If I'm Not My Job Who Am I?

I just lost my job, which I loved, and I'm having trouble sleeping, dealing with loved ones, etc. I have enough savings so I can take some time off to consider how I want to move forward with my life.

I've heard of convents and monasteries that rent rooms for people needing a spiritual retreat. Has anyone visited one of these places? How was the experience? Where did you stay?

Kate

Must it be a formal religious environment or would a quiet natural setting removed from urban life suffice?

xx

What state are you in? (geographically speaking)

x

It'll cost you a couple thousand, but go to Galley Bay resort in Antigua, a totally self-contained, peaceful, all-inclusive resort. You can get a lovely bungalow with the beach and the beautiful blue Caribbean right outside your door, perfect for a little relaxation, reflection and self-analysis.

If you need a little extra kick for deeper reflection, your drinks are included also, and tipping is not allowed.

Dan

Sorry you lost your job. I absolutely hate mine and wish I would lose it. There is a fairly nice monastery in the LA area. Go to the link below, and look for a review of the monastery at the bottom of the page. There is also a link to the main page. Actually, I should go too. Good luck. Before you know it, this will seem like an insignificant blip in your life.

Dan

Sorry, forgot the link. See, my job is draining the life right out of me.

http://susanleesmith.com/adventure.htm

kam

If you can get past the non-dress code, you might look into the Esalen Institute in Big Sur. Otherwise, Big Sur itself is a beautiful place for reflecting on your life and you could stay at Ventana. Another place in California is Ojai.

If I'm Not My Job Who Am I?

Thanks, all, for your quick responses.

Kate, a formal religious environment or a secular one would both be fine.

XX, I'm in the Southeast, but can travel anywhere.

Dan, the monastary seems to be what I'm looking for. Hope you find a job that better suits spirit.

Thanks.

Lila

if you are looking for something religious, but with a community and world view bent,try the Weston Priory in Vermont.

http://www.westonpriory.org/pubs/retreat/one.html


good luck...hopefully you'll recover and get another job. What recession, right?

Susan

So sorry about your difficult job loss. There's a place here in northern California called the Green Gulch Farm that offers retreats. It is a Buddhist practice center located in an absolutely beautiful part of Marin county, just north of SF, and the costs for rooms (including meals) and classes are very reasonable. Here's a link:

http://www.sfzc.org/ggfindex.htm

Good luck to you!

RB

Sorry for your loss. Since you're in the Southeast, how about the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, GA near Atlanta? It's operated by Trappist monks. Take a look at this site: http://www.trappist.net/retreat_house/retreat.htm.
I've not been to it, but have heard reports that it's a soothing place. Stay strong in your self, and good luck in your journey.

Ginny

Here's the url in Ohio for a convent that offers retreats:

http://www.nwonline.net/thepines/

Get

Have you tried the unemployment office?

BadAnswer

Unemployment offices aren't good places for a spiritual retreat, 'Get'.
They're noisy, congested and they kick you out at 5 PM.

Elizabeth

That is sad news about your job. I think a spiritual retreat is such a perfect idea for htis time in your life.

1. Over the years many people I know have reported wonderful experiences at Christ in the Desert, in New Mexico (Abiquiu I think). (spelled wrong possibly--the town where Georgia O'Keefe lived)

2. I like the Ananda ashram in Monroe, New York.
I have been there. It isvery serene, nothing is asked of you.

3. Different--Jackie's on the Reef, in Jamaica, near Negril. It is small and lovely, on the water (but not on the beach--it's on a coral reef). 4 rooms. Peaceful, lovely food, yoga classes, massage, quiet. Not expensive. I've been there twice.
It was started by a New York woman, a successful boutique owner, who developed a strong determination to start a spiritually-oriented retreat in the Caribbean.

4. I don't know if they have retreats, but what about Gethsemane, Thomas Merton's monastery in Georgia?

You can email me at [email protected] if you want information about Jackie's or Ananda. I think both have websites.

Elizabeth

I thought of another one: Mount Madonna Retreat Center in -- can't remember -- California. I have been there. It is a yoga community. Incredibly beautiful, well cared for, alive, inspiring. I was there for a conference but people can also just go there.

mimi taylor

There are rooms in Paris at monastereries, other than that I just want to tell you that things will get better and don't get depressed because it can affect your health..My prayers are with you and others who have lost their jobs, these are tough times for alot of us. You are not alone.

Dottie

Re: If I'm Not My Job who AmI? Because you asked about Convents and Monasteries, I feel you have a relationship with God so I'm hoping I will not offend you when I answer your question. You are not your job. Your worth is not based on performance, it is not conditional, your significance is not based on the approval of other people but your significance is based on the fact that you are a child of God. Wherever you go to experiance grief and anger, you will come away with a renewed sense of purpose and it will be good.

Jayne

You want advise!!!

Sit down in a quiet room and either buy or get out of the library... (tape version is best):

1. Advanced Energy Anatomy
2. Sacred Contract

by Caroline Myss

Oh yes a cup of Mango Tea (stash is the best) goes down nicely...

Seriously, it was make you bolt straight upright and have a different view on your life..

For example, caroline's word's "have you ever thought that your career is NOT your job"

Take Care and Good Luck

Gabby

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I am hopeful that you will come to celebrate that you; personally Cannot Be A Job!!

What a waste of life and breath that would be!? Hang in there, travel is the perfect vehicle.