Taking Time to Retreat
This weekend, I went on retreat with fellow clergy. As we were sitting in the closing circle this morning, I realized how much I had needed this time away.
A retreat is a time to reflect, to rejuvenate and to re-examine our lives. To be able to retreat is essential to self-care. Retreating in this sense is not cowardly, but rather a very brave and rewarding thing to do.
If you have never been on a retreat, I highly recommend it. Many of the old religious centers have now been transformed into retreat centers. Many offer interfaith retreats, so you don't have to belong to any particular faith path. (One thing - retreat centers are not luxury spas, so don't expect that. These are places where you go to feed your soul. The accommodations are lovely, clean and they do their best to accommodate specific needs of the guests.)
I can't describe how wonderful it was to reconnect with my colleagues, nor how peaceful I feel. What a joy to come home feeling refreshed!
Remember, to retreat is not a sign of cowardliness; it means that you are brave enough to take care of yourself...first!
Blessings!
Retreat Centers in New England
Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health (Lenox, MA)
Woolman Hill (Deerfield, MA)
Aryaloka Buddhist Center (Newmarket, NH)
Immanuel Retreat Center VT |
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