Retreats; some points on how to get the most out of a retreat
It
is not very long ago that I wondered what makes a successful retreat.
Let me explain.
After having both attended dozens and dozens of retreats
over the years, and more recently conducted retreats, I wondered what is the
lasting effect and what is the take away which can be counted in terms of
gaining a toolset for a new way of being and something that can be embedded and
applied to everyday life.
If there was and is a value, what is it? And more
importantly, what is the make up of such a life redeeming break-a-way that can
be a compelling reason to do them at all?
After allowing these questions to float in and out of
scrutiny and observation for some time with the goal of dissecting and coming
to an honest conclusion, I offer the following:
The observation which stands out for me is:
for the most part we wonder and weigh the value of what it will give me,
especially for the time and cost. And we have to consider those things of course.
However, the value in take away really amounts to what we bring to the event. I
recognized that memorable retreats were those I was committed to with intention
to bring my whole self in to the experience and to be open to the grace of such an event. So, the mindset of intention and to be available and open would be
number one.
Next comes: giving yourself
permission. This conclusion has to do
with giving your self the permission to take this kind of break. In other
words, coming to a place of feeling deserving for an interval; a punctuation in
the life you now pursue. Simply allowing oneself a time out to reflect, renew,
reset priorities and even if we have to make up an excuse to take the step its
ok.
The third has to do more with post-retreat
commitment, than content of the retreat. Often when we ponder commitment to
change, we think of what we will have to give up rather than what we gain. It
is the nature of mind to fear change, and yet this growth, this opportunity to
release the bonds we imposed on our selves is now a very real possibility if we
take the challenge. To have this renewed stamina to recognize old patterns and
habits and to say good-bye to them as they arise. So the third conclusion is:
taking the challenge of commitment.
Now, when considering such a break to reflect and reset
priorities to begin anew, what can we expect from such an event?
Certainly, the location should be free of distracting
elements and one emphasizing leaving your usual devices and routines alone. It
should also be a place where you immediately sense surrounding peace and
tranquility; a sanctuary where all of you can expand freely. A time with others
who have come for the same reasons and to share about challenges openly knowing
that all are here with a commitment of change; a place, which has been thoughtfully
designed with every feature and aesthetic to nourish the soul. Both, in
accommodations, food, amenities and a staff who is fully in support of your
being here in this place.
In reflecting deeply on retreats and now being part of this
retreat that Jodi Thomas and I are offering, our 5 Day Mindfully Dancing with
Life Retreat in Costa Rica, I can say that we are fully committed as guides to
give you our promise, that getting to spend this special time together will be
an enduring and meaningful part of our lives no matter where our lives take us.
Blessings,
Ken Reed
