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on 10/17/2011
by Carolyn
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My experience at Stone Light was exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to get away, connect with nature and connect with myself. I enjoyed sitting on the cabin porch and watching the birds. The property and all of the special places Steve has created are beautiful. The cabin was clean and simple. Steve was extremely attentive and at the same time respectful of my space and privacy. I also enjoyed the town of Viroqua, the cafe and the food coop. I will be going back as soon as I can!
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on 10/13/2011
by happy retreater
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i visited for 5 nights in early October when the fall colors were said to be peaking, and the hilltop forest home to Stone Light was just breathtaking. The sapphire was very cozy, with two lofted beds and plenty of yoga space. Steve the owner was so friendly and welcoming, and made it easy to access shower facilities in the lodge and the kitchen to make hot water for tea. There are plenty of great places to eat and shop in town nearby (I recommend the Driftless Cafe), and lots of beautiful scenery to explore in the Kickapoo Valley and Gays Mills. (If you are interested in horseback riding I recommend Redrock Trails about a 30min drive north.) My favorite part of Stone Light had to be Steve's kitten Merlee, who found her way to my cabin on three nights and happily kept me company. She's a special creature.
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on 10/12/2011
by Anne
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I spent three nights at Stone Light and it was a beautiful and peaceful experience. I stayed in Crystal cabin, which is just the perfect size for one or two people. Each cabin is far enough away from the others that you don't have much contact with other retreatants, but close enough that you feel safe having people nearby. Being without electricity makes for a pleasant camping experience, and the cabins are supplied with oil lamps and candles (and even a few battery operated lights and flashlights) so you can still see after dark. And Steve even provided a propane heater for me to use on the chilly October nights. You do have to do a little uphill walking to get to each cabin, so pack light!
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on 10/4/2011
by Christine
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I spent only a weekend at Stone Light Retreat but wish it could have been for much longer time. Crystal cabin was perfect for me as a solo visitor for a personal retreat -- very clean and comfortable, and very good vibes, and if you're a camper like me, no electricity and running water is just the way it is -- no big deal. Steve is a very gracious host and I felt right at home. I especially enjoyed all of the touches that Steve has put on the property -- all the special spots in which to sit, the cool "rock piles" he has built all around the property, the care and attention that Steve has given to the experience of being there. Stone Circle was especially powerful for me and I spent much time there. I was also so happy to find the walking labyrinth, as I am a fan of those. Highly recommended. Do go if you want a special spiritual retreat in an energetic place of nature. I will return!
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on 10/4/2011
by Linda Colletti
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This was my second trip to Stone Light, this time with three of my Gal Pals. We reveled in the quiet and the chance to reconnect with each other What a beautiful and sacred place this is! And Steve is, as always, welcoming and generous. I look forward to returning to Stone Light soon!
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on 7/7/2011
by Nancy Amundson
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I knew I wanted to bring in a new decade in a special place and in a special way. The three days and nights I spent at Stone Light was just that. It was an opportunity to immerse myself in nature and to look there and within for direction. The session with Julie on nutrition and Akashic Records got me closer to where I hope to be. Julie truly was an inspiration! Will I return? Definately. My journey continues and Stone Light is the respite I will seek from time to time.
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on 6/8/2011
by Michelle
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This is a great place to escape. It is very private. Cabins are clean and comfortable. There is no electricity but plenty of candles and oil lamps. The outhouses are amazingly clean and odor free. There are many meditation areas on the grounds including a meditation chapel. There is some great hiking in the area and I didn't run into the usual crowds. I visited in June and the weather was lovely.
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on 11/3/2010
by Mary Beth T.
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Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes! That's the answer I'd give anyone who asked me if they should choose Stone Light Retreat Center for their next personal retreat or friend/family meeting place. A dear friend and I chose to meet at Stone Light for our bi-annual "girls weekend" last month(Oct. 2010). It was a glorious weekend to say the least. The weather was sunny and warm, perfect for hiking on the beautiful grounds, walking the labyrinth, meditating in the chapel, and simply taking in all of the beauty that God and Steve together have created! The evenings were crystal clear, allowing us to see the unblemished, star-filled night sky (a sight to behold from Stone Light's location, away from the electric grid of city lights). Our cabin was cozy and warmed by our own wood-burning fireplace. I've never experienced such peacefulness anywhere before. Steve was so warm and welcoming to us; he is an amazing, kind, and wonderful person. After just two days, I made a spiritual connection with Stone Light which will draw me back often. Once you set foot on the grounds, you won't want to leave...
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on 10/18/2010
by Karen
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How better can three sisters celebrate a 40th birthday than by experiencing Stone Light? Two autumnal days and nights filled with Steve's special blend of perfect setting, accomodations and spiritual resources/friends provided the respite and celebration we hoped for. Loved it all and we very much hope to experience it again.
