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A branch along the New Field trail at Cedar Cross Retreat Center provides a habitat for moss and henbit, which is a source of nectar and pollen for honeybees, and the leaves, stem, and flowers are edible, according to N.C. State University’s Extension Service. Science has identified the immune boosting effects of phytoncides or essential oils releases by various plants.
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A Walk in the Woods
… or Forest Bathing?
By Mac Hulslander
By now most Journeys readers have at least heard the term, “forest bathing.” When I was younger we spoke of taking a walk (or hike) in the woods, but what is this “forest bathing” bit? Well, I’m learning.
The term was coined in 1982 by a Mr. Akiyama (whose name means autumn mountain) in Japan where forest bathing is called shinrin yoku. And, like so many Japanese kanji (characters), the kanji that make up the term convey a depth to the meaning. In this case, shin is for forest (a character of three trees); rin is depicted by two trees, side-by-side, conveying the interconnectedness of the forest; and yoku connotes the wellbeing of being surrounded by abundance.
The best definition of forest bathing I have come across is “the practice of intentionally connecting to Nature as a way to heal.” Forest bathing “connects to re-connect” one to the nature of our very being as creatures sharing the awe, beauty, and mystery of Creation. We are not apart from Nature but one with it and, as such, forest bathing is a remedy for psychoterratica, or the mental state of being disconnected from the natural world.
There are immune boosting effects from forest bathing, thanks to phytoncides or essential oils exuded by various plants. Without going further into all the current science behind forest bathing, I am simply inviting you to consider its potential benefits as you come on retreat at Cedar Cross. Please consider forest bathing as a means to further your own wellbeing – spiritually, physically, and psychologically – and as a way to disconnect from the technological world that presently seems to invade so much of our psyches and spirits.
To go deeper into forest bathing, its preparation and practice, I recommend The Healing Magic of Forest Bathing by Julia Plevin. Happy Bathing!
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A dogwood on the Upper South Hillside of Cedar Cross shows its spring splendor. As Mac states in his column, “We are not apart from Nature but one with it.”
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The spring and summer colors should be more vibrant next year at Cedar Cross. Thanks to the gift from Margaret Tilley, a friend of this mission, about 100 iris bulbs were planted this spring. In the photo, Julie Hilpert, Turner Mitchell, and Beverly Miller are planting bulbs near the Lodge.
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Gathering for A Day Apart on June 26
The next gathering for A Day Apart will be on Monday, June 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
We’ll begin with a brief time of worship, followed by the introduction of quotes from Rose Mary Dougherty’s book, Discernment: A Path to Spiritual Awakening. Then folks have an extended time of quiet reflection until we regather just before lunch for a time to share about respective experiences, if so led. After lunch, we’ll introduce more quotes before a second time of silence. At 2:30, we’ll re-gather to share experiences and close with Communion.
During the time for silence reflection, participants are welcome to do as they are led. Some folks find a quiet place — either inside or outside — to reflect on one of the quotes or something else. Some walk the trails, or the labyrinth, or the meditation trail called the Way of Jesus.
The suggested donation is $20. Please bring a bagged lunch. Drinks will be provided.
To register, please contact the coordinator, Jimmy Allen, at cedarcrossregistrar@gmail.com. Participation is limited to 16 people.
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Words from a retreatant …
From a first-time retreatant this past month: “Glorious. Thank you for a lovely space in which to be. Just be. In the midst of preparing for a cross country move, with job applications floating around in cyberland, no access to email was perfection – an invitation to savor: rest, blessedness, createdness, and creation. I am so grateful.
“Future retreatants, I prayed for you at 9:30 a.m. (today) as I made the bed. May you find what you seek, and rest in your blessedness.”
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The retreat center hosted an outdoor worship service of Covenant Community Church on May 21 that included the wedding of Cedar Cross founder, John Hilpert, and Julie Purcell. In the photo above, Julie and John exchange vows in the center of the Moss Garden. (Photo by Little Hause Photography)
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Guests welcome
for monthly Community Day
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You’re invited to join with the Mission Group of Cedar Cross to help nurture the land and facilities as well as enhance our personal and relational journeys. Our next gathering for Community Day will be Monday-Tuesday, June 26-27. The expectation is that we’ll gather on the fourth Monday-Tuesday of each month.
Community Day begins with a meal on Monday at 5 p.m. This is followed by a time of spiritual formation/community building and then night prayers.
The next day, we begin with breakfast, followed by morning prayers and then tasks that have been identified. We typically have various projects and invite participants to serve in a way that is life-giving for them. We conclude at 3 p.m.
We don’t ask for a donation to participate. We do, though, seek volunteers to provide or help provide one of the three meals.
For more information, please contact the coordinator, Jimmy Allen, at cedarcrossregistrar@gmail.com.
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The work to provide Cedar Cross for rest, reflection, and renewal requires a community of helpers. The sign along the driveway was painted by Autumn Cobeland and then given a refresh by Vickie Grove, a member of our Mission Group.
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The lemon-colored flower of an Eastern Prickly Pear cactus is found along the trail near the Upper South Hillside at Cedar Cross. The cacti, transplanted from another area of the retreat center three years ago, are found naturally throughout much of the United States — from New Mexico and Montana east to Florida and Massachusetts, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
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Mission of Cedar Cross: Rest, Reflection, and Renewal
We provide overnight and day-retreat space for small groups (up to 16 participants) and individual retreatants. Individuals, couples, and friends are invited to stay in Heron’s Nest, which is a two-bedroom cottage, or in one of the three suites of the Lodge. For more information, please contact the coordinator, Jimmy Allen, at 919-729-2586, or at cedarcrossregistrar@gmail.com. More information is available on our web site: cedarcrossretreat.info. We look forward to hosting you.
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Mission Group members who oversee the ministry of Cedar Cross
Butch Grove, Vickie Grove, Mac Hulslander, John Hilpert, Julie Hilpert, Ginger Allen, and Jimmy Allen
Specific roles at Cedar Cross
John Hilpert, founder, forest steward, and back-up host
Jimmy Allen, coordinator
Turner Mitchell, caretaker for outdoor spaces
Lori Litton, bookkeeper
(A position for caretaker of indoor spaces is open. If interested, please inquire.)
Covenant Community Church supports this retreat center through the Cedar Cross Mission Group. We are a small ecumenical church offering a participatory form of worship that invites lively involvement by all members. We worship Sunday afternoons in Raleigh at the Community United Church of Christ (corner of Wade Avenue and Dixie Trail). If you would like more information, please send an email to cedarcrossregistrar@gmail.com.
The mission group, which is a subset of the Covenant Community membership, typically meets monthly at the retreat center for a day of work, prayer, play, planning, and being with friends.
Giving
We are grateful to all who support the ministry of Cedar Cross Retreat Center. If you believe in providing a place for people to experience rest, reflection, and renewal, please consider giving a donation.
You can give securely online at www.cedarcrossretreat.info/donate/ or click on the donate button below. Or send a check to Cedar Cross Retreat Center, 150 Cedar Cross Way, Louisburg, NC 27549.
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Jimmy Allen
Ginger Allen