The Monks were very welcoming and gracious to me while there. It was a very good experience for me, and I came away with a few good insights for me and the ministry that I feel called to. I would encourage you to think about taking part in something like that, somewhere, some day, when moved by the Holy Spirit to do so. You could also do a mini retreat, by just going off to a park, a waterfront, empty church, basically any place where you can feel calm and quiet in your inner core, where you are able to pray, read, and reflect. Peace, Vernon T. Jones