Supported Solitude: Clearing the Path for Transformation

Last week, we shared some of the transformative experiences that our full-time contemplatives have had in retreat at Miyo Samten Ling Hermitage.

Experiences like these come from deep, consistent practice over the span of months and years. And as one learns quickly in retreat, it’s impossible to maintain such continuity in practice without the support of others. 

That’s where Sitatara and Aaron come in, as our resident caretakers.

At the CCR, we have learned a great deal during our first few years of hosting long-term retreatants engaged in contemplative science. Sitatara and Aaron have worked with heartfelt commitment to provide a scaffold for retreatant flourishing, and to continuously improve our processes as we learn together. 

 

Help with the unexpected

Imagine you’re in retreat. As you start to make breakfast after morning practice, you realize the electric burner doesn’t work. 

If you were on your own, it could take days to fix the issue. You’d probably have to make multiple phone calls, schedule a repair visit, come up with a new meal plan in the meantime, and maybe even foot the bill for a whole new stove. 

Not ideal for mind training practices that rely on minimizing distraction and external engagement.

But when one of our retreatants faced this exact issue, they didn’t have to worry. 

They reached out to Aaron through established mechanisms that honor silence, and within hours, he was able to check the range, determine the problem, and make a repair plan. What could have been a huge disturbance for this retreatant’s continuity in practice was a minor bump in the road. 

 

Safe solitude amid nature

The broken stove is just one example of Aaron clearing the path for our retreatants, allowing them to practice without distraction. Some other obstacles that Aaron has taken care of include:

• Failed water heaters
• Plumbing issues, including broken faucets and leaking pipes
• Nonviolent pest control (catching mice and wasp nests and releasing them in the countryside)
• Fixing leaks

On top of these emergency responses, Aaron handles the cumbersome but necessary maintenance required for homes in remote Colorado, including:

• Fire preparedness (clearing brush, chimney cleaning, checking fire extinguishers)
• Bringing buildings up to code to meet insurance requirements 
• Septic management
• Firewood sourcing
• Snowplowing and shoveling
• Finding the right local experts to help with fixes

Because Aaron manages all of this work, our retreatants live free from the anxieties and responsibilities of managing a retreat dwelling, while reaping all of the benefits. 

If you feel so moved, please consider donating to our general fund to support the solitude and serenity of our retreatants. We are so grateful for your support in our shared mission!