I Visited a Monastery to Recharge
It was a normal Monday with things to do and stuff to write. But, as I mentioned in my last blog (see Apr 9), I planned to skip town for the day and go to a local monastery outside of Bardstown, Kentucky. My goal was to take a few hours to focus on “being” more than “doing.” Just to be clear, I scheduled this time. I didn’t bail on any commitments or miss any deadlines. I blocked off my calendar in advance so I could spend some intentional hours in a quiet, beautiful place–guilt free.
I highly recommend this.
To get the most out of my time, I did a little pre-game prep:
I spent time reading my bible and praying before my husband and I left for the abbey. I thanked God in advance for what he had for me this day and asked him to help me be fully present. I surrendered my worries to him. (I ended up doing this more than once during the day as a few threatened to invade my brain.)
I packed a simple, healthy lunch as well as a notebook, pen, and a book I’ve been reading slowly called Life Without Lack by Dallas Willard.
And then, Rob and I made our way to the Abbey of Gethsemani. I’m not Catholic, and I don’t believe we need to be at a monastery or cathedral to be near God, but this place came recommended to us as a great place to spend the day. We were not disappointed.
We arrived around 10:00 a.m. and set out on a trail for a leisurely hike into the forest. As we walked, my husband and I talked quietly and sometimes not at all. More than once we stood still and listened to the birds. We laughed a bit because we love to laugh. We shared what was in our hearts.
At one point, I went ahead on our descent down the trail and sat alone on a bench to think and pray. He stayed behind and had his own time alone amid some modern sculptures placed in the forest of three sleeping disciples and a praying Jesus. It was a sobering scene depicting the night Jesus was betrayed.
While alone on “my” bench, I basked in the sun, enjoying its warmth on my skin. I soaked up the scenery. I spent time in prayer and enjoyed God’s presence. I wasn’t rushed. I felt grateful and relaxed. I was still but prayerful.
Later, we gave ourselves a brief tour of the abbey and, after a picnic lunch, wandered into a garden bordering a cemetery (Thomas Merton is buried there) outside the cafeteria and the church building. Again, Rob and I separated, taking seats away from each other and obeying the signs that said, “No talking in the garden,” but the garden was far from quiet.
Though we kept things hushed, every 15 minutes the abbey bells went off–chiming and bonging at what was for me, at first, an alarming volume. More than once I jumped in my chair as a fresh sequence of bells began. I noticed, though, that the startling sound of the bells didn’t upset the many birds in the garden and on the branches of the trees. In fact, when the bells went off, the birds didn’t fly away. They stayed put and sang louder. They were part of the song. It was as if the bells were their cue to raise their bird voices several notches louder. It was comical and beautiful.
Looking up from my book, I watched as all kinds of birds flew down and feasted on the seed and nectar provided for them. The trees were alive with more birds than I could see, but all of these feathered friends were well taken care of. They were thriving in their environment.
During my time at Gethsemani I was reminded that I, too, am well cared for. I can thrive in my writing, ministry, and in my relationships, not because life is perfect or easy, but because the Lord is my Shepherd. I am to “be” and to “do” as he leads. I am part of the song, and God is with me always.
Whether you seek to recharge or regroup by getting away for the day or taking a 20-minute break from your computer, go outside and feel the weather on your face. Observe a pot of flowers or the blue sky or your cat stalking a bug. Don’t underestimate nature. Be fully present and let it work its magic. There’s something there for you.
Also, remember you are a physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual human being. Each “part” of you needs attention. Reflecting on how you’re doing in all these areas is a wise investment of time. Be intentional. Take a little time to tend to yourself and hear from God. It will enhance your work and your life and you will be a fresh blessing to others. You’ll see.