I want to invite you to a very special place.

Knoll Farm is in many ways the bigger, grownup version of Plough & Stars Project. Spanning 160-acres of hilltop overlooking the Mad River Valley of Vermont, it is flush with highbush blueberries, warmed by handcrafted spaces and dotted by Icelandic sheep.  But producing food and fiber are only part of their story. Knoll Farm’s work is ultimately manifest in the hearts and lives of those who find refuge there.

For 20 years now, Knoll Farm’s stewards, Helen Whybrow and Peter Forbes, have been practicing land- and people-care - nurturing intimate groups of change-makers from across the country, body and soul. These leaders carve spoons together, amble the wooded trails, tend gardens and share meals - all with the simple intention to remember, repair, and restore themselves. Helen and Peter call it radical hospitality.

“More than ever before, our country is sustained by these individuals, working 24/7, against all odds, without breaks or benefits, sometimes without a paycheck, confronting systems much bigger than themselves, day after day.” Peter explains. “[Knoll Farm] is a refuge for them which is about restoring and building people power.”

I’m excited to share that WE - the members of Plough & Stars Project - are invited to the refuge, July 22 - 24, 2022. 

Perhaps you don’t think of yourself as a change agent or a leader. But consider for a moment that you are an artist. The words you choose, the friendships you nurture, the way you listen, the yearnings you manifest - each is an act of creation, and you, the author. The beauty and wholeness to which your creations aspire are the art of your life. And in this precious moment, artists are all being called upon like never before - to reimagine how we perceive the world, our place within it, and our highest priorities.

I believe that places like Knoll Farm are uniquely suited to guide us along that path. Reflection, stillness, and immersion in the practical splendor a working organic farm, create the kind of energetic environment that fosters creativity, healing, and regeneration, both in us and in our actions.

During our weekend, there will be much (and little) on offer: stillness, non-required readings, sunrise conversations, yoga and shared meals. There will be opportunities to observe, learn and contribute to the daily work of the farm. But you will also be encouraged to follow your own intuitive sense of center, wherever that points. So bring your walking shoes, yoga mats, favorite authors, journals… Whatever is a light or ballast as you turn inward.

I passionately believe all of us have something unique to contribute to the well-being of this world, but we are capable only to the extent that each of us, individually, is well. At Knoll Farm we will walk the shared path of soul-care and planet-care. This is an invitation to tune in to yourself, feel your connection to the resplendent whole, surround yourself with a community of people hungry for the same - and to be fed.

Tell me. What do you want to do with your one wild and precious life? Mary Oliver implores. Let us together consider these lines afresh, especially as it relates to the wild and precious life that surrounds and sustains us.

By design, spaces are limited. If you’re interested in participating, simply reply to this email and I’ll follow up with specific instructions to secure your spot. The cost for the weekend is $375 per person, which includes all meals, a Friday night concert and two-nights of accommodations. More information on what to expect can be found at https://www.ploughandstarsproject.com/knoll-farm-weekend  and you can learn more about Knoll Farm at https://knollfarm.org/the-refuge/