A spiritual retreat is a way in which a person can connect with
Divinity or their own inner spirit in an environment that is free from
the pressures of everyday life. These retreats often create a sense of
quietude, reflection and sometimes, even workshops or the guidance of a teacher. Spiritual retreats can be an excellent way to reconnect with our selves and to get back in touch with what is truly important in life.
There are many places around the world that offer a variety of
spiritual retreats, but did you know that you can organize and create
your very own informal group retreat experience? With a little planning
and creativity, this can be an enjoyable and relaxing event.
Who and Where
First you will need to decide to figure out who would be interested in
taking part in the retreat and a good time for all of you to get
together. For most people, a one-day or even weekend retreats are the most feasible time wise. If you're having a weekend retreat, either you or one of your family members or friends can host the retreat at home or you may decide to rent a hotel room. If the weather is warm and all of you enjoy the outdoor experience you may even think of having a camping retreat at a wilderness campground or a state park where camping is allowed. If you decide to go the camping or hotel route, just be sure to make reservations well ahead of time. Also, aside from each person's own daily items, plan ahead of time what necessities the group needs to bring, such as camping gear, art materials, CD's, etc. and decide who is going to bring what.
What to Do
The options of what to do on your spiritual retreat are endless. But
since the point of a retreat is to relax and spiritually rejuvenate you
don't want to plan a rigid or jam-packed schedule. You and the others
who are participating should discuss ahead of time the things you'd
like to do and maybe even write up some type of outline, but keep it
flexible. What may have sounded like a great idea at the time of
planning may not sound so great once all of you get together. Or, once all of you are together, one or more of you may be inspired to do
something completely different. Just make sure that there is a certain
balance to your retreat, with a good mixture of quiet group reflection,
uplifting or stimulating activities and personal or private time.
Some ideas for activities include:
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Art activities such as drawing, making Soul Collage cards or an outdoor sand painting
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Quiet reflection such as meditation or group prayer
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Organized rituals such as a healing ritual or gratitude ritual
- Outdoor activities such as starting a group flower or vegetable garden, a Medicine Wheel or taking a nature walk
Use Those Talents!
Does someone in your group have a specific talent or skill? Maybe one
of the members of your group is particularly creative and can lead an
informal class in drawing, journaling or poetry writing. Or perhaps one
of you is particularly intuitive and can give aura or tarot card
readings. Incorporate the skills and talents of your group into your
spiritual retreat as a way to expand and enrich the experience.
Remember, It's a Retreat
This means, keep as many distractions out of the day as possible. Leave your laptop at home and keep your cell phone turned off, especially during any quiet times. Allow yourself this time to put aside thoughts of work, family obligations and responsibilities and let your spirit become rested and refreshed.
Having an informal group retreat can be wonderful way to strengthen the bonds of friendship and compassion in your group, and a way to expand your own inner spirituality. Be creative, have fun and let your spirit take wing.
Further Reading:
A River in the Desert: 12 Retreats for Women's Groups by Ellen Shepard
A Woman's Spiritual Retreat: Teaching, Meditations and Rituals to Celebrate Your Authentic Feminine Wisdom by Joan Borysenko
(Audiobook)
