I FIRST GOT A TASTE of monastic life in 2014 with friends in Abiquiú, New Mexico, about 75 miles north of Santa Fe. There, near the former summer home of artist Georgia O’Keeffe, sits a quiet enclave called Monastery of Christ in the Desert tucked into canyon wilderness on the banks of the Rio Chama. I am not Catholic but was invited to experience this setting by a friend who had previously stayed. It was transformative for him, so he encouraged me to join.
Many who were there, myself included, kept monks’ hours and dutifully rose before dawn. The lifestyle, one of structure and sequence, of rising at 3 a.m. for worship, work, meals, and study, moved and fascinated me. Contrary to belief, there is freedom in discipline, of undertaking the same tasks on a different day.
Our group stayed only two nights in the canyon, but during that short time, I connected to the deepest, wisest part of my being. Without phones, without screens, without distractions, I was able to release the noise—a total gift—and realized that the calmest, most centered part of myself is present all of the time. Sometimes it takes deep silence in sublime beauty to recognize it.
In our inaugural issue, writer Kathryn Davé presents a list of monasteries in the Southeast that welcome guests for the day or for several days. No matter one’s belief or background, these special places offer a beautiful setting to detach and rejuvenate.
Below is an excerpt from Kathryn’s story, “Escape Room.” Find her full list in our Winter 2023 issue.
SPENDING A DAY or two in full silence may sound impossible—impossibly appealing or perhaps impossibly difficult. But a growing number of monasteries offering silent retreats to outside visitors are making it a little easier to experience the power of silent reflection. Dotted across the Southeast, monasteries and spiritual centers quietly open their doors to seekers of all kinds. Each retreat varies in setting and style, but all offer a threshold to spiritual insight.
MEPKIN ABBEY » Moncks Corner, SC
The loss of cell signal within the space of Mepkin Abbey turns out to be a gift—one that mirrors and deepens the commitment to silence that marks a personal retreat at this serene Trappist monastery. Located on the banks of the Cooper River just outside of Charleston, the abbey houses a retreat center where individual rooms feature clean architecture, spare furnishings, and a wall of windows where natural light slants in. Guests of all faiths or no faith are invited to practice silence, share in the prayer rhythms of the monks if desired, wander the woodland grounds, and “come home to their truest self.” $300 suggested donation for 3-day individual retreats, register online; mepkinabbey.org
IGNATIUS HOUSE » Sandy Springs, GA
Peace settles on you like a blanket from the moment you arrive at Ignatius House, located on the lush Chattahoochee River just outside of Atlanta. Inspired by the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, retreats include wholesome meals, a private room, sacred silence, optional discussions, and contemplative time to explore the forest and grounds. People often choose to embark on a silent retreat at a personal crossroads or when making a weighty decision, but the space created for thoughtful reflection is valuable any time. Rates vary, register online; ignatiushouse.org
This was an article I would never find anywhere yet here it is and what a fantastic piece…seriously thinking of doing this!