Spiritual Retreats

Introduction

A retreat sounds nice – a place to unwind from life…no beeping messages, no demanding emails, no tasks and zero errands.  A time where you wake up and focus on presence and awareness. Living in the ‘now’ and discarding fears about the future and worries about the past.  A complete surrender to let ‘it’ all go because you really can’t do anything about anything anyways. Where afternoons are spent with a hot tea and journal or a nap, maybe a spiritual teaching.  All of this sounds so ludicrous, but it really should be part of our routine. You giving time to yourself in order to remove stress and come back home a more centered and patient person – who in your life wouldn’t benefit from that??  It is not selfish, it is essential!

I have prioritized retreats in my life.  Going as often as once a month or as little as 2-3 times a year.  I have found the importance in this time and have experienced so many different types.  The experiences and price tags vary exponentially. This website is a platform where I can share my experiences and collect stories from you of places and teachers you have experienced and have made an impact on your life.  The goal is to create a database for reads to have access to in order to find a perfect retreat.  

In our current society I feel like the word retreat is as overused as the word wellness.  You can plan a vacation and just slip the word ‘retreat’ in front of the description. But I have some key aspects that truly define a retreat from a vacation.  The tru defining activity for a retreat is moments or days of introspection. This sel analysis can be done through meditation, teachings, connection with nature, or yoga.  The key is for there to be silence throughout. It is only in the silence where we can truly connect and unravel. Talking creates a distraction instead of having your mind single pointedly focused on you – paying attention to where you are, what you need, fears and frustrations – it is free therapy and this is where the magic happens.  There are some pure silent retreats an although difficult, prove to be incredibly healing. But I would not start there, instead ease into the world of retreats…there are so many offerings.  

A lot of the retreats I have visited are conducted in a spiritual discipline.  For example, Zen Buddhism, Catholicism, Hindu, etc. none of these religious retreats require that you follow or commit to the religious.  You do not have to be a Buddhist to go to a Buddhist retreat or a catholic to go to a hermitage. But it is wise to learn about the tradition to ensure it aligns with your belief system.  There will likely be rules and rituals, and these are very advisable to be familiar with. I have been reprimanded several times for not knowing about appropriate clothing during ceremonies or even lunch time.  Most centers will have general information about the guidelines and will be gentle with your beginner status. But it is respectful to pay attention, and will save you the possibility of insult to the tradition.  I usually ask the center for suggested books or readings prior to my visit so I can more fully understand the tradition which gives the experience far more meaning.

A lot of the centers have been westernized and are more lenient on the rules, but make sure you inquire, especially ones I have marked as ‘strict”

Packing CheckList

  • Journal – DO NOT leave home without this!  Use this opportunity to express yourself with writing.  You will have plenty of time for introspection – write your thoughts, your experience, your discoveries down this is a vital component

  • Book or Kindle –  You will have time on your hands and this is a perfect scenario for you to read that book about kindness and compassion you bought with full good intentions you have not made it past page three of.   I usually prefer a Kindle since a lot of these centers have ‘lights out’ early (9pm) and I am not sleepy yet but also don’t want to disturb my fellow retreatants. You will likely be sharing a room so consideration is essential.  A Kindle allows you to stay up and read without any sort of disruption 

  • Comfy Socks – or as the Norwegian like to refer to as hygge.  You will be barefoot a lot. It is nice to have a fuzzy pair of socks to put on especially during early morning meditation.

  • Slip on Shoes - Most retreats will practice bare feet inside.  This means that you will constantly be taking off your shoes, opt for no laces and make the process an easier one 

  • Layers – Ladies – a shawl or scar is ideal!  Especially if you are visiting during the hot months.  A lot of temples will require women to cover their shoulders so a shawl is perfect or a long light shirt.

  • Travel Mug –  There are usually tea stations available 24/7.  It is nice to have your own mug with lid so you can enjoy tea in your room or to take with you as you walk around the grounds.