In add
ition to our regular programming, The Stone House offers individuals the opportunity for personal retreat time, space permitting. While time spent in group settings for strategy and practice are important for community building, we also know that time alone spent in silence or contemplation is a fundamental way of supporting our inner process of liberation. Different from vacation, a retreat is a period of time of committed engagement to the work of our inner lives.
The Stone House provides a unique environment for self-directed retreats, given the beauty of the land and the simplicity of accommodations. Our intention is to support people who have a clear sense of purpose for their retreat and who do not need an external programmatic structure or significant interaction with The Stone House staff or other guests.
Retreatants will generally have use of all the facilities including the practice space, library, the garden and full access to the land. If another group is using the facility during your stay we will inform you so that you can make decisions that best protect your own space and practice. Given the frequent aliveness of The Stone House, we want to provide as supportive an environment as is possible to maintain the integrity and sanctity of your retreat.
accommodations
We have two cabins that, when not in use by a program or rental group, can be used to support the retreat practice of individuals. Regrettably at this point, neither is accessible to people with physical disabilities limiting them from climbing stairs.
- The Pasture Cabin is a lovely space with passive solar heating, electricity, and hot water. There is an air-conditioning unit for the summer months. It has 2 bedrooms and is equipped with its own kitchen and bathroom. Nestled on our lower property, the cabin is a couple minutes walk to the 30-acre pasture and walking trails, the rain-fed pond, or barn where you’ll find our chickens wandering around.
- The Far Hermitage is a simple structure set into t
he woods with a composting toilet, wood stove and a propane cooking stove. It does not have electricity. The Far Hermitage is kept in silence and we ask all guests to maintain the integrity of that space. People interested in the Far Hermitage should have experience with a teacher-led retreat either at The Stone House or a similar center.
Retreatants are responsible for purchasing and preparing their own meals. The nearest grocery store is about 7 miles away.
While on retreat, one hour each day is requested to support The Stone House and the larger community we serve. Jobs usually involve cleaning, working in the garden, or other maintenance, and all can be done largely in silence if desired.
dana
We offer retreat space at The Stone House freely, based on the concept of “dana,” an ancient Pali word from the Buddhist tradition meaning generosity. We gratefully accept offerings of support for the space.
For more information, available dates, and reservations for personal retreats, please contact us. And, click here for an application form to begin the process of reserving your retreat!
