Our Vision – OLD

Pine Manor is . . .

. . . a gathering place for psychological and spiritual exploration and healing.

Pine Manor is a sacred gathering place dedicated to reflection, personal awareness, learning and connection with others. Therapists, body workers, artists, energy workers, musicians and spiritual teachers bring their retreats to us and we we provide a respectful surround for their offerings.  The years of creative expression and energy that are visible in the grounds and living spaces  add to the experience of being at Pine Manor.

Gail Warner (founder) also, facilitates several retreats a year. Other offerings  are sponsored by Pine Manor, including retreats with wonderful poet and spiritual teacher, Mark Nepo (marknepo.com).

We are located in the Cleveland National Forest between San Juan Capistrano and Lake Elsinore, California. In our busy and pressure-filled lives we need time away to connect with what is essential and to be renewed. What is needed for our soul is different at different times. It might be that we need laughter, understanding, empowerment, compassion, or strength. Or maybe we need quiet time or connection with others.

. . . an inspirational canvas.

In addition to the main house, Pine Manor features a unique cluster of small earthen buildings that have been built by many loving hands to demonstrate the use of various natural earthen building materials and possibilities. The first small building, Cob, Sr. is made of “cob,” a mixture of clay, sand, straw, and water that is rolled into “cob” and used as building bricks. It is a delightful earth-building style that encourages builders to dance in the mud. In addition to the three cob structures on the property, we also have a straw bale round house and a writer’s den made with standard framed construction filled with light clay. Every building at Pine Manor exists to be enjoyed, whether they’re used for teaching purposes, gathering for relaxation, or meditation.

. . . a facility.

Our facility is available for use by teachers and trainers. We have the capacity to host 10 to 24 people. The main house has 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms and includes the “tree house,” which is a separate apartment with its own kitchen and bath that can accommodate 4 or 5 people. We host a variety of groups, including training groups, 12-step groups, Yoga groups, t’ai chi groups, and spiritual groups. We also host planning retreats for businesses and churches. For further information contact us at info.pinemanor@gmail.com.

Mission Statement

Pine Manor is dedicated to emotional curiosity and spiritual inquiry. It is a Guest House (as in Rumi’s poem below) to hold people’s experiences with curiosity and compassion. Our staff is here to serve in a helpful and respectful way. Pine Manor encourages quiet spaces, listening, and time for nature, laughter, and creativity.

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

  Rumi,
translation by Coleman Barks