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directed journey. It’s an opportunity that is not only allowed, it’s also
encouraged, according to Jacobsen (though it’s a good idea to check in
at the office.)
“Visit twice,” he said, while cautioning that La Casa isn’t meant to
be a public park or dog run, especially since the conditional use permit
is limited to just 150 per day. “Go to what calls you. Then come back
and see if you’re drawn to another part of the property. There are all
these different spots for soul openings. When you start to realize all of
what’s here, it’s easy to see why people come here and stay.”
When you’re ready to do more than dabble, there are many
programs – from an hour or two to long weekends – all dedicated to
lifting the spirit, deepening the inquiry, and going within, whether
through ongoing offerings or on a self-directed retreat of whatever
length. The sponsored events attended by locals mostly focus in areas
of ecological renewal, nonprofit facilitation, or building an inter-
spiritual community. When companies want to hold a retreat or
training on site, the criteria are equally clear.
“Are they going to make the world a better place? Does it conform
to our mission? If it’s a sales meeting, probably not. But exposing your
staff to diversity, or discussing how to make a smaller environmental
impact would be very much in line.”
Over the years, world leaders in the fields of self-growth and
spiritual pursuit have come to La Casa to host retreats, including
Thomas Merton, Thich Nhat Hanh, Joseph Campbell, Jean Houston,
and James Hillman. Pacifica Graduate Institute held classes here until
it grew so big it developed its own campus a few miles down the
coastline. So did the Fielding Institute. Nowadays, there are ongoing
weekly centering prayer, yoga, and meditation circles, and even a
private men’s group that meets regularly. All are welcome.
“You could say we do spiritual start-ups. It’s like an incubator
for cool stuff, important things that have become a part of the
community,” Jacobsen said. “If you have new ideas, new synthesis,
new ways to do things, if they’ve got integrity, we’ll give it a try. We’re
a place that can take that risk and offer a place to try things out. Who
knows? In 10 years, they might be making a big difference in the
world.”
It’s not at all necessary to have a grand vision for a visit, though.
Just enjoying the environs and the silence has its own rewards.
“It’s a safe place to have conversations – with yourself or others –
you might not otherwise,” Mitchell said. “It’s safe to dig a little deeper.
And then maybe you go back out to the community and there’s a
new aspect, an authenticity where you’re more comfortable with your
purpose and your calling.”
My own short time on the grounds contributed to clarity
about some issues that had been clouding up my life, and a sense of
connection permeated my being. Time will tell how that plays out. But
La Casa is calling me back, for a deeper exploration.
“You slow down here, and you start thinking outside yourself,”
Jacobsen said. “And when that happens, that soul side inside of us
takes a look around and says, ‘Oh, I can come out now.’ It’s just
trusting that all this beauty and safety and respect opens the natural
healing living in our soul. La Casa brings that out.”
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