Shekinah Hermitage: An Offering of Sacred Space from Carolyn Metzler
There is a line I have always loved from the Book of Common Prayer: “…that in the changes and chances of this life, we may rest in thine eternal changelessness.” Changes and chances and choices, oh my! In my ongoing conversations with clergy and others serving the world in the trenches I have witnessed the rise of exhaustion and the corresponding diminishment of focused passion. “I don’t remember why I went into this,” one priest said not long ago. “I’ve lost my vocation,” said another. “I can’t find my own heart anymore,” confided an activist.
So my husband and I worked with some builders to create a retreat space in the wilderness: Shekinah Hermitage. Set high on a mountain, it is an octagonal structure with windows in all directions (including to the night sky) but with walls wrapped around you, holding you against the immense uncertainties. The walls of the hermitage are made of reclaimed wood from the forest fires of Arizona, an apt metaphor for what we hope happens here. Just big enough to hold one or two people, Shekinah Hermitage is a place to be still, to let go, to fall deeply into the “eternal changelessness” of the Holy One.
There is a high deck with long views into the canyon of the Cibola National Forest (if one needs a near horizon) and, in the other direction, about 45 miles over the San Agustin Plains (if one needs expanded horizon). With a propane refrigerator and stove, enough solar electricity for charging a laptop (for writers), a comfortable full-sized bed and glider chair looking out the big window, the Hermitage has everything needful for a restful stay. There is no wifi but it does get good cell coverage with Verizon. The kitchenette holds a well-stocked pantry and everything needful to make simple meals. There is an attached bathroom with a sawdust toilet. Showers and a hot tub are available a few minutes’ walk at our house.
For people who want to include a guided retreat or conversation in spiritual direction during their visit, I am available for that, or just let the silence of the desert and the dark skies do that work. We want it to be affordable to anybody, and will work with people’s budgets. The Airbnb listing has more information, or you are welcome to connect with me directly at the below address.
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/619805687313688162?previous_page_section_name=1000&federated_search_id=b7b91875-d5d5-43a5-900a-01506c1b63a5
Carolyn Metzler
cwmetzler@gmail.com
Carolyn is a retired Episcopal priest affiliated with St. Michael's, a long-time spiritual director, and a weaver of cloth and words.
So my husband and I worked with some builders to create a retreat space in the wilderness: Shekinah Hermitage. Set high on a mountain, it is an octagonal structure with windows in all directions (including to the night sky) but with walls wrapped around you, holding you against the immense uncertainties. The walls of the hermitage are made of reclaimed wood from the forest fires of Arizona, an apt metaphor for what we hope happens here. Just big enough to hold one or two people, Shekinah Hermitage is a place to be still, to let go, to fall deeply into the “eternal changelessness” of the Holy One.
There is a high deck with long views into the canyon of the Cibola National Forest (if one needs a near horizon) and, in the other direction, about 45 miles over the San Agustin Plains (if one needs expanded horizon). With a propane refrigerator and stove, enough solar electricity for charging a laptop (for writers), a comfortable full-sized bed and glider chair looking out the big window, the Hermitage has everything needful for a restful stay. There is no wifi but it does get good cell coverage with Verizon. The kitchenette holds a well-stocked pantry and everything needful to make simple meals. There is an attached bathroom with a sawdust toilet. Showers and a hot tub are available a few minutes’ walk at our house.
For people who want to include a guided retreat or conversation in spiritual direction during their visit, I am available for that, or just let the silence of the desert and the dark skies do that work. We want it to be affordable to anybody, and will work with people’s budgets. The Airbnb listing has more information, or you are welcome to connect with me directly at the below address.
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/619805687313688162?previous_page_section_name=1000&federated_search_id=b7b91875-d5d5-43a5-900a-01506c1b63a5
Carolyn Metzler
cwmetzler@gmail.com
Carolyn is a retired Episcopal priest affiliated with St. Michael's, a long-time spiritual director, and a weaver of cloth and words.
Recent Retreat Offerings...
Into the Wilderness: A Contemplative Lenten Retreat
Join us for a contemplative retreat exploring the biblical theme of wilderness in the stories of Jesus, Elijah, Moses, and Hagar, considered alongside our own wilderness experiences. The retreat will be held at St. Michael’s Church on Saturday, April 2, from 9am to 3pm, offering ample time and space for the spiritual practices of self-examination, prayer, and reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.
Lunch is provided. Please register below and contact Mandy Taylor-Montoya (mandytm@stmichaelsabq.org) with any questions.
Lunch is provided. Please register below and contact Mandy Taylor-Montoya (mandytm@stmichaelsabq.org) with any questions.
