Retreat– There are 3 definitions in my book…

#1 an act of withdrawing from a difficult, dangerous or disagreeable situation 

#2 a period of time spent in seclusion for a specific purpose, like spiritual reflection, meditation, personal development, or a focused community goal or my favorite

#3 or enjoy a re-treat (LOL)  where I get treated once again to my favorite indulgence…like kettle corn at the fair, or a home cooked meal at St. Anthony’s Spirituality Center in Marathon, Wisconsin.

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to lose touch with ourselves. Amidst the constant notifications from our phones, the never-ending to-do lists, and the pressure of meeting deadlines, life’s demands can often cloud our minds, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected—kind of like trying to find a Wi-Fi signal in the middle of nowhere and not having a map…you know that paper thing with all the lines with letters and numbers that lead you from one town to another?

This is where the magic of a retreat comes into play. Retreats offer a precious opportunity to step away from the chaos, providing space for reflection, rejuvenation, and transformation.

Even Jesus went on retreats to get away from the chaos. He went into the mountains to get in touch with his heavenly father who offers peace no matter what you are going through or how frustrated you are with the people (or vehicle, or internet, or furnace, or the weather) in your life that are not doing what you would like them to do. Let’s take a look at why going on a retreat (especially the ones that I am offering to you :)  can be a life-changing—and quite possibly entertaining—experience.

1. We Have to Disconnect to Reconnect

One of the greatest benefits of a retreat is the chance to disconnect from technology and social obligations. By leaving the emails, social media, and our daily routines behind, we open doors to reconnect with nature and find that spiritual connection that often gets left to when or if we have time. 

Imagine living in peace without the constant ping of notifications, laundry to-do pressure and meals to make! Yet for some reason, we still make excuses why not to go. Isn’t that weird? It seems to be our hesitancy to self-care. So sad! 

2. Embrace Self-Discovery

Retreats provide a nurturing environment for self-exploration and introspection. Whether it’s through journaling, meditation, or guided sessions, retreats encourage you to delve deep into your thoughts and feelings, helping you uncover your true, God inspired desires, motivations, and potential roadblocks. Who knew that writing in a journal could be such a powerful alternative to shouting at your steering wheel in traffic? 

I think most of us also find it much easier to connect with God when we are sitting out in nature or quietly in an inviting place where other people are not rushing around, looking at their phones, but are also trying to become better humans and less irritable when they go home.

3. Recharge and Rejuvenate

The serene settings of retreats—be it a mountain, beach, or forest—offer a tranquil backdrop for relaxation. This is an opportunity to rest, both mentally and physically. Engaging in activities like yoga, nature walks, or simply enjoying silence, allows you to recharge your energy, returning home feeling rejuvenated and fresh—like bringing in the sheets after they’ve been hanging out in the fresh air (not that any of you younger folks will have any clue what that is like! LOL)

4. Foster New Connections

The other reason why I like retreats is that it seems the older we get the less we spend time connecting with others and I really enjoy getting to know other people at the retreats that are like-minded. I work with women so that is our common bond, and the topics that I teach in my retreats are common to all of us. Maybe we don’t all have an alcohol problem, but we do all have things we overindulge in that aren’t helpful to our long-range goals and purpose in life. One that I know for sure we all do at one time or another is tell ourselves that we aren’t good enough and that is downright toxic.

5. Cultivate New Skills and Habits

Retreats offer workshops and sessions that allow you to learn new skills, whether it’s mindfulness techniques, communication, artistic expression, or reprogramming your brain. Being in a new environment away from your usual routine can make it easier to pick up new habits without the judgment of your ever-watchful cat… or spouse, kids, or other people that you are concerned. You can start to learn new skills and practice them in a safe place, with others who are working toward the same healthy goals of greater serenity and peace. 

Conclusion

In a world of constant bombardment with the conflict in the news, the fear and anxiety of natural disasters, economy and all the other things, going on in our world, a retreat can allow us to press pause, offering a moment of peace amidst the chaos. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, relaxation, healing from trauma, a reset on an addiction, or just a break from your routine, a retreat can help illuminate your path forward. 

So please join me and find the peace and transformation from chaos to peace and a rediscovery of yourself, your God,  passions and your purpose, and maybe, just maybe, you can even find out if you can live without your beloved Wi-Fi… just for a little while.

Join my retreat on how to deal with “Expectations the Silent Killers” and learn how to let go of irritations, anger and resentment to find freedom and peace. Live near Wausau, WI on Monday September 29th and streaming live across the world.  Sign up HERE

I have other retreats in the works and some that have been recorded and are available on demand.