Metanoia of Vermont

Saturday, we went with John and Cynthia to visit Metanoia Farm, a spiritual retreat where Mark and Lisa Kutolowski are living a life that integrates contemplation with an intimate relationship with nature.  We wanted to see for ourselves what that kind of life looked like. Mark had visited the Guilford church a few months ago at the invitation of the Centering Prayer group, and we learned that Mark and John had met years ago at the Weston Priory. The life they are seeking to live is attractive in many ways. It is based on a Benedictine model of prayer and work, with the special dimension of a relationship with the natural world. Mark and Lisa are living in a yurt, and that is where we spent most of our time. However, when we arrived, we got a quick tour of what they are building. First, a barn which will house a large brick bread oven, and living quarters. Then an old farm house they are remodeling and where they have created an insulated room which functions as an office and guest room. ( I would post photos, but I was getting around with boots, ice grippers and ski poles, which made holding a camera and taking pictures virtually impossible. Sorry! I've included some from their website).

The yurt is on a knoll with a wonderful view,  and is kept cozy by a woodstove. There is no electricity or running water. They carry in water from a nearby spring. There is an outhouse a short distance from the yurt, and candles are used for light. They cook on the woodstove. We talked for a long time, then had a half-hour vesper service, mostly silence but including Taizè chants also. Then we had a lovely supper of soups and breads that we both contributed to. It was a lovely visit, and we learned a lot. Their vision is of creating a welcoming space where others can explore both the contemplative life and the intimacy with nature. Lisa is pregnant, due in May, so their life will change dramatically soon. They plan to continue to live in the yurt.  Their life is simple, but is supported by income from work they do for Kairos Earth which conducts nature pilgrimages. Mark still does some work as a wilderness guide. In the future, the bakery will be a source of some income. They have an open, exploratory, flexible attitude toward all they are doing. A lovely couple and an attractive life that incorporates many values we affirm and admire. It helps to be young, however!

Visit their website Metanoia of Vermont for more information.

Lisa Kutolowski

Mark Kutolowski

The original farm, now being transformed into a retreat center