Sometimes it is so challenging to create space for ourselves.
We have so many competing desires, responsibilities, and roles we play in our lives. I’m not sure if you’re familar with the Enneagram, but I am wired as an Enneagram 2, “The Helper.” I know what it means to be motivated to “do” and “serve” and care for myself as the last thing on my mind. Thankfully, in my early 20s I had the opportunity to attend a silence and solitude retreat with Ruth Haley Barton; it changed my life. I became aware of the value and importance of time away from normal life, to attend to my inner world and really, to trust that God could take care of everyone without me for a day or two. It was an act of surrender every time I stepped away for a personal retreat. And now, many years later, this value drives me to create centering environments so I can share the power of retreat with others.
Here are 5 reasons to create space for a retreat:
1) Mind-Body-Soul Renewal:
From wellness activities and mindfulness practices to outdoor adventures during retreat, these experiences contribute to a comprehensive renewal of one's entire being.
2) Investment in Self-Care & Wellbeing:
Retreats provide an opportunity to step away from the demands of daily life, recharge, and focus on personal growth and relaxation. You’ll return to your day-to-day refreshed and ready for a new season.
3) Stress Relief and Mental Reset:
Retreats provide a break from the stressors of everyday life. Through engaging activities, participants can experience a mental reset, which allows for introspection and the development of coping strategies for handling stress in the long term.
4) Connection and Community:
Retreats often foster a sense of meaning and belonging. Participants have the chance to build meaningful relationships with like-minded individuals, creating a supportive network that can extend beyond the retreat.
5) Personal Growth and Learning:
Retreats often involve reflection exercises, discussions and activities. As a result, retreat participants gain valuable insights, skills, and perspectives that they can apply to various aspects of their lives, contributing to ongoing personal development.
