by Doran Richards
A Spiritual Retreat is probably on most of our bucket lists. We long to attend and be refreshed in our daily lives unto the Lord. There are so many beautiful retreat options to choose from. You can go to a higher-priced financial commitment and plan a destination retreat, or a lower-priced commitment and explore lodges and in-the-woods roughing-it retreats. There are also various retreat options in between, including local and day retreats.
I love teaching on this spiritual discipline that Adele Calhoun, in The Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, defines as “Retreats are specific and regular times apart for quietly listening to God and delighting in his company. Retreats remove us from the daily battle into times of refreshing, retooling, renewing, and unwinding.”
Some quotes about retreating help you get a glimpse into the benefits of retreating:
“Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his soul.” – Marcus Aurelius
“More Americans than ever are turning to spiritual, meditative and religious retreats to reset their daily life and enhance wellbeing.” – Thomas Jefferson University.
“In the spiritual life, the word ‘discipline’ means ‘the effort to create some space in which God can act.’ Discipline means to prevent everything in your life from being filled up. Discipline means that somewhere you’re not occupied, and certainly not preoccupied… to create that space in which something can happen that you hadn’t planned or counted on.” – Henri Nouwen.
“When you acknowledge the integrity of your solitude and settle into its mystery, your relationships with others take on a new warmth, adventure, and wonder.” – John O’Donohue.
“It’s important to take time away from the hustle and bustle of fast-paced modern life. Unplugging from technology, responsibility, and even social obligations is an incredible way to rejuvenate spiritually. While a five or ten-day meditation or yoga retreat would be ideal, not all of us can get away for so long. But most of us can certainly take a day off to devote to our spiritual growth. Between one and three days is a great start, so if you’ve got a long weekend coming up and are looking for a way to recharge your batteries, regain some clarity, and establish more balance in your life, a personal spiritual retreat may be just what you need.” – Sara Chamizo.
Retreat Scriptures:
‘You will seek me and find me when you seek for me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord. – Jeremiah 29:13-14.
The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent. – Exodus 14:14.
You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me. – Psalm 119:114.
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him… – Psalm 62:5.
To whom he has said, “This is rest; give rest to the weary; and this is repose,” yet they would not hear. – Isaiah 28:12.
As a retreat leader, I strongly believe in offering retreat times to my community. It is a way of connection and is life-giving in every way. I also encourage you to consider hosting a retreat (it doesn’t have to be huge, small, and intimate; day or weekend retreats are lovely as well), attending a retreat, or learning more about retreats and how they are a great way to get the yoga practice you long for but cannot attain as quickly because the world is just busy.
Retreats bring clarity to mind, body, soul, and spirit. When was the last time you retreated? What are the obstacles holding you back from retreating? Are there retreats near you? Can you budget your time and money to attend one this year? Here is a testimony from the retreat I hosted last year:
“These retreats are such a treasured opportunity to steal away from the world that is demanding our attention to be everywhere but God, and to fix our eyes on Jesus. I would suggest this retreat to those experienced in yoga and those who have never once stepped foot on a mat. I would suggest this retreat to lifelong Christ followers and those who haven’t met him yet, but are curious to see what all the “fuss is about ” and everyone in between. Last year’s retreat, and I am certain this year is no exception, is a chance to answer Christ’s call: to worship the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. GO!” {Rachel Sampsell – HY200 Instructor, Former Retreat Volunteer/Attendee}
This year, we have a retreat planned in Middleburg, Virginia – rolling lands of green and loveliness, May 24-26, 2024, at Meadowkirk Delta Far I am personally inviting you to partake in our activities. All instructors or beginners are welcome. For more information on registering, Springs of Water Retreat – 2024
Retreat Recommendations:
How to Take a Spiritual Retreat by Larissa Marks
Plan Your Spiritual Retreat Guide by Mary Bemis
How To Plan Your Spiritual Retreat by Sarah Chamizo