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Retreat and Rediscover Your Passion For Life

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Time to Get Away

Do you ever feel like you need to just get away, to say a temporary “so long” to the busyness and complexity of your life? A great way to accomplish this is through one of a huge number of retreats happening all over the world. You say, “But I don’t have the money to go on a fancy retreat in some out-of-the-way place.” Good news for you: Retreats come in all shapes, sizes and locations — and price ranges. There’s really nothing to stop you if a little distance from life’s crazy pace and some reconnecting with yourself is your goal.

A retreat is a place to go to pull back from the “battle” of the daily grind.

What Is a Retreat?

Think about the word “retreat.” As a verb, it means to pull back from a place, to distance yourself from it. When used in the context of a war or battle, “retreat” carries some negative connotations, although the act can be lifesaving. In the context of your world, “retreat” has symbolic similarities: A retreat is a place to go to pull back from the “battle” of the daily grind, an act that can be lifesaving — or at least sanity-saving.

To most of us, this retreat idea sounds like the perfect recipe for reigniting our passion. Now the only thing to do is figure out exactly what you want to accomplish on your retreat.

Different Kinds of Retreats

Most formal retreats have a theme and give you the opportunity to immerse yourself for a few days, a couple of weeks, or a month or longer in a setting that fosters growth, renewal and a recommitment to your core values. Retreats are available for a variety of interests, including:

  • Getting back to nature
  • Spirituality, mindfulness and gratitude
  • Healthy cooking
  • Reading
  • Painting
  • Music
  • Silence (yes, days of silence)

Here are some popular retreats that may speak to your goals and passions.

A well-run retreat will provide leaders who are experts on the retreat’s theme.

How Are Retreats Operated?

Most organized retreats are run by some kind of group or company. Staff or volunteers typically are on hand to oversee sessions and keep everybody centered on the reason they’re there in the first place. A well-run retreat will provide leaders who are experts on the retreat’s theme. For example, if your retreat takes you hiking through the Brazilian rainforest, you’ll have a guide who knows the rainforest. If you’re at a fitness retreat, staff will be well versed in exercise theory and fitness strategies.

Because every retreat is unique, you’ll want to get answers to certain questions ahead of time, such as:

  • Is there a set length of time for the retreat, or can attendees just come and go?
  • Is there a single fee, or will more money be required throughout the retreat?
  • What is my total out-of-pocket expense, including transportation? Retreat costs range from economical to extravagant, so investigate this before you make a choice.
  • What kind of sleeping quarters will I be in? Private room, several to a room, barracks-like setting?
  • For retreats in secluded locales, what services are available if I become sick or am injured? Also, what will the weather be like at the time of year I want to go?
  • Are Wi-Fi and phone reception available?
  • If I leave the retreat early, will any of the cost be refunded?

Most retreat packages have websites or Facebook info. Do your homework so you’ll really understand what’s being offered and what will be expected of you and of the retreat organizers. This way, you’ll be able to throw yourself into a new experience and emerge refreshed and ready to take on the world again.