On The Blog
Sharing words of insight, wisdom, memories and more.
Welcome, Summer
Throughout history, people have marked the Summer Solstice as a sacred day, taking time to celebrate the arrival of summer. From farmers who celebrated the solstice as the midpoint of the growing season, leading to prayer for continued growth and abundant crops, to people celebrating the warmth, energy, and vibrancy of the sun at peak, representing a triumph of light over darkness, the summer solstice has plenty of roots across history and location of being an occasion worthy of marking.
For us at Wild Sanctuary Retreat, we were able to host our very first Summer Solstice Mini Retreat just a couple days before the summer solstice and it was a beautiful time of bright energy, perfect weather, joyful conversation, and meaningful moments.
Recap: Lent Mini Retreat
Nothing is what you ever expect…
As we planned for the Lent Mini Retreat while it was still cold out, noting the date and considering what it could be like, we envisioned welcoming you with a cup of warm tea into a cozy space that would feel like a womb where transformation of new experiences would occur. The weather had it’s own ideas of what the day would be like…
Retreat Recap: Wild Sanctuary Overnight Retreat
The Wild Sanctuary Retreat began long before anyone arrived at St. Mary’s in Sewanee… It began in the quiet stirring of a soul who sensed her need for a sacred pause—a time-out from the swirl of daily demands. It began with the longing to feel grounded again on the earth, to re-center her heart on Christ, to rest and be renewed.
It took form with a simple, courageous yes.
And it became real the moment she pulled away—loosening her grip on the endless to-do’s,
feeling the weight lift as she wound her way up the mountain. With every turn, she felt the peace rising to meet her. Down the quiet lane toward St. Mary’s, the world softened, and a gentle stillness began to settle in.
By the time she arrived at the sanctuary on the bluff, she had already entered into retreat—already coming home to herself.