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The Art of Retreating
By
Jan Hornford |
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I have been most fortunate to have been able to go on a retreat this past month. A group of like minded women all traveled to sunny San Carlos, Mexico to attend a 7 day retreat led by Judy Atkinson and Connie Pheonix. Beside the blue green waters we laughed, cried, shouted, and were silent. We hiked, kayaked, meditated, and watched dolphins. We drummed, talked and shared. We celebrated our lives. It was an uplifting and transformative experience.
There is nothing so powerful as this journey to soul and self. There is an unfolding as the many layers we wrap ourselves in fall away. You can meet yourself again after what seems like a long absence and see the hidden truths of your life with new eyes.
But what are you doing there?
People would hear I was going to Mexico and they would ask: “Exactly where are you going?” “Not really sure” I would reply “Somewhere near San Carlos”. “Who are you going with?” they queried. “I do not know. I am heading out on my own but there will be other women there” I replied. “What will you do there?” they asked. “Not really sure”, I answered. “I know there will be drumming, kayaking, and dolphins but that is about it”. People would look at me a bit funny when I gave them these responses. They wondered how I could be so vague about my travel plans.
Once at the retreat I discovered that most of the other women had similar experiences. We were women traveling alone to an uncertain destination with no clear agenda once we arrived. The one thing we knew for certain was that we were “Judy’s girls”. We knew our retreat Leader would be there and that was enough. Each of us knew in our heart that we needed to go, even if we were not entirely sure as to why or were clear on every detail as to what to expect.
It is hard for people to understand this sometimes because they confuse a retreat with a vacation. Upon my return from Mexico, most people were surprised to hear that I did not spend hours on the beach. These people assumed that I had been on vacation. A retreat and a vacation provide a completely different experience.
Retreat vs Vacation
There is a big difference between a retreat and a vacation and this difference lies not only in the activities you engage in but in the intent you hold for the trip. A vacation is a wonderful time out for yourself. Often the intent for a vacation is to have a break from your daily routine and to have the opportunity to experience new places and people, to have fun with family and friends, and to rest and relax.
A retreat can offer up the same benefits of a vacation but they are housed in a very different container. Usually the intent for a retreat is to gain deeper insight and understanding of yourself and your life. It is to strengthen the relationship you have with yourself and gain clarity around your actions and purpose.
Retreats allow you to be still and connect with your own inner knowing and wisdom. This connection supports you to make choices and take action that will truly support you to live a life true to your self and your beliefs.
Retreats support you to strengthen the relationship you have with yourself and help you to forge powerful resilient connections with others and with your environment. They are a place to rekindle forgotten passions and dreams or to develop new ones.
Retreats provide a safe place for inspiration, reflection, renewal, and ultimately transformation.
As a Retreat Coach I understand the power of retreating and it is a blessing to be able to create and lead retreats for others. I also know it is essential for my own well being to go on retreat myself, hence the trip to Mexico.
Not Just For Women!
While it is true that many retreats are women only and that many women enjoy retreats – retreats are not just for women. Men can and do go on retreat and have been doing so for time out of mind. Retreats can take many shapes and styles and do not have to be all “touchy –feely”! Retreats can be custom designed to meet your specific needs and can include all kinds of activities including rock climbing, golfing, hiking, and kayaking to name a few. Retreats can be solitary experiences, they can involve group sharing, or they can simply have one-on-one time with your Retreat Coach. The one thing that retreats share in common is the intent for personal discovery and reflection.
Coaching Questions
•What would be the benefit for you to go on retreat?
•When was the last time you went on a retreat?
•How would it be a gift to others if you went on a retreat?
Actions
1.Write down what you would like to get out of a retreat. Create an intent for the retreat. Set the intent in the form of a question. For example: I intend to ask myself “What do I want more of in my life?” By setting an intent as a question, you are able to articulate your needs, yet remain open to whatever may come up for you during the retreat. It invites outcome without expectation. Setting an intent will help you make the most of your time by giving meaning to the experience. Be sure to hold this intent lightly, as it may change during the course of the retreat.
2.Consider what kind of retreat you would like to go on. Do you want to attend a guided retreat with others? Do you want to go with friends? Do you want to create your own retreat and go by yourself? How long do you want to retreat for? (an afternoon, a day, a week?)
3.Make a commitment to yourself and book a date for your retreat.
Author's Bio
Jan Hornford is a Master Certified Retreat Coach who creates inspiring retreats for personal discovery. Her retreats speak to your imaginative, intuitive, and spiritual nature and help you connect with your personal power and wisdom. Visit her site for free resources, self-led retreats and ebooks that will help you live a heart centered life. www.futureperfect.ca , 403-852-4304, jan@futureperfect.ca
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