My name is Jaelyn Neal-Holland. I am a 20-year-old student attending Eastern University approaching my junior year this coming fall. Being in school has many great qualities. Some of the many benefits are building relationships with professors, amazing academic programs to accommodate all students, and making lifelong connections with others. In addition to the amazing welfare that comes with attending college, there can be some moments of struggle, trial, and stress. I am currently in the final season of the school year; meaning, the spring semester is coming to an end. Excitement is raging from within and the goal is to finish strong. However, school-related stress always seems to disrupt my peace and I often find myself restless.
I was notified that there was a women’s retreat for those who attend my home church (New Spirit Presbyterian Church along with Grace Christian Fellowship) called A Morning of Holy Rest and it piqued my interest. It was my first time being a part of anything like this. I was very encouraged to go because I was surrounded by wonderful women who I worship with. When I arrived at the women’s gathering at Cranaleith Spiritual Center, I was in awe. An instant feeling of relief had come over me. I felt that I could finally breathe, see, and just be tranquil and still.
We began with food, hugs, and a time of sharing with all who had come to fellowship. Following the greeting portion of our day, we went on a nature walk with a partner of our choice. Then we had an opportunity to draw and write about what impacted us most during the walk. The area that we stayed in surrounded us with great, big trees of all kinds. We called this place the “Sanctuary of Trees”. Each tree had a tag with details about the tree which I appreciated reading. To me, reading the tags allowed me to understand in some ways the strength that runs through the roots of the tree trunks to their blossoming flowers. There were other opportunities for painting, drawing, and moments of meditation. All of these activities were available for our group of women as a time of refreshing and it was well needed.
In closing, Holy Rest was such an amazing experience that provided connections, restoration, peace of mind, and internal growth. Taking advantage of this experience was such a blessing and goes a long way in reminding us of how God is with us – living in all of His creations, even a tree.
