Enjoy The Silence

I’ve been thinking a lot about running off to a monastery lately, hanging with the monks instead of dealing with my big birthday coming up. Visions of chanting and praying amongst robed men in an undisclosed location atop a mountain in Tibet may seem like a good way to begin my new decade in hiding, but I decided to have a chic party at home instead. However, a weekend stay at Holy Cross Monastery- an idyllic Episcopal abbey on 26-acres overlooking the Hudson River in West Park, NY- is doable for a quick weekend spent in total silence. Monasteries offer a retreat for city dwellers not opposed to sharing a bathroom or changing their own sheets, and at $70 a night who really cares if you’re a believer or not.

Built in 1904 and listed on the national Register of Historic Places, it’s decorated with mission style furniture, Tiffany style lamps, a cross or two, and a portrait of Jesus. Guests can relax on rocking chairs on the cloister overlooking the river, read in the grand Pilgrim Hall, or meditate in one of a half-dozen parlors. The monks are happy to share their way of life, but guests aren’t expected to join the prayer services five times a day. Phew. However, the monks there do offer programs ranging from yoga and ballroom dancing to calligraphy and photography as a spiritual practice. Some spend their days hiking the Catskills – my type of spiritual practice – or just sleeping, and there are several retreat programs to choose from, such as a weekend writing workshop and prayerful stitching…really. This Hudson Valley getaway may help you see the light, if even for 48 hours. Before you leave, all you need to do is leave a blessing for the next occupant. Say a little prayer for me. And my new decade. www.holycrossmonastery.com