This past summer I was fortunate enough to spend 7 days at Dharma Mountain, a meditation center in Hedalen, Norway hosted by Elizabeth Duvivier, founder of Squam Art Workshops.
Nestled in the heart of Norway, Dharma Mountain, offers an amazing retreat experience. The serene landscape surrounding the center—lush flower-filled gardens, a tranquil lake, and a birch forest with many spots for contemplation—creates an environment where it’s easy to quickly sink down into peace and stillness.
I started my journey flying from Boston to Stockholm via New York’s JFK airport to spend five days with my brother, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew. I took a spectacular five hour train journey from Stockholm to Oslo on Saturday and spent the weekend in Oslo before heading to the retreat center. It was a whirlwind visit.
Oslo
I began my stay in Oslo with a walking tour to learn about the history and get my bearings; I took a boat ride around the Fjord; visited 2 art museums, including the new 5-floor museum dedicated to Edvard Munch; and had time for several people watching sessions in bookstores, cafes, and sidewalk restaurants. I love the contemporary vibe of Norway, especially its striking white marble Oslo Opera House emerging from the Oslofjord and the revitalized waterfront area. It’s a vibrant, art-filled city that I can’t wait to return to with Andy someday soon.
I arrived at the retreat center late Monday afternoon after a scenic two hour bus journey, to be welcomed by Elizabeth Duvivier and our teachers Tif Neilan, Elizabeth Duke and Jenny Brown.
Before dinner and an opening circle, we settled into our cozy wooden cabins in the forest. Our cabin had two bedrooms, a sleeping loft, bathroom, compact kitchen and dining area plus a sweet porch. Fresh flowers and candles welcomed me and my two cabin mates, Aly F and Elizabeth E.
The Schedule
On Tuesday I took a slow stitching class with Elizabeth Duke. We appliqued and stitched on a soft, muslin journal inspired by our surroundings and the retreat.
On Thursday, I watched Jenny Brown create her beautiful botanical mixed media paintings and tried my hand at my own style of botanical painting. There was certainly enough inspiration around the Dharma Mountain property, with pink and blue lupins around every corner.
On Wednesday there were several different options, such as swimming at the local waterfall, yoga, working on creative projects etc. We spent time on Friday and Saturday with Elizabeth writing, meditating, listening to readings and being in community.
Nourishment
The food we were served was the most clean and delicious vegetarian food I’ve ever eaten. Each day began at 8am with a wholesome breakfast of oatmeal, fruit, fresh bread and jams, eggs, and cheese. The main meal at lunchtime was often a bean and vegetable stew or tofu and vegetable stir fry. We ate lighter fare in the evening, such as soup, bread, and salad – carrot and coconut soup, anyone? The lack of salt and sugar in the food was eye-opening to me. I felt like I tasted food for the very first time. The care with which the staff prepared and presented the food encouraged mindful eating and a true appreciation for the food we ate.
Spaciousness
What stands out for me most about my time at Dharma mountain is the feeling of spaciousness – not just the breathtaking beauty of the place but also the mental and emotional space it allows.
We weren’t required to participate in any of the activities; everything was optional, and I gave myself permission to have a lot of open time. I spent hours wandering in my favorite area of the retreat center, the expansive wildflower-filled field, witnessing the clouds move across the Vassfaret mountains and the sun rise and set. It was midsummer, so the 22 hours of daylight made the days expansive and long.
In the early morning, I walked along the winding forest paths with names like Laughing River Path and Path of Love, which lead to the rushing Urula River and a breathtaking waterfall. The roar of the waterfall was loud enough to be heard in our cabins, ½ a mile away.
I also took lots of naps, re-established my meditation practice and filled many pages of my journal with reflections on the past few years and hopes for the future.
I left the retreat feeling nourished in body and spirit, and would return there in a heartbeat.
HI! I’M ALI MANNING
Years ago, I learned about handmade books, and ever since then, I’ve been hooked. I love creating new designs, learning about different techniques, and expanding my collection of paper. But what I love most about bookmaking is the community.
Through Vintage Page Designs and the Handmade Book Club, I’ve met thousands of other passionate bookmakers, mixed-media artists, and crafters. We all share a love of book arts and crafting, just for the joy of it.
I believe that bookbinding and book arts are for everyone, regardless of skill level or equipment. All you need is a little creativity and, of course, paper!
