In The Woman’s Retreat Book, Jennifer Louden states, “retreats are essential – to our minds, bodies, spirits.” I couldn’t agree more. She goes on to quote Rabbi David Cooper from Silence, Simplicity, and Solitude as saying “The soul yearns to be nourished, and if the reservoir begins to run low, we feel ourselves becoming dull, empty, brittle, and arid. If it sinks lower, we enter into states of angst, despair, and depression.” Harsh truths, and yet they are truths I have found through my own experience with retreat.
We live in a very busy world in a very busy time, and the tendency is to go and push until we burn out. We are caregivers and often forget to give gentle care to ourselves. A retreat offers us a chance to nurture and nourish ourselves. To rejuvenate and renew. This is part of our growth cycle, and as we strive to be more and do more, always growing and expanding, ever busy, it is critical that we allow for this down time to restore ourselves. Just as plants have a period of rest, so our physical bodies need rest in order to blossom into our fullest beauty, strong and vital.
Our minds also need a rest. In the space of a quiet mind we are able to tap into our heart center and hear the deeper messages of our heart and spirit. In this place we can listen to inspiration that is beyond what the mind can “figure out” in its usual state of busy-ness. The deep wisdom of our spirit can speak to us when we slow down and take the time to tune in.
When I am on retreat I find a deeper sense of alignment with myself and my purpose. I gain inspiration in the form of new ideas, deep insight, and fresh energy. I have a restorative sense of peace and a calmer, more balanced state of mind. All of this allows me to handle what life throws at me more smoothly. It allows me to put into action the things I am called to do with greater ease, clarity, and confidence. Having a stronger relationship with myself allows me to have better relationships with others. Only when I honor myself can I hope to honor others.
Sometimes retreats are seen as decadent, frivolous, or even selfish. Nothing could be further from the truth. You are foundation of all that you are and do in the world. If you are depleted, how can you possibly support your family or give your all to your work? When you take time to give yourself the gift of renewal, you are able to show up for life and your many roles with a clear head, vibrant energy, and fresh ideas. Try it for yourself! I invite you to join us for an upcoming Women's Self-Renewal Retreat. Take a weekend and let it be just for you. If this doesn't work for you, then take a day or part of a day at home and declare a personal retreat. Turn off your phone, stay away from the computer, put up the “do not disturb” sign, close your eyes and sit mindfully or take a walk and listen. Listen to your heart. Hear your soul. What do they want you to know?
We live in a very busy world in a very busy time, and the tendency is to go and push until we burn out. We are caregivers and often forget to give gentle care to ourselves. A retreat offers us a chance to nurture and nourish ourselves. To rejuvenate and renew. This is part of our growth cycle, and as we strive to be more and do more, always growing and expanding, ever busy, it is critical that we allow for this down time to restore ourselves. Just as plants have a period of rest, so our physical bodies need rest in order to blossom into our fullest beauty, strong and vital.
Our minds also need a rest. In the space of a quiet mind we are able to tap into our heart center and hear the deeper messages of our heart and spirit. In this place we can listen to inspiration that is beyond what the mind can “figure out” in its usual state of busy-ness. The deep wisdom of our spirit can speak to us when we slow down and take the time to tune in.
When I am on retreat I find a deeper sense of alignment with myself and my purpose. I gain inspiration in the form of new ideas, deep insight, and fresh energy. I have a restorative sense of peace and a calmer, more balanced state of mind. All of this allows me to handle what life throws at me more smoothly. It allows me to put into action the things I am called to do with greater ease, clarity, and confidence. Having a stronger relationship with myself allows me to have better relationships with others. Only when I honor myself can I hope to honor others.
Sometimes retreats are seen as decadent, frivolous, or even selfish. Nothing could be further from the truth. You are foundation of all that you are and do in the world. If you are depleted, how can you possibly support your family or give your all to your work? When you take time to give yourself the gift of renewal, you are able to show up for life and your many roles with a clear head, vibrant energy, and fresh ideas. Try it for yourself! I invite you to join us for an upcoming Women's Self-Renewal Retreat. Take a weekend and let it be just for you. If this doesn't work for you, then take a day or part of a day at home and declare a personal retreat. Turn off your phone, stay away from the computer, put up the “do not disturb” sign, close your eyes and sit mindfully or take a walk and listen. Listen to your heart. Hear your soul. What do they want you to know?
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