“This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness
comes as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!”

— Rumi

Where (and What)
is the Backyard Cloister?

Not long after moving to St Peter in Minnesota, I renovated a small screened in porch attached to our detached garage in our backyard. With the help of qualified experts, it was transformed into a private, comfortable, and intimate space that lends itself to solitude, contemplation, and listening.

With a wood-burning stove, cedar-lined walls and large windows that look over a well-sheltered backyard, the Backyard Cloister offers warmth and hospitality. It’s a simple yet ideal contemplative setting for Spiritual Direction in any season.

While I enjoy hosting Spiritual Direction in person, I am also able to meet by video conferencing on Zoom.