In May 2010, George and I attended a workshop led by Richard Rohr in Cape Town at the Schoenstatt Retreat and Training Centre . One afternoon, in our free time, we decided to visit the historic wine estate of Groot Constantia, which is within walking distance of the retreat centre. It was rather chilly with heavy clouds hanging low, but we donned our rain jackets and ignored the faint drizzle that had started to come down. I am so glad we did: We were due for a very special perfomance that we knew nothing of in advance, but wouldn't have missed for all the world if we did. In the comments following George's post, Whistle while you work , he reminded me of an Afrikaans piece I had written shortly after this very special encounter. It touches on what seems to be a golden rule: To whistle or sing heartily while working is not depended on the circumstances. But it greatly enhances the lives of all and sunder. I can only agree with my friend Elmi's comment: " Durin...
The Restory is a Retreat Centre nestled against Tafelkop, a singular mountain head near Wakkerstroom, South Africa. Here we live a simple life as contemplatives. It is a place of re-connection: with ourselves, people, Nature, Silence and Creativity. Our retreats are aimed at this. Our conversations, writing and art centre around the univocity of life. We need a place that reminds us that we are all one. The Restory hopes to be such a place and space.