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Reflections on Time at The Mountain

by Sue Graffius

I’ll be making my third annual summer journey to The Mountain for “DRE training” this month. The Mountain is a Unitarian Universalist Retreat Center near Highlands, NC. The center sits atop Little Scaly Mountain, and each cabin has a spectacular view of the valley and the other Blue Ridge Mountains in the area. The accommodations are simple but not primitive. The staff has worked hard to keep things as natural as possible, and there are several hiking trails onsite where one can experience Nature’s beauty.

They have also put in a labyrinth, asking visitors to each bring a rock from ‘home’ to help create it. By the labyrinth stands a Peace Pole that was created and placed there by last summer’s Religious Education Week youth program, “Peace Camp”. This is particularly special to me as both of my sons participated in its creation. With this peace pole, they will always be a part of The Mountain.

The Mountain is also home to an ancient dwarf white oak forest where these amazing gnarled trees have lived for hundreds of years. There is also a granite ledge called Meditation Rock, where one can sit in the sun and contemplate while enjoying the vista. There is a lake for water fun, and a volleyball court and a game room with pool tables and board games. Three meals are served daily, and they even have a small gift shop. Free trade coffee is served all day long.

I always look forward to attending programs at The Mountain—not just because I learn incredible information, but also because it is a place where I get to renew myself both spiritually and emotionally. During the 7½ to 8-hour drives there and back, and for much of the free time while there, my sons and I spend special time together—time where the rest of the world doesn’t matter. You see, there are no televisions there.

There is one phone in the office and one in the dining hall. Cellular reception is lousy, and calls can make it in only occasionally. There is an old computer in the library where you can go and check your email if you really must! I don’t even recall listening to the radio up there. Time seems to stand still. This is a time when you can listen. And talk. It is a place where you feel energized because of where you are and what you see. And, it’s quiet. Well, it’s as quiet as a place can be when it is surrounded by flora and fauna of all sorts. There are lots of sounds, but they are all natural sounds, made by Mother Nature’s creatures.

And, boy is it dark! At night, when you shut out your lights, the sounds of the crickets and frogs almost roar in your ears while your surroundings fade into blackness. If you are in a clearing, you can look up to the sky and see millions of stars. I always feel both insignificant and vital up there at night. Insignificant because I see the how small I am compared with the vastness of the heavens, and vital because I feel that I am definitely a part of the Web of Life. I see many strands of that web up there, and I feel connected to it everywhere I turn.

The Mountain is not just for those of us who need to take classes or attend organized retreats. It is also for youths going to summer camp and families who want to get away for a couple of days or for a week. There are programs for senior citizens, for children of all ages, for families, for holidays, for men, and for women. I recommend that you check out their website: www.mountaincenters.org, to see what programs might interest you. You just might find the spiritual enrichment that you’ve needed!

I’ll think of you all…but only a little…while I am up there learning, renewing and re-energizing!

Peace,

Sue

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