Restorative Mindfulness Retreat: Coming Home to Ourselves

Led by Lisa Baker, PhD

We can find ourselves in states of exhaustion, numbness, or even despair when we are continually met with challenge after challenge. And yet, what can support us to become more grounded, present and resilient is the practice of pausing — of intentionally stepping back to breathe, to listen inwardly, and to connect with the natural world and our shared humanity. Taking time and space for restoring our energy, coming home to ourselves, and rooting in compassion and awareness feels more and more crucial with each passing day.

It is from this deep intention that I am offering this Late Fall/Early Winter Retreat on December 4th at Holy Wisdom Monastery. This retreat will be a full day of mindfulness, rest, and reconnection with self, community, and nature. Together, we will create a space that holds silence, guided practices, reflection, and dialogue. The monastery’s serene grounds and contemplative setting will support us in stepping away from the demands of daily life so that we can soften into presence and replenish what has been depleted.

This daylong retreat will include:

• Guided meditation and gentle movement to ground the body and mind.

• Periods of silence and reflection to help quiet inner noise and deepen self-awareness.

• Community practices that cultivate connection and remind us that we are not alone in our struggles or our hopes.

• Time on the land, walking trails and prairie paths, connecting to the beauty and wisdom of the natural world.

Each year, this retreat has been a space where people come together not only for personal renewal, but also for a sense of belonging and collective care. My hope is that this year’s gathering continues to be a place where we can pause, breathe spaciously, and remind ourselves of the resources within and around us that help us stay steady and engaged in the midst of so much change and uncertainty.

I warmly invite you to join me for this day of restoration and reconnection. Whether you are experienced in mindfulness and meditation practices or simply curious - all are welcome. Together, may we strengthen our capacity for compassion, presence, and resilience—for ourselves, and for the communities we touch each day.

Location

This retreat will be held in a spacious and bright retreat space overlooking gardens at Holy Wisdom Monastery, located on 130 acres of beautifully restored prairie and woods. In this setting, you can experience connection to the beauty and care of the natural world, including opportunities for walking on trails and contemplative practice in this beautiful landscape.

Holy Wisdom offers healthy, fresh meals prepared by their executive chef, with some of the food grown in the monastery’s large vegetable garden.  

Lunch is included and will be served to retreat participants in a  bright and spacious dining room. Dietary restrictions will be accommodated. 

Coffee and tea will be available throughout the day and we have access to a full kitchen with a refrigerator if you wish to bring any additional snacks. 

The retreat includes a day of mindfulness and meditation teaching, guided practices, and healthy, fresh lunch prepared by Holy Wisdom's executive chef. 

Friday, December 4th Retreat Day

930-10am Retreat space is open to arrive and settle into the retreat space. 

10am Retreat practice begins with formal, guided-practices and teachings

1130-1pm Lunch and free time (e.g., walking on trails or indoor spaces, self-guided practice for restoration and nourishment)

1-3pm Continued formal, guided practices and teachings

3pm Retreat formal practice ends/closes

3-430pm (Optional) Personal practice in retreat space and on the land.

Participants are asked to bring their own yoga mat, 2-3 blankets, 2 pillows (e.g., throw pillows) or cushions, and meditation cushion, if you have one. We will also provide these supports, including yoga mats, cushions, pillows and blankets for those who do not have these readily available, and for those who are traveling from out of town.

Payment is required in full to reserve your spot.

Refunds are available up to two weeks prior to the retreat, no refunds thereafter.

The Holy Wisdom Monastery Retreat Center & Guesthouse is located on 130 acres of beautifully restored prairie and woods, 4200 County Road M, Middleton WI 53562. More details will be sent via email a week before the retreat.