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on 8/25/2010
by Shannon
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Stone Light was the perfect place for me to mark my 40th birthday with a weekend retreat. The setting is beautiful, serene and magical. The cabin was very clean, warm and well-appointed. I so enjoyed the trails, the peaceful chapel and the labyrinth. Steve, the host, was gracious and accommodating. Viroqua is a lovely town, too — a quick drive from the retreat, and the rolling hills of this region make for a most picturesque backdrop. Highly recommended.
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on 6/20/2010
by Mary Murray
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I had the good fortune to live at the Crystal cabin, alone, for two weeks (private retreat). Everything was either "as expected" or BETTER. It wasn't Steve's fault that it rained for 14 days straight, but the damp and cold took me into Viroqua a lot more often than anticipated -- and Viroqua became very much a part of my positive experience. I stumbled onto the Stone Light Retreat Center on line and could not imagine a better setting for my purposes. So glad to have it all come together.
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on 5/30/2010
by Dana
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Magical experience. From the drive awaay from the big city, through rolling farmland hills, valleys and vistas, to the cabins in the woods studded with stone sculptures and quartz, to your host Steve with his welcoming home and energy, (and very reasonable prices), I had a wonderfully relaxing time of solitude for reading, and even met some wonderful people in the vicinity too. I was choosing between places in Michigan and this place 1.5 hours from Madison, WI., and I chose right!! Dynamite organic local food coop in town too. I give it all the stars available for the giving.
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on 5/20/2010
by Kim Eiken
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Stone Light Retreat Center is an amazing place to reconnect with yourself and the universe. Peace and tranquility permeate the entire facility. The walking trails and meditation points set the stage for a unique union with nature and your spiritual self. Walking the labyrinth served to be an awe-inspiring experience for me. I felt such spiritual and healing energy during my stay allowing me the space and time for contemplation and discovery.
The holistic services that I selected were truly astounding! Both Laurie and Julie are gifted with great skills and a wonderful loving spirit. Their readings and services provided me with exactly what I needed to grow physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Steve, the owner of Stone Light, is one of the most incredibly kind, caring and generous people I’ve ever met. He makes a point to greet and meet the needs of each retreater. He is very respectful of each retreaters desire for personal privacy. The center would not be the same without such a devoted individual in charge.
If you desire self-reflection or wish to awaken your spiritual essence, Stone Light is the perfect place to find it! I look forward to a return trip.
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on 1/24/2010
by Lori Punko
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I took six yoga students to Stonelight on a yoga/ wellness retreat. It was the most incredible place. Stonelight has such wonderful energy and the owner was incredibly helpful. Whether you need a place to go to be alone with your thoughts or a place to go with a group of friends this place is so beautiful.
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on 5/11/2009
by Deneine Powell
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A retreat to Stone Light was one of the best things I ever arranged for myself. I had recently closed down my business, which had taken quite a toll on my self esteem. In addition, I have a job that is demanding, so my stress level was at an all time high. For months all I kept thinking was, I needed a place to rest, to be myself (not someone else’s boss, wife, mother, advisor…) and to think. The biggest complaint I have about my experience was not giving myself more time there – I should have went for at least 10 days. Thinking back on it now, almost a month after my visit, my time spent at Stone Light conjures dappled sunlight, starlight nights and the chorus of songbirds that greeted me every morning. The onsite chapel is truly a place for communion with God and the universe. I really recommend this retreat for those who may need a reprieve from the rat race. To find balance and peace for a few days; this retreat can turn you back into a human being again. Steve is a joy, a wonderful host how understands the balance of friendly hospitality, while giving you- his guest an opportunity to experience silence and the autonomy most of us seek when we sign up for this type of retreat. After I returned to the “real world”, I am finding strength and hope in my daily existence, something that was missing before I came to Stone Light. And I believe that because of my experience I can cultivate and grow that hope every day.
A few more points:
I stayed in the Crystal Cabin – Fabulously clean, well designed and perfect for one or two people. Steve keeps a variety of books, mostly spiritually based – so if you want something else, bring your own.
I brought food with me, but found my favorite eating spots in the town of Viroqua included the Co-op and a little Mexican place that serves an outstanding array of healthy food. Steve serves a great breakfast of healthy choices in the lodge.
There is not much to do – That’s the point. If you want to hike, there is the Kickapoo River. There are a number of fabulous businesses in the town of Viroqua if you want to add a little to their economy with some shopping.
I visited in April when some of the nights dropped to 30F aka COLD. The cabins are not heated, so bring warm clothing, an extra blanket and a hat to sleep in if you go that early. My gracious host made sure that I plenty of blankets and checked on my well being (via cell phone) the first night, by my third night it had warmed up beautifully and I really enjoyed my stay.
