Contemplative Writing

This was my first time at St. Placid Priory and I would definitely return for another retreat. Comfortable, quiet accommodations, very clean, delicious meals served by the in house chef, if you choose to include some meals in your stay, shared kitchen for making your own meals has what is needed and breakfast items included in the kitchen! Areas outside your room for quiet - a small parlour, the "Julian room," the chapel in the main building. Large trees all around and paths for walking - beautiful grounds. Just off the Interstate and easy to access. You can join the sisters for worship if you desire. A good experience. Those coming for retreat should perhaps be aware that both women and men can be guests, should the assumption be that only women will be here on retreat.

I was frazzled from a month of intense activity and had another busy month coming up so a retreat was a perfect way to rest, redirect, recharge. The wooded setting, silence, liturgy along with the calm presence of the Sisters was a balm.

To Sister Paz Vital: I am so grateful for you and for the workshop you gave us this weekend.  I learned so much, much I didn't know or didn't understand, even after years of reading Jung and others' work about the shadow.  You took us step by step, in such a short time, into deeper understanding. You presented the information in an engaging and enlightening way, and your quick understanding and intelligence shone in every question you addressed.  I loved especially the story of the two wolves.  That is how my mind was finally opened to the necessity of feeding and attending to my shadow.  Thank you!

This was indeed a blessed day for me. I loved how Sr Angela started our time with Lectio. Working outside with the group felt like prayer in action. We came back pink cheeked, glowing from exertion, and rejoicing in God's nature, community, and life. Thank you, Sr Angela.

The workshop offered a calming and meditative introduction to Zentangle art, with slow pace instruction that made the experience feel restorative. However, given the length of the session—from 10 AM to 3 PM—I had hoped for a bit more depth. We only explored five basic shapes to build patterns, which felt limiting considering the time investment and the vast variety of shapes used in this artform. A broader range of techniques or more complex designs would have added richness to the learning.

It’s possible that the hybrid format, with the instructor needing to move between rooms, impacted the flow and reduced opportunities for extended practice and sharing. A more centralized setup might help future sessions feel more cohesive. Additionally, providing handouts with shape variations and space for guided practice could support different learning styles and enhance engagement.

Lunch was a bit of a letdown this time. Having previously enjoyed a delicious salmon meal at the monastery, I was surprised to find the only protein option was cold cuts. The contrast made the meal feel less satisfying than expected.

That said, I’m truly grateful for the presenter, who was the heart of the experience—kind and knowledgeable. Their gentle guidance created a welcoming, stress-free environment, and their passion for Zentangle was evident throughout.