The design of both the exterior and interior spaces at Laity Lodge invite peace, contemplation, and connection. Simply being present in that place made me want to slow down, which helped me think about what I could do to carry some of that peace home with me. There, the curved lines and simple materials made me want more simplicity and less frenetic action in my life.

I know that I can’t carry the peace of a retreat center back with me in its entirety, but I did decide that I will wait to read headlines, check messages, and do anything else on a screen until I’ve had at least an hour to be with myself and with God in the morning.

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