Crystal Hermitage Guest House - Grass Valley, CA

In the mountainous region surrounding Grass Valley, California, is a retreat area known as Ananda Village. This quaint collection of buildings and houses is a successful ongoing community for the people who choose to live there year-round, and is a welcoming presence for those who come for the various workshops and seminars given throughout the year. It is a serene setting in the foothills of the Sierras, and I was gifted with a two-night stay in the Crystal Hermitage Guest House, which is a wonderful private A-Frame overlooking mountains, trees, and the Yuba River.

Located near the magnificent home of the community founder, guests of the Crystal Hermitage are invited to enjoy the stunning gardens on his property and the restful chapel that is modeled after an Italian counterpart. The environment is peaceful, with an adjacent area housing fish in a pool fed by a small waterfall. There is also a museum shrine nearby. The setting is one that pulls you to insight and reflection, and I found my stay in the guest house refreshingly private and cut off. There is a phone and all the modern conveniences, plus very nicely furnished decor, but no distractions and no television! It gave me a wonderful opportunity to do the quiet things I had no time for at home, and had it been available, I may have extended my stay one more night.

I brought along a cassette player so that I could listen to workshop tapes I’d not had time for, and books to read. I chose to eat little, so there was no distraction with cooking. Had I wanted to, the kitchen was well equipped. I went to the chapel three times a day and just allowed myself to revel in the stone and wood, finding communion in simplicity.

I think in autumn and winter, retreats are a wonderful idea, and if you aren’t put off by weather, this is a well equipped and thoughtfully appointed opportunity for reflection in nature. Should you want to participate in some of the Expanding Light activities or have meals there, it is possible. As for me…I enjoyed the solitude.

For information about the Crystal Hermitage Guest House write or call Expanding Light, Attention: Lila, 14618 Tyler Foote Road, Nevada City, CA 95959 Phone 530-478-7587

From Seasons of the Soul 1997