We had to first hear God's way of working with the retreatants, then when folks made it clear what they needed, try to see how we could be helpful. Daily work helps people keep their spiritual life firmly grounded in life itself, which for most of us entails participation in manual labor on behalf of the community. An available, sincere heart is one that God seems to find irresistible. We have no daily schedule here, except for the Liturgy that happens each evening at five o'clock followed by dinner for those who want to participate. Retreatants are encouraged to get their own breakfast and lunch, sleep and attend to all other daily necessities as suits them best.
People thus can find their own deep natural rhythms.
For some, it is the first time in their active lives that they have really gotten in touch with themselves at this depth. The only clock here is on the kitchen wall as an aid to the cooks. God is seeking us at all times. If we make ourselves available to God unrestrained, God will find us. We pray together daily at a liturgy that seems always to last about an hour, and virtually everyone on retreat will choose to be present.