Mountain meditation
By Paul Haist
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A new Jewish spiritual retreat on the slopes of Mount Adams near Trout Lake, Wash., needs a few good workers to help build the center's meditation sanctuary.
The Ruach Shaddai retreat is the project of Abby Gail Layton, a Portland native who recently moved to the historic Trout Lake farm where she raises Tennessee walking horses and is developing the Jewish spiritual retreat.
In Portland, Layton operated the Or Hadash Jewish meditation center.
Layton has planned three two-day work sessions for persons interested in helping create the meditation center or who may be interested in learning about the unusual building technique that Layton will employ.
"This is a wonderful chance to learn cob building and help with the sacred work of creating a holy sanctuary," said Layton.
Cob walls are made from sand, straw and clay, which today are commonly mixed by hand or foot by individuals working mostly on a small to medium scale
Cob is sometimes compared to adobe construction, the difference being that in cob the structure is one big piece, there being no bricks or joints. The structure essentially becomes one large adobe brick rather than many small ones.
The Ruach Shaddai cob sanctuary was designed by Tara Johnston. Johnston operates an alternative building design company, Gather Design/Building Studio, in Hood River, across the Columbia River from the Mount Adams area of Washington.
The three two-day work gatherings are set for Aug. 6-7, 13-14 and 27-28. Each of these falls on a Sunday and Monday.
"We do not work on Shabbat," said Layton. "We prefer that people join us for both Sunday and Monday, but if you are only able to attend one of the days, please do come anyhow."
The initial Aug. 6-7 session will begin with a dedication meditation at 9 o'clock on Sunday morning.
The dedication will be followed by an overview of the cob building method, including a slideshow. Participants will then receive on-site instruction before placing the first layer of cob.
Layton said it won't be all work.
"After breaking to enjoy a yummy vegetarian lunch, we will place cob for 4-5 hours," she said. "There will be plenty of time in the evening, before and after dinner, to swim in the pond, get to know the sweet horses, walk the beautiful property and rest under the shade of the nearby trees while soaking in the view of the mountain."
Monday work sessions will begin with a silent work period from 8:30 to 10 a.m.
"Then we'll continue the day laughing and playing in the mud," said Layton. "After lunch, we'll cob for about three hours and wrap up the work portion of the day around 4 o'clock."
Layton said that no previous building experience is required and that all ages and fitness levels are welcome, "though you should be able to work with your hands and maintain your health in the summer heat."
Overnight accommodations include a cabin that sleeps four. Other participants can bring a tent for camping on the lawn or in the pasture.
Because accommodations are limited, reservations should be made early. To make reservations, call Layton at 503-720-0875.
There is no cost.
Trout Lake is reached from Portland by taking I-84 to Hood River and crossing the Columbia River there. Then proceed on Washington State Route 141. Layton will provide detailed directions. Travel time from Portland is about 90 minutes.