• Winter Rest: A Seasonal Retreat

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

    “It all was wonderful! Amy (Alstad) and Pam (Shellberg) put together a wonderful program that balanced contemplative time and more active time. I loved the various quotes that spurred thought and contemplation. I appreciated the camaraderie with my fellow retreatants and had some wonderful conversations. It was nice to balance alone time with time with others and always the choice to do what was right for me at the time.” –2025 Winter Rest participant   As the earth rests under blankets of cold and snow, we also need to rest. This retreat invites the season of winter to teach us ...

    $250 – $295
  • REAP Chili Cook-off: A Showdown of Local Flavors

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

    Join us for our first ever chili cook-off featuring acclaimed chefs Evan Dannells, Dan Marek and Felipe Saint-Martin. Each chef will prepare a unique chili dish featuring local ingredients sourced from their favorite local farmers. Guests will then vote to crown the chili champion. All proceeds from the event benefit REAP's mission to build a resilient local food system. Schedule 5:00 pm – Welcome & meal and voting begin 6:15 pm – Farmers highlighted 6:30 pm – Voting ends 7:00 pm – Event ends & winning chef crowned Chefs Evan Dannells Hailing from Kansas, Chef Evan Dannells moved to Madison ...

    $25
  • Centering Prayer Groups

    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, 608-233-7390 We feel the presence of the Holy One even more strongly than when we center ...

    Free
  • Ink and 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. Dates/Times – Sundays from 10:15 am-12:00 pm Jan. 25 Mar. 1 Jun. 7 Nov. 1 Schedule 10:15 am ...

    $50
  • Centering Prayer Groups

    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, 608-233-7390 We feel the presence of the Holy One even more strongly than when we center ...

    Free
  • Fostering a Natural History Community

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

    The practice of natural history is the bedrock of science. This talk will illustrate how we as naturalists employ stories, specimens, exploration of the natural world and the practices of paying close attention to build our understanding of the world from the bottom up. Presenter Andrew Hipp will make a case for the importance of natural history as a set of skills and habits that help expose what we don’t yet know and build our affection for the world. Natural history puts the onus on each of us to learn something new before we lose any more pieces, and it gives ...

    $37
  • Monastic Monologues: Sharing Joy

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

    Monastic Monologues: Sharing Joy Step Into the Magic! Are you ready for an afternoon bursting with wonder, adventure, and unforgettable stories and songs? Join our community for an inspiring gathering of storytellers, musicians, and singers—an event where the power of words and music truly comes alive. From heart-pounding journeys to faraway places, to laugh-out-loud moments, soulful tales and music that touch your heart, our performers will take you on an unforgettable ride. This isn’t just a performance, it’s an experience. One that brings people together, celebrates creativity, and weaves a kind of magic that sparks your imagination and strengthens our ...

    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
  • Nine Phases of Qi Cultivation: A Progressive Qigong Series for Home Use

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

    Join Sandy Salvo, Senior Trainer for the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi, in a three-part series to learn nine simple yet powerful Qigong movements for cultivating your life force energy. By understanding the philosophy behind the Nine Phases Practice you will be able to more fully integrate your body, heart/mind and spirit to promote health and well-being. Leave feeling vibrant and centered, ready for the joys and challenges of your day. No experience or equipment necessary. All are welcome! Event Schedule Session 1, Feb. 5: Philosophy behind the 9 Phases plus learn and practice Phases 1-5 Session 2, ...

    $40