After my sermon on Jesus’ invitation to come away all by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while, I went away all my by self to a solitary place and rested a while.
One of the biggest disappointments with life back in Manitoba is the lack of the kind of retreat spaces that are found in apparent abundance in Michigan - the kinds of religious retreat centers and monasteries that cater to individual retreats. Spending time at such places (and working at one) was a regular pattern in my life, and I’ve been increasingly aware of my need for such a place and time.
Solitude and silence are incredibly important to me, and while I have my own room in our house and can spend an evening all by myself, while June is off doing her thing in her space, this is not the same as an extended time of solitude. These experiences of solitude and silence create and environment of spaciousness that my spirit needs to feel grounded and present.
(If you want to explore solitude further I’d suggest visiting a new website Solitude Advocacy )
And so I’ve been delighted to spend three days alone at the Herdsman House in Neubergthal, Manitoba.
The Herdsman House is an old house, and national historic site, in an old Russian Mennonite village. The house has been restored by a couple who live in a barn on the property that they’ve converted into living quarters and artist studio, and small concert venue.
The space is primarily intended as an artist retreat space, although anyone can stay. Of course I felt sheepish visiting as an artist, but photography and writing were a big part of my time there.
Not surprisingly I anticipated my time here with a bit of anxiety. (I seem to do most things with at least a bit of anxiety) But as I felt the silence and stillness the anxiety quickly left. I brought books to read and camera gear to take pictures, but was not beholden to accomplishing anything.
Because of who I am, this kind of silence and time nurtures my spiritual and prayer life. Following Jesus’ model of going to a deserted place to pray for me is essential discipleship. Silent presence is increasingly my most basic and common form of prayer. I resonate with Mother Teresa’s prayer of listening to God as God listens to her.
I often bring this little crucifix, and Russian prayer rope - both foreign to my Mennonite tradition - as aids to prayer.
“Monk’s meal.” A stay at the Herdsman House comes with a loaf of incredible sourdough bread. I could have just eaten this bread for every meal.
A bedstee - bed in a closet / reading nook.
If you are in southern Manitoba and looking for a place of retreat for rest and creativity (it doesn’t have to include solitude) I’d encourage you to contact Margruite at the Herdsman House. I’m looking forward to spending some time there in the non-winter months.
