When You Can't Go on Retreat, Create Your Own: Part 2, Local Resources
Part 2: Local Resources
Hallelujah Farm Retreat Center is set in the southwest corner of New Hampshire. Our local towns hold rich resources with a wide array of opportunities. Just like the rest of the world, the community and those resources are having to adapt. Classes, community organizations, and individuals are rising to the occasion and are continuing to meet the needs and wants of those in the area. We are incredibly proud to be surrounded by such wonderful people who are sharing their powerful and important work.
Virtual prayers, Zoom yoga classes, digital meditation…
Here are five local (to us at Hallelujah Farm Retreat Center) resources that can be accessed online. They showcase a small taste of what our larger community has to offer.
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Brattleboro, VT
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church (Brattleboro, VT) holds weekday morning prayers and daily evening prayers. Due to COVID-19, they are holding those prayers, Sunday services, and other events via Zoom. These are, in person, meaningful times of reflection, prayer, and gathering. During this time of physical distancing, the virtual option is no different. Not only can you participate in the livestreaming events, you can visit past sermons here. St. Michael’s works closely with Hallelujah Farm Retreat in offering parishioners contemplative retreats. The ability to join the St. Michael’s Episcopal Church community from home is a wonderful way to pursue your time of contemplation and to work with the wisdom being offered. If you are local and healthy, they also have volunteer service opportunities. Visit their website and click through the links on the homepage to learn more about their events and how they’re currently being held.
Inner Heat Yoga in Brattleboro, VT
Inner Heat Yoga studio in Brattleboro, VT has yoga and pilates classes. They also feature wellness support such as reiki, sound healing, and massage. At this point, they have “re-opened” with some of their classes for virtual participation. These paid classes include a variety of yoga and pilates options. The instructors at Inner Heat Yoga are experienced, knowledgeable, and come from diverse backgrounds. Until the studio reopens, the digital version is a wonderful alternative that will help you continue with your movement practices from the comfort and safety of your home.
Vermont Insight Meditation Center in Brattleboro, VT
Vermont Insight Meditation Center is a Buddhist spiritual center in Brattleboro, VT. Their mission is to provide teaching and space for practice of insight meditation. At the center, they hold meditation groups, courses, and retreats. There is currently a weekly schedule for virtual meditation groups that includes a beginners group and weekday sittings with their teachers. Their website features information for those new to meditation as well. By subscribing to their digital newsletter, you can access more information about the meditation center and about how to participate in the Zoom meditation sessions that are being offered.
Monadnock Mindfulness Practice Center in Keene, NH
Monadnock Mindfulness Practice Center in Keene, NH is dedicated to sharing the benefits of mindfulness. They offer weekly classes as well as longer courses and retreats. With the physical space currently closed, they are holding weekly meditation and mindful yoga classes online. The instructors and facilitators at the center are highly experienced and diversely trained, giving them unique ability and insight into their practices and the information they share with the participants of their sessions.
Tom Bassarear of Keene, NH
Tom Bassarear is one of the founders of the Monadnock Mindfulness Practice Center. He has a long and varied history of learning about and teaching mindfulness practices. He provides a great deal of information about mindfulness and his experience on his website. One of the resources he offers is pre-recorded guided meditations. Not only are these accessible whenever is convenient for you, they also will give you a taste of what you might experience if you choose to participate in a session at the center.
