Earth Sanctuary Retreat House - Take a Tour
Adjacent to the 72 acres of Earth Sanctuary's woodlands is the Earth Sanctuary Retreat House, a single-family house available for individual and small group retreats. A self-serve facility, those renting it have exclusive use of the entire house. From the house you can easily walk Earth Sanctuary's paths and forests.
For Questions & To Make Reservations
Call Earth Sanctuary's Caretaker, Celia Sullivan, at 360-321-5465.
Comments from Retreat House Guests
- Silence and solitude are respected.
- Paths are very conducive for walking meditation.
- Appreciated the dedicated meditation space that honors spiritual work!
- The retreat was wonderful and very satisfying.
- The grounds of Earth Sanctuary are amazing and full of delight.
- Beauty and sacred space exceeded expectations.
- So much gratitude to you for your vision and commitment of resources to create this place and to welcome visitors.
- Celia's orientation was outstanding! Her warm and generous spirit really helped to set the tone for a wonderful retreat here.
- Energy here is sacred. It affects ability to meditate and pray, to engage in practices difficult to focus on in the fray of life.
- Very comfortable bed.
- The grounds are amazing. Nice touch having the eagle fly in at dusk.
- The vision that permeates every aspect of the experience is an inspiration.
- I really appreciate all of the efforts to sanctify this area, inside and out.
- Very affordable!
What is provided at the Earth Sanctuary House?
- Two retreat bedrooms, each with twin beds. The beds come with clean linen, down comforter and pillow.
- A combination meditation/living room with sofa and easy chair, wood stove, bookcase. There are nine zafus with zabutons. There are also 10 chairs.
- Fully-equipped kitchen with eating utensils and dining area.
- Washer and dryer.
- Bathroom with clean towels and washcloths.
- Large closet and storage area that may also be used as an additional "primitive" sleeping area.
- There is no phone. Pay phones are available in Freeland. Some cell phones work well, i.e., Verizon, T-Mobile and others.
- House heating is by electric heat supplemented by wood stove.
What should be brought to the Earth Sanctuary House?
- All materials for your spiritual practice.
- Proper clothing, bathrobe, slippers, toiletries, clock.
- Hiking shoes and appropriate outdoor clothing for the season, if you choose to walk the property.
- Bring enough food for your stay (all food and drink must be kept in the kitchen area). Two supermarkets are located nearby.
- Note: you are responsible for preparing your own meals.
- All visitors to the Earth Sanctuary House are responsible for picking up and cleaning the house after they are done.
Rules for Earth Sanctuary Property
For the safety of visitors and the protection of all living beings, the following rules must be followed while on Earth Sanctuary property, including the Earth Sanctuary Retreat House.
- Abstain from killing any being or animal.
- No canoeing or swimming is allowed in any of the ponds. No one is allowed on the bog island for any reason.
- Hiking is permitted only on cleared trails.
- Be sensitive to birds and wildlife. Do not disturb any animals or birds, especially in nesting and breeding season.
- Remain outside of marked ecologically sensitive areas.
- Abstain from stealing, sexual activity, and from telling lies.
- No illegal drugs, intoxicants, or firearms are permitted. Alcohol is permitted only in the context of certain spiritual ceremonies.
- Smoking and chewing tobacco is not permitted anywhere on Earth Sanctuary property except in the context of Native American ceremonies.
- No moving of objects in the building or on the grounds.
- Park in designated areas only.
- Please treat the grounds, building and residents with care and respect. Return your area to the condition in which you found it or better.
Rules for Retreat Practice at the Earth Sanctuary
- Candles and incense are allowed in the main meditation room only; candles and incense should not be left unattended. Only votive-type candles should be used, tapered candles are not allowed.
- This is a spiritual house, not a romantic get-away. Please be considerate of the spiritual nature of this special house.
- In order to minimize distraction by others, dress appropriately: simple, modest, and comfortable. Tight, transparent, revealing, or otherwise striking clothing (such as short shorts, tights and leggings, sleeveless or skimpy tops) should not be worn. Sunbathing and nudity are not permitted. An attitude of modesty prevails at all times.
- Note: violating any of the rules is reason for retreat termination.
Disclaimers
- People with serious mental disorders should not come with the expectation that retreat will cure or alleviate their metal problems.
- People with unstable interpersonal relationships and a history of various treatments should not come. It is impossible for us to care for such people with these backgrounds.
- Retreat is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric treatment and is not recommended for people with serious psychiatric disorders.
- The Earth Sanctuary I LLC is not liable for any personal injuries, for any reason, that may be sustained during stay at Earth Sanctuary.
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| Nestled in the woods next to Earth Sanctuary, the Earth Sanctuary Retreat House is the perfect place for a spiritual retreat. |
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| Celia Sullivan, Earth Sanctuary Caretaker, handles reservations for the retreat house. |
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| The Earth Sanctuary Retreat House has a Tibetan Buddhist and a non-denominational altar. |
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| The Earth Sanctuary Retreat House is a place for spiritual renewal and growth. |
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| Earth Sanctuary's backyard |
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| Come enjoy the peace of Earth Sanctuary |
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