Burned-out workers are now seeking solace in monasteries, trading screen time for solitude. Religious retreats across the US are experiencing a surge in demand, with monasteries fully booked for months. From the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky to Blue Cliff Monastery in New York, stressed city dwellers are turning to spiritual retreats for a break.
Monks at Gethsemani and friars at the Franciscans of the Immaculate are witnessing a consistent rise in requests, emphasizing that visitors seek prayer and spiritual solace, not mere sightseeing. Overcrowding and limited cabin availability reflect the high demand.
The Zen Center of New York City is among those reporting increased attendance, attributing the trend to the need for disconnection from the chaotic urban life. Zen Mountain Monastery guests explore week-long silent retreats, immersing deeply in mindfulness practices far from phones and city stress.
At the Dharma Drum Retreat Center in upstate New York, silence reigns, and guests surrender phones at the door to focus on intensive silent sessions. Despite outdated cabins, the center’s spiritual impact keeps waitlists growing each season, attracting visitors with word-of-mouth recommendations.
Mary Catherine Nanda’s retreat experience at a Catholic monastery resonates with many overworked individuals seeking structure and escape. Her viral TikTok about the transformative retreat highlighted the fascination of Gen Z women with monastery living, illustrating a broader trend of seeking peace and spiritual renewal.