This place is fantastic. I'll be back, again and again and again...
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on 10/18/2008
by Mike Olson
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My girlfriend and I went to Stone Light for our anniversary. We had a wonderful time. Steve is an exceptional person. We looked forward to talking with him during the organic breakfast he provides each morning. He couldn't be more accomadating - with maps of the area and insight into the local goings-on and things to do. Stone Light is a santuary, a haven in the woods of the beautiful driftless reagion of wisconsin. The cabins were perfect and we enjoyed the fire pit at night and the peace and quiet of the surroundings. Viroqua is a fun town to visit with it's co-op and farmer's market and flea markets. Stone light a great place for a retreat!
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on 10/18/2008
by Sue Rummery
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I stayed for a week in the Crystal cabin, perfect for 1 person. I loved it so much I wanted to live there. The cabin was fantastic, very comfortable and welcoming. There were little touches like a stuffed koala next to the bed, a dish of chocolates on the table, even a great tarot deck next to the loveseat.
The forest was very cool with grassy paths and trails between the trees. Scattered around the grounds were stone cairns with crystal clusters on top as well as stone circles and contemplation maze. There was also a chapel in a meadow that was fantastic to visit. It held things from every religion, truly something for everyone.
Steve, who runs Stone Light, was a brilliant host. Breakfast was served every morning on the Lodge's back deck, overlooking the forest and hummingbirds. I really looked forward to visiting with him every morning.
The additional services offered are beyond compare. I took part in Soul Retrieval, Spiritual Mentoring, Shamanic Healing, Spirit Communication and Spirit Guides. If you sign up for anything I strongly suggest taking notes if you can or journaling immediately after. You don't want to lose a detail! I even had some 'homework', which was really helpful.
Stone Light is a few minutes drive outside of Viroqua, a very unexpected town. It has a little over 4300 and is a combination of old German and Norwegian, Amish, green, New Age and hippie. Needless to say that adds up to a very open-minded community with stores to match. It has a natural food grocery, rock shop, cafes, boutiques, etc. I was told it's the only town like this in the Midwest, I believe it.
I can't say enough good things about Stone Light. I scoured Google, Yahoo and MSN for retreats in WI, northern IL and northern IN. Although I found a lot of other retreats I kept coming back to the Stone Light site. I wasn't disappointed at all, in fact it was much better than I expected.
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on 10/18/2008
by Art Davis
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As a busy urban musician and teacher, I came to the Stone Light Retreat center seeking peace and a communion with nature. I found it there. With my comfortable cabin as a home base, I was able to walk in peace through the woods, meditate, or simply read in comfort amidst the pristine surroundings. Steve Jensen has carved out a jewel of a place in beautiful western Wisconsin.
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on 2/12/2008
by Janet Adams
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I was a bit reluctant to schedule a week-long retreat for myself at a place with no running water and no electricity. But i did t and I could not have had a better time. The quiet and solitude were just what I needed. I had a wonderful time and can't wait to return.
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on 2/11/2008
by Kathy Jacobson
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Southwestern Wisconsin is a special place for me as is Stone Light. The surrounding are rustic, peaceful and magical. From the simple little Amish cabins to the meditation stations scattered throughout the woods, this is a charming place to retreat into yourself.
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on 2/11/2008
by Ruth Ann Takes
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My two day experience at Stone Light Retreat Center was restful for the body, spirit-filled and exhilarating for the soul, and calming for the spirit. I appreciated the closeness to Viroqua in order to participate in the weekend liturgy.
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on 2/8/2008
by Daniela Tallard
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I am a mother of 3 active boys. Once a month I spend a weekend at the Stonelight retreat to step out of my ordinary busy life into a life 'back to nature'. I spend hours sitting by my fire pit out in the dark of the night, hours meditation in the stone circle and praying in the chapel, doing oracle card readings and bird watching. It truly is one of the places to find yourself. All of the cabins are brand new and cozy, private, and tastefully decorated. Bottom line: You will enjoy your stay at Stonelight Retreat, it will open your mind and change your life- that's hw wonderful it is. I will continue to spend many wonderful hours at Stonelight Retreat. See you there.
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on 11/17/2007
by Robert Collins
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What a great place! Stone Light is a wonderful place for people that really want to get away! My experience at Stone Light was absolutely wonderful. It is such a terrific place to clear your mind, enjoy the great property, to get closer to nature, and to gain needed energy. .. I strongly suggest that you consider Stone Light for your personal retreat.
- Robert Collins, creator and co-author of Doing Business in China for Dummies, Wiley Publishing
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