, when provided, tend to be simple, healthful and nourishing. Overnight rates are often less than half the cost of a motel room.

Expect sparse accommodations — little more than a bed, perhaps with shared bathroom. No TV or radio. If Internet and cell access exists, ignore it.

Remember, the focus is on you, not whatever escape hatch is within reach. That includes smoking and alcohol: Arrive without them.

Here are four spiritual communities in beautiful, peaceful settings that share their grounds and facilities with the public.

Holy Wisdom Monastery, Middleton

The Benedictine Women of Madison live on prime hilltop real estate that overlooks Governor Nelson State Park, Lake Mendota and the upscale Bishops Bay subdivision.

The quietly feisty and progressive sisters easily could have sold out to developers long ago but instead made it their priority to restore 100 acres of prairie, dredge 9-acre Lost Lake to its original depth and replace their monastery with a building that in 2010 was the nation’s greenest new construction.

The project earned 63 of 69 points to gain a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design platinum rating. If the monastery were near public transportation, the LEED score would have been even higher.

People on retreat stay in one of 17 bedrooms or rent one of two hermitages (more secluded, apartment-like quarters). Explore four miles of nature trails. You are welcome to attend prayer services, chat with others at meals or keep to yourself.

www.benedictinewomen.org, 608-831-9304

St. Anthony Spirituality Center, Marathon

On a 45-acre wooded area along the Rib River, west of Wausau, is the 1919 home of Capuchin Franciscan friars and students of the priesthood. The property turned into a full-time retreat center in 1971.

Fifteen of the 75 rooms for overnight guests have private baths. Families may bring children for nature-focused retreats. Retreat programs and one-on-one guidance emphasize Christian principles, as do morning and evening prayer services.

“Living in Difficult Times, Learning From St. Francis,” a silent retreat for women, is offered March 30 to April 1. Other topics include Celtic spirituality (March 16-18) and writing and spirituality (March 23-25).

www.sarcenter.com, 715-443-2235

The Christine Center, Willard

Near an enclave of Amish families, between Marshfield and Eau Claire, is a former farm flanked by forest and rich with wildlife. The 120-acre, hilltop acreage with Wheaton Franciscan roots turned into an interfaith gathering place in 1980.

For rent are guesthouse rooms, small cabins (with and without plumbing), campsites and RV spaces for individual, group or structured retreats. Program topics range from yoga immersion (March 30 to April 1) and a Holy Week retreat (April 2-8) to an artist practicum (May 28-31) and “healing the hurt” retreat (June 15-17).

www.christinecenter.org, 715-267-7507

Stone Light Retreat, Viroqua

In the woodsy hills of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area is a simple retreat where guests stay in one of four Amish-built cabins, each of which sleeps two to four people. Amenities are bare-bones; think well-kept outhouses and battery-powered or oil lamps.

Walk to the retreat lodge for modern bathroom facilities and showers. Follow walking trails to explore a chapel, labyrinth, stone circles and other spiritual icons. Personal guidance in astrology, breathwork, nutritional guidance, reiki and more can be arranged for $1 per minute. Shamanic healing, psychic readings and other spiritual paths also are possible.

www.stone-light.net, 608-637-6917

Look for details about other retreats, in and outside of Wisconsin, at retreatfinder.com.