• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

    Holy Wisdom Monastery 4200 County Road M, Middleton, WI, United States

    Mindfulness can be a powerful tool to identify your physical, mental and emotional habits and needs. Becoming more familiar with your own mind and its patterns can help you relate more directly to whatever is happening in your life – including difficulty and pain – and discover greater balance and ease. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) was created in 1979 and has been widely taught and scientifically studied around the world; research has shown positive improvements in physical and psychological symptoms. Good news: you don’t need to “clear your mind.” You don’t need special equipment. This class will focus on practice; ...

    $410
  • Be Still Art Exhibit Reception

    Holy Wisdom Monastery 4200 County Road M, Middleton, WI, United States

    Join us for the opening reception of artist David Mngodo's exhibit, Be Still, at Holy Wisdom Monastery on Friday, October 2, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Mngodo is a self-taught artist whose abstract paintings in acrylics invite the observer to see things we encounter every day in a brand-new way. When painting animals and birds, his use of color and negative space tell a story and evoke deep feelings for the subject. Light refreshments will be served at the reception and David will talk about his art at 6:30 pm. Schedule 6:00 pm – Reception opens. Light refreshments are available and the artist ...

    Free
  • Shinrin-Yoku: Walks for the Weary

    Holy Wisdom Monastery 4200 County Road M, Middleton, WI, United States

    Join us for a relaxing walk on the prairie at Holy Wisdom Monastery. It will be a slow-paced quiet walk guided by Valerie Vervoort, a certified Shinrin-yoku guide. The intent of this 90-minute walk is renewal through using our senses of sight, hearing, touch and taste. Invitations planned by your guide are easy and subject to each person's comfort level. Sharing and tea will be part of the experience. Participants will need to dress appropriately for weather conditions and be able to walk a mile and a half on trails that are sometimes uneven and include gentle slopes. Walking sticks ...

    $37 – $56
  • Centering Prayer Groups – 1st Wednesday

    Centering Prayer Groups
    Holy Wisdom Monastery 4200 County Road M, Middleton, WI, United States

    Centering Prayer Groups All are welcome to join our two centering prayer groups which meet on alternating Wednesdays. Both incorporate a short reading and time for silent prayer or meditation. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 7:00-8:00 pm Retreat & Guest House Room 10 Includes a short walking meditation in between periods of seated meditation For more information contact Barb Abbott, 608-284-7424 2nd and 4th Wednesdays  2:30-3:30 pm Monastery Oratory – Two, 20-minute periods of seated meditation with a 5-minute break For more information contact Carole Kretschman, 608-577-3243 We feel the presence of the Holy One even more strongly than when we center ...

    Free
  • Fall Fallowing: A Seasonal Retreat

    Holy Wisdom Monastery 4200 County Road M, Middleton, WI, United States

    A changing landscape palette...the final harvests from the garden...the departure of migratory creatures...these seasonal milestones are reminders to notice and integrate past growth, honoring it for its role in nurturing future growth. This fall retreat invites you to pause and mark transitions – on the prairie and in your own life and heart. It will hold space for attention to both. Conversations about the season, walks on the prairie, naps, art, movement, journaling, great meals and welcoming accommodations will all be a part of what you can expect when you arrive. A renewed connection to nature and to yourself, along with ...

    $260 – $295
  • Holy Wisdom Monastery Annual Meeting

    Holy Wisdom Monastery 4200 County Road M, Middleton, WI, United States

    Join us on Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 10:30 am for the Holy Wisdom Monastery community-wide Annual Meeting. We invite you to attend virtually via Zoom, or in-person in the monastery dining room. Coffee and pastries will be available for in-person participants. Whether you are a member of one of our communities or a curious supporter, we welcome all to join us. You will hear from sisters and coworkers about Holy Wisdom's mission, financial position, future priorities and other projects around the monastery. Schedule 9:00 am - Sunday Assembly (all are welcome) 10:30 am - Annual Meeting begins Cost & Registration ...

    Free
  • Wisdom Prairie Fall Tour

    Holy Wisdom Monastery 4200 County Road M, Middleton, WI, United States

    Join us Oct. 22 for the annual Wisdom Prairie Fall Tour – one of four free, guided seasonal prairie tours at Holy Wisdom Monastery, one of the most peaceful places near Madison, WI. Whether you’re an experienced nature enthusiast looking to discover a new trail with a beautiful view of Lake Mendota and the Wisconsin State Capitol, seeking to deepen your relationship with this land or wanting to add more grounding, outdoor activities to your mental wellness routine, there will be something for you on this unique tour! Environmental education on each guided nature walk will be tailored to the ...

    Free
  • Ink & Insight Mindful Writing Circle

    Holy Wisdom Monastery 4200 County Road M, Middleton, WI, United States

    Join us for a quarterly gathering that blends creative writing and mindfulness in a supportive, inclusive space. Whether you identify as a writer or simply enjoy exploring your inner voice, this group offers you a gentle rhythm of reflective writing (with optional prompts), sharing in community, and contemplative practices like guided meditation and mindful walking outdoors, weather permitting. Come as you are. No experience needed — just a willingness to pause, listen, and write. You'll leave with new words, insights, and connections. Schedule 10:15 am – Welcome, housekeeping, and settling in 10:30 am – Guided meditation 10:45 am – Writing ...

    $50