Retreats Are for Everyone
By: Joe Volz and Kate Bird Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2005-11-17 13:59:56
Maybe you've never even thought of going on a retreat. That it's only for really religious people who like to go off into the wilderness and commune with Nature or God or the Great Spirit.
Well, guess again. Retreats are for everyone.
All kinds of people go on retreats today for all kinds of reasons. You can go on retreat almost anywhere in the United States. You can drive just a few miles from your home, fly to an exotic island or find a deserted desert location in the West.
Here are a few of the many kinds of retreats available.
Spiritual Retreats
Many religious organizations sponsor retreats. Often you can get useful suggestions simply by contacting the main office of your church, synagogue or mosque and asking for information on retreat centers.
Going online is another way to find a retreat center. An example is Sedona Soul Adventures in Sedona, Ariz., in the beautiful red-rocked plateau village about 90 minutes north of Phoenix. It offers customized three-to-five day spiritual retreats where individuals work with a teacher one on one.
Visitors to the retreat center can participate in mediation, yoga and massage in addition to going hiking and writing in a journal. All retreats are aimed at helping you to come to a deeper understanding of yourself and your needs.
Then there's the East Mountain Retreat Center, which bills itself as an Interfaith Retreat Facility. It is located in 90 acres of woodland in the Berkshire Mountains close to Great Barrington, Mass.
Rev. Lois Rose, a United Church of Christ minister, is the retreat center's director. But she welcomes visitors from any religious denomination - or none. The center's offerings include a 30-day Ignatian retreat, the prayer/retreat system created by the Catholic Church's St. Ignatius Loyola centuries ago.
Individual retreats in silence are the primary activity at the center. You are encouraged to visit anywhere from two days to two weeks, and the center will help you to plan your retreat. You will keep silence except during your periodic meetings with a spiritual guide.
The accent is on simplicity at East Mountain. You will prepare most of your simple meals yourself, though arrangements can be made for a hot meal upon request.
Retreats for the Heck of It
If a retreat in Hawaii appeals to you, perhaps Dolphin Retreats is just the thing. The seven day, self-designed retreat promises complete relaxation, healing and the chance to absorb the energies of a beautiful island paradise. Of course, a highlight is actually swimming with dolphins.
Other activities aimed at soothing your spirit include yoga, dance, music, journaling and even acupuncture and prayer, depending on your particular desires. Meals are made from organic foods.
Another retreat (though without dolphins) is available at Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa in Moab, Utah. The luxury suites overlook the magnificent Colorado River.
Activities are on the active side at this resort with whitewater rafting and kayaking, 4 x 4 off road tours, hiking and mountain climbing all on the menu. After the strenuous activity, though, comes relaxing - luxuriating in the spa with massages, holistic facial and body treatments and other salon services as desired.
Business Retreats
OK, it can't be all play and no work, right? Many forward-thinking businesses sponsor retreats for their employees. Many managers believe believe that taking employees to a quiet location away from the telephones and computers and hustle of everyday life will lead to creative thinking and original insights.
Lasting for a weekend or a week, these retreats aim at building in participants a greater sense of togetherness and commitment. When they work as planned, the retreats help participants return to the workplace more anxious to fulfill their business goals.
The Hamilton Park Conference Center in Florham Park, N.J., is a good example; it offers businesses a luxurious location for their retreats. Participants meet in a beautiful landscaped setting where flowers bloom all summer long. And it's only about 20 mile west of New York City.
After attending meetings, they can work out at an indoor/outdoor swimming pool and exercise room to eliminate the stress and discomfort of sitting long hours in meeting rooms. Meals are scrumptious, prepared by the in-house staff.
If you are interested in a business retreat, consider recommending one to your manager.
Everyone can use some downtime now and again. So, what are you waiting for? Pick out your resort site now and make plans for a remarkably rewarding time.
Links
- www.sedonasouladventures.com
- www.oneloveonespirit.com/boat.html
- www.sorrelriver.com/moab-events.html
- www.retreatsconnection.com
Books
Find these books online at www.BarnesandNoble.com
Fodor's Health Escapes: 284 Resorts and Retreats Where You Can Get Fit, Feel Good, Find Yourself and Get Away From It All
Fodors, Fodor's Travel Publications, Inc., 2001.
The Wisdom of Solitude: A Zen Retreat in the Woods
By Jane Dobisz, HarperCollins Publishers, 2003.
Catholic America: Self-Renewal Centers and Retreats
By Patricia Christian-Meyer, Beacon Point Press, 1993.
Yoga Kitchen: Vegetarian Recipes From the Shoshoni Yoga Retreat
By Faith Stone and Rachael Guidry, Book Publishing Company, 2004.
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