Retreat

What do surfing in Costa Rica, fasting in an isolated hut in the Amazon, and investigating past lives in a farmhouse in New England, all have in common? Each of these is a type of retreat. The practice of withdrawing from the everyday world in order to gain new insight is a common thread in all of the world’s wisdom traditions. Going on retreat involves an internal shift in perspective—and while a retreat doesn’t need to involve travel, a change of scenery can be helpful. (And, isn’t it nice?) So, what’s the difference between a retreat and a vacation? Sometimes, it comes down to intention. A vacation is about taking a break your working life so you can continue on with the busy-ness of everyday life when you get back home. On a retreat, you won’t necessarily be lazing in the sun, and you definitely won’t always be relaxing. Rather, you’re deeply and fully engaged—you’re taking this time to walk on your life path. When you go on a retreat, you leave your home and work, so that you can focus on our spiritual work—then you try to bring that back to the office! (Lather, rinse, repeat.)

Wondering if going on a retreat will benefit you? Here are 5 reasons for you to go on a retreat.