Tag Archives: hermitage

I spent some time at The Hermitage thinking about where I stand on Islam, my religion of three decades. For the last year I really thought I was on my way out of this faith. But I’m still here so I wanted to evaluate my situation. I am easily able to overlook aspects of theContinueContinue reading “The Hermitage VII: Me and Islam”

On my second day, I met with JMD for a period of spiritual direction. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I did have some experiences that I was both eager and nervous to explore with someone. I was hoping she would know what to make of them. I was partially worried and partially expectantContinueContinue reading “The Hermitage VI: Spiritual Direction”

My time at The Hermitage was truly a respite from every day life – but not just a respite: an archway into prayer, silence, and reflection. Space for reading, growth, and understanding. But most of all, for God’s love for me to really get through to me. That may sound a little corny but itContinueContinue reading “The Hermitage V: The Experience of Silence”

In the days leading up to my time at The Hermitage, I pulled out a fresh journal and sat down to consider what I wanted to accomplish. Some of my decision-making goals were temporal, and practical. I was really struggling with my attitude toward my health. As much as I intellectually knew that I neededContinueContinue reading “The Hermitage IV: My Goals for My Retreat”

The Hermitage is about an hour and forty minutes from where I live. I stopped four times on my way there and showed up almost 45 minutes late. I knew I was going to be off the cell grid and emergency (!!) texts and phone calls pulled my car off to the side of theContinueContinue reading “The Hermitage III: Arriving”

Let’s back up to this summer, specifically late July. I was reading the Gospels and opening myself to convert to Christianity. I even had an idea about where and when I would make my final determination: at The Hermitage. I like making plans. I like to know what to expect. And I felt like IContinueContinue reading “The Hermitage II: Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?”

This fall, I went on a three-day retreat at a southwest Michigan center called The Hermitage. It offers space for up to twelve in an atmosphere of silence that invites prayer and contemplation: “Creating an environment of attentiveness to God.” Most of the sleeping space is in the main residence but there are three cabinsContinueContinue reading “The Hermitage I: Introduction”