I’m Karen Clemens. I live in the state of Arizona in the U.S., and I’m currently here at Bonnevaux as a volunteer helping out at the Abbey and the guest house.
I first came here in the spring of 2023, as a student of the first cohort of the WCCM Academy. We came here, some 30 of us as students, to explore what it really means to live a contemplative way of life and how to become a true contemplative community of love. What I saw when I came here were those of us that were such like-minded souls trying to walk this way of life. We were from 13 different countries around the world, and it was quite amazing to share our vast variety of experiences.
Bonnevaux: Beauty combined with sacredness
What I also saw when I came here was the beauty and sacredness of this amazing place in the trees and the fields, the flowers, the sky.
We went on to study together online for the next two years, but we also came back here to gather in person two other times. And through that experience, I was moved to really want to enter into the way of life here and this community in a more intentional and deeper way. So I found myself coming back as both a retreatant and to help with retreats. I was blessed to have one private retreat here, and then I also came back, as I am now as a volunteer.
It has been a true gift to me. It has been a life changing experience, and I invite you to come and join in as you’re able.
Experience meditation in community
