Going on a Retreat
Retreats offer wonderful opportunities to enjoy a beautiful sunrise and reconnect with nature.
Once a year I go on a weekend retreat at The Center for Spiritual Development in Southern California. Even though I am not Catholic, I cherish the peace and relaxation that comes from these heavenly weekends at this retreat center that is run by the Sisters of St. Joseph. My husband goes on an annual retreat to the Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in the Sierra Madre Mountains of California. He, too, returns from his retreats feeling rested, restored and more in balance, both mentally and spiritually. In addition to these retreats, we have also gone to retreat centers that had no religious connection. We have attended couples retreats, corporate retreats, and spa retreats. Just the opportunity to connect with nature, take long walks, and spend time in contemplation is a welcome relief from the normal hectic pattern of our lives.
What do we do on a retreat?
Retreats usually focuse on a particular themes. The weekend after one of our daughters was married I escaped to a retreat that had the theme of "Relax, Renew, Refresh." Wow, did I need that retreat! My most recent retreat was a meditation retreat. Although I have taken meditation classes in the past, and often incorporate it into my yoga practice, attending an entire retreat dealing with meditation was very uplifting. Each type of retreat you attend will have a different emphasis, and it is important to find the kind of retreat that you are most likely to enjoy.
What other types of retreats are there?
Some retreats are sponsored by churches and other organizations. Some corporations sponsor leadership retreats for their executives. On these retreats, a lot of time may be spent on team building activities, and learning to build self-confidence. At one I attended, one of the activities was a ropes course, where we practiced zip-lining, pole climbing, and other events. Spa retreats are popular with both women and couples. These retreats sometimes focused on improving a particular health problem. There are smoking cessation retreats, weight-loss retreats, yoga retreats, spiritual retreats and stress reduction retreats.
What are the benefits of going on a retreat?
Nearly everyone I know has felt that they have benefited from going on a retreat. Most people return feeling rested and invigorated. Others feel that they have used the time to break bad habits or learn new skills. Sometimes people feel that they have used the time to connect with the spiritual aspects of their life. Often people choose to go on a retreat so they can focus on a particular activity without distractions from their normal daily life. For example, an artist may go on an art retreat to a place where he or she can work in an inspiring environment, learn new techniques from instructors and other artists, and practice their skills in quiet and solitude.
How can I find a retreat?
If you are involved with any religious organization, talk to your local minister or other spiritual leader to find out what types of retreats your faith might sponsor. Many yoga teachers also sponsor retreats, sometimes locally and sometimes in exotic locations such as the mountains or on tropical islands. Some employers sponsor weekend retreats to help with team building or to build relationships within the organization. There are also private spas that offer retreat weekends. Ask your friends if they can recommend one, so that you know what to expect. If you Google the word "retreats," you will find a long list, including retreats in Sedona, couples retreats, retreat centers, spiritual retreats, art retreats, writers retreats, and more.
I hope that you have an opportunity to go on a retreat. It is a wonderful way to gain perspective on your life in a safe, nurturing environment.
Interested in learning more about prayer and meditation? You may want to read one of the articles listed below:
Alanon and the Serenity Prayer
photo courtesy of photoxpress.com
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Comments
Good article Deborah-Diane! When I was 21, I went on a Christian retreat with my church, Calvary Chapel. It was the Best! Also, when my husband and I were first married 19 years ago, we went on a weekend Christian marriage retreat. I learned so much and I still use some of the tools that I gained. Thanks!! :o)
Thanks for sharing this article. A weekend retreat sounds like a great way to relax.
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