• 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
  • 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 10:15 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) 10:15 am - Annual Meeting begins 11:45 am - ...

    Free
  • Conversations About Our Benedictine Life: Silence

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

    The mission of Holy Wisdom Monastery is to weave us together in a shared way of life. These conversations are an opportunity to learn more about Benedictine spirituality, about the Rule of Benedict, and to talk with others about the gifts and challenges of living a Benedictine life. During the time together, we will contemplate short readings about silence, have an experience of it, and learn the practices that help to deepen the experience of it. We grow together in our shared life way of life through small and large group conversations. Participants can expect a flow of silence, reflections ...

    Free
  • Centering Prayer Groups – 3rd 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
  • 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
  • Conversations About Our Benedictine Life: Silence

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

    The mission of Holy Wisdom Monastery is to weave us together in a shared way of life. These conversations are an opportunity to learn more about Benedictine spirituality, about the Rule of Benedict, and to talk with others about the gifts and challenges of living a Benedictine life. During the time together, we will contemplate short readings about silence, have an experience of it, and learn the practices that help to deepen the experience of it. We grow together in our shared life way of life through small and large group conversations. Participants can expect a flow of silence, reflections ...

    Free
  • Sacred Thresholds

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

    Sacred Thresholds is a contemplative prayer gathering. We are living through a unique chapter in American history when our most cherished values seem threatened, indeed, our whole way of life. Each of us, in our own way, is asking, What can I do?, and the answers, so far, seem woefully inadequate to the challenge. It is in that same spirit of humility that we are offering Sacred Thresholds as our answer to that question. Woefully inadequate, yes, small, but genuine, offered in a communal spirit, coming together to make a circle, to pray, in old ways and in new ways, ...

    Free
  • The Spirit of Place: An Education of the Heart & Friends of Wisdom Prairie Annual Meeting

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

    Please join us for an evening celebrating the impact and contributions of the Friends of Wisdom Prairie (FWP). We will gather for dinner, look back at some of our favorite moments caring for the prairie in 2026, and learn from John Bates, whose keynote presentation is titled “The Spirit of Place: An Education of the Heart.” John teaches that our goal in life should be to fall in love with the entire world and to treat it as holy. We hope you can join us for a night of learning and celebration. Schedule 5:00 pm – Drinks and mingling 6:00 ...

    $42