Zentangle for the Holidays

I have never been on a retreat before so I am not the voice of experience on retreats or how St. Placid Priory compares to other retreat locations. But, for me, I felt a surge of joy when I walked in and I am very happy I spent 3 days there. The SPP's photos of the rooms are exactly accurate - in fact I'm pretty sure that is the very room I stayed in. The photos do not do the grounds justice - they are wonderful. They are a little unkempt in a wild way. I enjoyed many walks of the loop surrounding the property during my stay. Because the area is near a freeway and lots of neighborhoods, the priori's forest is a magnet for wildlife and particularly birds.

Everything about St. Placid was spare in a certain vein while luxurious at the same time. You can see from the photos that the rooms are dated. They are like staying in a school from the 70's. Yet at the same time - EVERYTHING you need is there: extra blankets and pillows, the room is very quiet, a place to right, a nice chair and your own sink (full bathroom a few doors away). I will note that the bedspreads are slippery and ended up on the floor at night.

There is a shared kitchenette stocked with tea, coffee, snacks, cereal, milk, cream. Again perfectly stocked with everything you could want. There are no fancy dishes, a nice but spare decor, and it is very clean and well cared for. Same with the bathrooms; perfectly stocked and perfectly clean.

I went to SPP at the invitation of a friend and found that it was a perfect balance of time together in the many sitting areas, the wonderful library and attending the 3x a day praise gatherings. But also time alone; reading, meditating, praying and walking.

The praise gatherings gave a nice rhythm and structure to my time there and I'm really glad I went to them. They are the sisters daily routine and its a pleasure to join them there and in the meals (lunch and dinner) that follow. The sisters are very welcoming and we joined them at their tables for meals. They answered lots of questions and shared many laughs with us as well.

I will add that "the sisters" were why I was looking forward to going to SPP. I am not Catholic nor even exclusively Christian but about 10 years ago spirituality became a very big part of my life. I had a distinct desire to be in a place where the spirituality was EVERYTHING, which, obviously, a monastery filled the bill. It filled me up as well as helped me relax into my own world I would return to.

Now back to some other important things: the food! Another example of perfection - it was delicious. The meals are clearly cooked on site (they love their chef with just cause) and use real food not just opening a can of something. Every meal there was a beautiful salad bar. Again, the dining room, furniture, plates are spare - like a school. But MORE than you could ever need and fulfilled every pleasure: comfort, taste, companionship

This spare and luxurious combination was perfect for a retreat. You aren't at a hotel which aims to meet your every "style" need. It's an excellent way to discipline your mind when it complains about the wrong color of bedspread or having to share a bathroom; because at the same time you have way more than you need and every small need from cotton balls to fresh half and half for your coffee; many cozy sitting spaces and lovely grounds. It keeps you in a very good state of mind to get a lot out of a retreat.

Final note is that I was met - as I'm sure all retreat visitors are - by Lorraine. I'm not sure what her title is but it seems like she manages the visitors section of the property. She was so welcoming; gave a very thorough tour of the whole property so I felt very well settled. I'm pretty sure that it's her attention to detail in the rooms, kitchens and bathrooms are in such a well cared for state.

I had a lovely stay at the retreat center by myself. I was able to read and study from my own room looking through the large window into a beautiful wooded scene. I took walks, reflected in the multiple prayer rooms, and joined the services. It is an introvert haven away from the loud hustle. If you are seeking a place of quiet solitude, the personal retreat is a perfect solution.

A wonderfully quiet and serene place to read, reflect and meditate. I especially enjoyed the stations of the cross amongst the forest.

This was a fun and challenging class with lots of creativity and clear guidance. I really enjoyed the time and learned some beautiful zen tangle principles.

Sister Monika is a wonderful teacher. She is kind positive and respectful to everyone. I loved my first experience with learning the art and prayerful practice of meditative zentangling.

I would recommend this experience to anyone and everyone.