September
2001
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The Dwelling
in the Woods Offers Hermitage Experience
KIRSTEN VOGT
IN MEMORIUM
Chris Loegering, CSJ, dedicated co-founder of the Dwelling, passed away in her
sleep Aug. 24 while traveling with co-founder, Jeanne Stodola, CSJ, in Englandóa
Jubilee Celebration Gift from the Sisters of St. Joseph for 50 years of dedicated
service. Her gracious presence, vision, and open heart, offering spiritual direction
to the guests of the Dwelling and others, will be sorely missed. Memorial donations
can be made in her honor to The Dwelling in the Woods, 14044 220th St., McGrath,
MN 56350.
THE YELLOWISH HALF-MOON has risen above the tree tops. Crickets chirp from outside
and the water fountain is gurgling. A slight breeze filters through the room delivering
the fresh aroma of wildflowers. "Hermits" are tucked into their hermitage
cabins while we Dwellers have retired to our homes at the edge of the Solana State
Forest, 100 miles north of the Twin Cities near McGrath, where the Dwelling in the
Woods gently rests under the deep blue sky.
Hermitage Experience
ìWhat is a hermitage experience?î we Dwelling staff are often asked.
Of course, each ìhermitî or guest has their own definition of their
retreat time at the Dwelling. Being in nature alone provides the opportunity to stop,
look, and listen to the inner musings of the Soul and the surrounding natural environment.
Individuals see, feel, hear, and touch with greater depth and understanding. Creative
energies flow. Reading, writing, and artistic expression are alive. Minds chatter
and human beings learn to watch and quiet their thoughts. Hearts begin to open to
the Oneness that Is. Tears and laughter, quiet and noise, joys and sorrows, discord
and harmony, non-duality and beingness fill precious retreat time here. And then
thereís sleep! Sleeping and inhabiting the positive, healing energy field
of the Dwelling brings transformation. Every cell in the body and the being is able
to rest, relax, and rejuvenate.
Facilities
Hermitages are private, pleasant, modern cabins housed with a small kitchen, half
or full bath, and a wood burning stove. Single and multiple occupancy is available.
The "Octagon" houses the diverse spiritual library of books, tapes, CDs,
and video cassettes as well as the meditation room at the vortex of five positive
earth ley lines. A gift shop and three loft bedrooms are upstairs in the calming
environment of the Octagon.
The Dwelling Place contains a large kitchen with its own adjoining homestyle dining
room with skylights, sliding glass doors onto the outdoor ìHermit Patio,î
and a fireplace for those cold Minnesota days. A massage room, exercise room, laundry
room, and the main office are located here.
A Finnish sauna of cedar wood is available year-round for healing and cleansing.
Five miles of trails in the woods provide hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing
inviting an opening for a dialogue with oneís spirit. Gardens of herbs, vegetables,
flowers, and memorial rose bushes bless the Dwelling and its guests with their fragrance,
color, and presence. A small, quiet campground with a fire pit, outhouse, and picnic
tables sits at the edge of the meadow along a birch stand, allowing a closer engagement
with Mother Nature.
Offerings
The Dwelling and its gracious, hospitable staff provide a sacred and peaceful environment
for personal and group retreats year-round including several offerings for the rejuvenation
of mind, body, and spirit.
Wholesome and nutritious homemade food is fresh from organic herb and vegetable
gardens. Connie Delgado, master chef, lovingly, artistically, and delicately prepares
food to feed your body and soul. Meals can be eaten in the solitude of the cabin
or in the dining room.
Bodywork consists of craniosacral work, Healing Touch, chakra balancing, and the
grace-filled, warm hands of the other committed Dwelling co-founder, Jeanne Stodola,
CSJ.
Hatha yoga is the ìunion with the Divineî through breathing techniques,
physical postures, meditation, and relaxation. Meditation and chanting from various
perspectives are practiced and shared with hermits formally and informally in the
realm of the Dwelling.
Come bathe in the magical beauty, bounty, and boldness of the Dwelling in the Woods
hermitage experience. Awaiting you is the Dwelling and its warm-hearted staff members
who will provide offerings that soothe the mind, body, and spirit. We look forward
to welcoming you as guest and hermit!
Kirsten Vogt is the resident Dwelling hatha yoga instructor, gardener, assistant chef, receptionist, and writer. She brings yogic training, retreat, and hospitality experience from the Sarasvati Rejuvenation Farm (Kenthurst, Australia), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health (Lenox, Massachusetts), and Carondelet Center (St. Paul, Minnesota). Her yogic training includes teachings by the late Beverly White, Alan Pritz, Judy Zirwes, Indian Swami Sarasvati, and Indukanta and Yoganand of Kripaluís Spiritual Lifestyle Program. Kirsten can be contacted at the Dwelling during business hours at 320-592-3708. Advance reservations required.
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2001 Twin Cities WELLNESS newspaper.
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