The Abode of the Message is a very special and ancient place of spiritual communion, reflection, and prayer. Mount Lebanon has long been a place for seekers and explorers, from the original Native peoples to the Shakers and the Sufis, who are now its modern-day stewards. It has been said that this is an activated land crisscrossed by ley lines and has long been a place of deep work, revelation, and restoration. The Abode strives to uphold this tradition and maintain this sanctuary for all visitors. Read on for packing ideas and shared campus guidelines.
Main Campus
The Abode Main Campus Accommodations have electricity and indoor bathrooms and are a 15-minute walk up to the Mountain Campus. Bathrooms are indoors and generally shared with other rooms.
Mountain
The Abode Mountain Campus has no electricity in lodgings and no en-suite bathrooms. These conditions apply to the Eco Rustic Hut and Cabin accommodations. The Central Pavilion has electricity to facilitate basic electrical needs, and there are outhouses and bathhouses a short walk from all accommodations.
Packing
Packing Essentials (All Locations)
While each Program is unique, here are some items that past visitors have found essential:
- A gallon of water per person per day
- Refillable water bottle
- Cash, as there is no ATM on campus
- Insect repellent and sun protections.
- Layers of clothing – it can be hot during the day and cold at night.
- Raingear
- Sturdy walking/hiking shoes – our mountain campus is a 20 minute walk from our main campus.
- If you plan on attending a yoga class be sure to bring your yoga mat, straps, and blocks.
Packing Essentials (Camping)
For our friends who choose to camp/tent during programs, here are some camping specific essentials:
- A tent
- Sleeping bag and sleeping mat,
- Pillow
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Extra batteries
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Shower shoes
- Long lasting snacks (trail mix, granola bars, etc.) in sealable containers
- Blankets and warm sleeping layers (it may be warm during the day but at night it can get cold!)
What Not to Bring
As a guest at the Abode, these items may be cause for removal from the Abode. Please leave these things at home:
- No fireworks, flying prayer lanterns, or explosives
- No grills, open flame, candles, or charcoal or camp stoves.
- No gas/fuel cans of any kind.
- No alcohol or any illegal substances
- No weapons of any kind
- No helium tanks
- No threatening signs or apparel
Campus Guidelines
We practice sacred hospitality, so in serving our guests we are serving the Divine. From that, it’s our duty to create a safe and fruitful container for those who come to experience our campus. The following rules are meant to provide safety and comfort for everyone we welcome to our home.
1. Use cell-phones and laptops only in the cafe or somewhere private. The Abode is a retreat center and people value being in nature – enjoy the peace and quiet!
2. This is a substance free campus. No drugs, alcohol, or smoking/vaping.
3. Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM, and since we have old Shaker buildings that means headphones on, or silence. Even whispers travel far on our campus. On the mountain, similar respect around sound should be held, as noise travels to our neighbors down the mountain. Outside of these hours always maintain respectful levels of volume, voices, music, etc.
4. Violence of any kind will not be tolerated — Abode of the Message staff have the right to request a guest leaves if any of the above are violated.
Abode Maps
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Main Campus
Mountain Camp
