Visit the Abbey of the Arts online retreat platform to access your programs:

Returning Home

I am home once again from my month of travels, glad to be back among familiar things, my own bed, and most of all with my sweet Tune. 

It was an amazing trip through Austria, Latvia, Germany, and Belgium. I have much to unpack, both literally and metaphorically. My heart is very full, there is so much stirring within me. Plus over 5000 photos to sort through!

The jet lag has hit me hard and so this weekend I will be resting and recuperating, trying to reconnect with this space and time back home. But I am eager to return here on Monday to begin processing my journey with you. I did miss this space of conversation and reflection.

-Christine Valters Paintner @ Abbey of the Arts

(photo from the Central Cemetery Church in Vienna, Austria)

You might also enjoy

Imbolc and Brigid Blessing ~ A Love Note from Your Online Abbess

Imbolc and Brigid Blessing*Spirit of the rumbling ground,help us attune our ears to the renewal taking formbeneath the winter earth,snowdrops and crocusesin white and purple-petaled wonder,hedgehogs and bearsbeginning to stir from sleep.Let Brigid be our guideas we navigate the way from rest to slow emergence,support

Read More »

Mary as Mother of Mercy

I was inspired to share this reflection on Mary as Mother of Mercy by the brave words of Bishop Mariann Budde speaking truth to power: Holy Mary, mother of us all,we see a world filled with violence toward one another,we ask for mercy.We see children

Read More »

Monk in the World Guest Post: Christine Lee Smith

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Christine Lee Smith’s reflection “Contemplative Presence in Creative Practice.” One afternoon while serving as a TA in an introductory photography course during

Read More »

21 Responses

  1. I LOVE the photo!! It reminds me of the ceiling of the church of the Beatitudes in Israel where the beauty of the ceiling called me to the heavens.
    Cheryl

  2. Christine,

    What a lovely surprise! I didn’t expect you for one more day.

    The picture is stunning and I can’t wait to see and hear more of your trip.

    I really missed your “Abbey Home.”

    Suz

  3. Welcome back…..its so nice to see you here again :D
    That’s alot of photos! I’m happy you’ve had this wonderful traveling experience. We look forward to hearing and seeing your stories.

  4. Welcome home, Christine! Rest, rest, rest…give yourself time. Its’ good to have you back. :)