• Medicinal Plant Practicum

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

    This hands-on workshop explores the ecology of native medicinal plants, when and how to harvest them and the best ways to process and utilize them. We will focus on native plants frequently used in herbal medicine, such as elderberry, nettle and echinacea. Emma Kloes will teach how to identify plants and forage, while showcasing foundational processing techniques so you can begin making your own syrups, tinctures, infused oils and salves at home. Participants can go home with a small jar of elderberry syrup if they choose. Note: Emma will be focusing on wild plants and techniques that are commonly utilized ...

    $37 – $56
  • Social Justice Committee

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

    Palestinian Connection Project Yearning to make a practical difference – one that is desperately needed – in our fraught and fearful world? Wanting to join hearts with others to have an impact on our world, so beset by suffering, violence and inequity? JOIN US! for an introduction to the new Palestinian Connection Project! Members of the Holy Wisdom Monastery Social Justice Committee invite you to join us in the Monastery Boardroom after worship on Sunday, August 23, 2026, to hear about the new Palestinian Connection Project, a heart-to-heart relationship between our Sunday Assembly community and the approximately 2,000 Palestinian people ...

  • Walking & Listening as Ecological Arts

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

    Join us Aug. 28, from 9:00-11:30 am, on the land to experience walking, observing and listening as forms of ecological art alongside Artist in Residence, Anne Beffel, and Director of Land Management & Environmental Education, Dr. Amy Alstad. We'll gather at the monastery building parking lot kiosk and walk contemplatively, ending at Lost Lake. We'll pause often to hear and see the life surrounding us. We'll explore our direct sensory experiences in parallel with stories and observations of how the land has healed itself in response to the work of attentive land stewards. Leave with questions and techniques for discerning links among contemplative practices, sensing our ways into ...

    Free
  • Listening to Land, Listening to Self: An Eco-Contemplative Writing Retreat

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

    What does the land tell us when we truly listen? How does a pesticide-sprayed lawn or a restored oak savanna affect our bodies and minds? In this two-day contemplative writing retreat, we’ll explore the role of writers in this time of climate crisis and discover how to grieve what is lost while finding strength and joy in what is possible. We'll use creative writing, mindfulness practices and the land at Holy Wisdom Monastery to connect with the wisdom that arises when we listen deeply to ourselves or a place. We’ll use periods of mindful awareness, writing, sharing, reading and discussion ...

    $185 – $295
  • I Choose Peace: Sound Healing & Guided Meditation

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

    You are welcome to explore a transformative journey through stillness with I Choose Peace: Sound Healing & Guided Meditation. This uniquely enchanting heart-centered experience invites you to explore the depths of world peace and love through the calming resonance of sound bowl healing, serene, guided meditations and space for reflective journaling. It’s more than just meditation; it’s a pathway to self-love and a deeper connection with your inner infinite peace and Mother Earth. Whether you’re a seasoned meditator or completely new to the practice, this offering provides a safe and accessible pathway to exploring mindfulness and meditation while experiencing sound ...

    $37 – $56
  • iRest Yoga Nidra: Guided Meditation Through the Layers of Awareness

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

    Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation that allows one to embrace the fullness of life by moving through the various embodied layers of awareness. It creates a sense of deep peace, relaxation and nourishes resilience to deal with the stressors of everyday life. The practice has been found to regulate one's nervous system to facilitate improved sleep and enhance overall wellbeing. Schedule Introduction & Intentions Guided Yoga Nidra Meditation Sharing of Experiences & Silence This experience is open for people age 16 years and older. Leader Iris Mickey is a Certified iRest Yoga Nidra Teacher and a Certified Yoga Therapist. ...

    $37 – $56
  • 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
  • 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