In which I contemplate retreat
I love the idea of retreat, don't you? Particularly at this time of year when there is so much to do, to be, to make. The notion of simply withdrawing and being small and still and quiet is alluring. Don't get me wrong, I am very much in the holiday spirit this year, but sometimes that carousel of activity whirls a bit too fast for me and I long to jump off. And that's when I start looking up convents online. I've always liked the idea of nuns, dating to when I saw an episode of "The Bionic Woman" where Jaime went undercover at a convent and wore a habit. (I LOVED the habit. The flowing, austere black and white--no wonder Coco Chanel claimed to have been forever shaped as a designer by her early years in an orphanage. Probably not true, but a good story, no?)
Anyway, that episode set me on a career path until my mother sat me down and explained that if I became a nun I couldn't wear makeup, couldn't have any boyfriend besides God, and that--perhaps more to the point--we weren't Catholic. So I gave up my dream of taking the veil, which let's be honest, was really just about the VEIL itself.(Why did those go out of fashion? Veils are CHIC.) But even though I turned my ambitions elsewhere, I still remembered the cool silence, the long polished hallways, the lack of chatter at meals, and decided that convents would still be an excellent place to go and enjoy a bit of repose.
I keep imagining a peaceful place with a quiet room, a stack of books, and no interruptions, perhaps with a bit of plainsong in the background. Of course, this is a hopelessly outdated and naive picture of convent life. I have since toured the convent where the nuns at my daughter's school live and it's nothing at ALL like I pictured. There are no floor-sweeping black habits or herb knot gardens or vows of silence, and it occurs to me that I might like a pedicure or massage during my retreat so a spa is really the best place for me. I wonder if I could find one that enforces silence and pipes in a nice bit of medieval chant?
Anyway, that episode set me on a career path until my mother sat me down and explained that if I became a nun I couldn't wear makeup, couldn't have any boyfriend besides God, and that--perhaps more to the point--we weren't Catholic. So I gave up my dream of taking the veil, which let's be honest, was really just about the VEIL itself.(Why did those go out of fashion? Veils are CHIC.) But even though I turned my ambitions elsewhere, I still remembered the cool silence, the long polished hallways, the lack of chatter at meals, and decided that convents would still be an excellent place to go and enjoy a bit of repose.
I keep imagining a peaceful place with a quiet room, a stack of books, and no interruptions, perhaps with a bit of plainsong in the background. Of course, this is a hopelessly outdated and naive picture of convent life. I have since toured the convent where the nuns at my daughter's school live and it's nothing at ALL like I pictured. There are no floor-sweeping black habits or herb knot gardens or vows of silence, and it occurs to me that I might like a pedicure or massage during my retreat so a spa is really the best place for me. I wonder if I could find one that enforces silence and pipes in a nice bit of medieval chant?
Comments
For many years, the feminist
For many years, the feminist chorus I sing with has taken an annual retreat to a lovely convent in Cullman, AL. We spend the entire weekend in community with each other, singing all day long learning our music for the upcoming season. The sisters there are very cool; yoga is available, as is massage; one of the sisters is a massage therapist, and for a donation, you can book one. Can't vouch necessarily for the food or the comfort of the beds, but one can't have everything I guess. The serenity of the grounds makes it truly a retreat, leaving many of us revitalized and ready to take on more...
I watched The Trouble With
I watched The Trouble With Angels last week. Despite the comedy, it does have serious moments (keep tissues handy near the end).
Try this monastery in
Try this monastery in Kentucky - I have had several friends do retreats here and they say it is so peaceful. http://www.monks.org/retreats.html
I understand listening to
I understand listening to Gregorian chants can actually lower one's blood pressure. I used to listen to a tape in my car when I worked with special needs elementary school kids to get all mellow before the mayhem.:)
There are actually a few
There are actually a few places within a few hours that do silent retreats- a weekend up to 10 days... I've always wanted to go too. They're spartan and simple- I enjoy that in small doses, but love my creature comforts too.
Yet, retreating sounds like a
Yet, retreating sounds like a lovely idea. And even more so after the hoildays, buzzing with the voices of so many people--being a hermit for even a few hours sounds like heaven.I'm with you completely, now to find a spot to relax and be quite.
Misha, I absolutely adored
Misha, I absolutely adored that movie and the next one after it, "Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows". Like Deanna, I also had the ambition at one time to be a nun, especially after "The Trouble with Angels". My mother also sat me down, and despite being Catholic, she also pointed out all of the sacrifices nuns had to make (not to mention grandchildren was on my mother's "wish list" I suppose, Teehee).After reading this post, I was reminded of that and was very amazed that someone else remember/metioned that movie.Peaceful respose and reflection isn't a bad thing. Although, I'm sure I would like to be pampered, I don't like to be the center of attention and am uncomfortable with my own body so a spa is pretty much out of the question. However, I'm with Deanna..Bring on the solitude, peaceful music, and stack of books!-MarissaBossier City, LA
Interesting topic, since a
Interesting topic, since a friend of mine whose sister is a nun in a cloistered, contemplative order in New England has asked me to go with her to the convent for a retreat after the new year. The nuns don't charge for the retreat, it's merely what you wish to donate. I am so tempted. My life is entirely too hectic, but there is the matter of airfare and a rental car, which would have to come out of our family vacation budget. Oh, to be wealthy and not have to worry about money.Dan, yes, Gregorian chant is medieval chant, but not all medieval chant is Gregorian.Lynn
Salve Amicus, (as long as
Salve Amicus, (as long as you're into the contemplative way of life - I thought it proper to greet you in Latin.) Medieval chant, or Gregorian chant as it is more accurately named, is available on CDs. It is usually sung by religious Brothers, probably Trappists or Benedictines, and could provide an excellent background for your writing. (not the sex senes). It is rather peaceful and haunting, but I can only stand abot 3 minutes of it. And don't forget to light a few candles for more atmosphere. (bees wax, of course)
Deanna~ Have you ever
Deanna~ Have you ever watched the old Haley Mills movie, The Trouble With Angels? It's about a boarding school for girls run in an old convent. Everytime I watch it I long to go there and hang out with Mother Superior in the peaceful chapel and the serene gardens. Anyway...watching it may give you a little bitty taste of convent life while still wearing fabulous lipstick! :)
There is a convent on the
There is a convent on the Isle of Wight, theyre Benedictines & they still make illuminated manuscripts there!!
This is off-topic, but the
This is off-topic, but the cover for your next book is up at Amazon. I see that Nora Roberts is quoted on the cover. That is quite a complement.-Kim
I can't speak for the
I can't speak for the medieval chant, but if you're looking for a great spa, try the Hotel Hershey. They do have "quiet rooms" where talking is highly discouraged. They offer chocolate-themed treatments, as well as your usual rose and sea scents. It's a terrific place to wile away a day! http://www.chocolatespa.com/