First Stop on the Spirit Quest: Sacred Retreat!

Regular times of personal retreat are the foundation for my Spiritual Journey. My personal Spirit Quest has led me to this wonderful practice that really helps me to stay centered (most of the time) regardless of what is going on around me.

There are a lot of ways to do a retreat.  In the work world it may mean having the Team go to a site away from the office to plan for the new year, or for a special project.   For some it means complete seclusion at a Monastery or Retreat Center. In this setting silence is often practiced and the person retreating is left pretty much alone. 

There is a way to retreat which is neither work related or requires total isolation away from home. This is what I call a Personal Sacred Retreat.  It does require privacy, but this retreat can be done at home or in another indoor setting that has some access to nature.  It can be done outdoors as well, at a park or garden, or in your own back yard.

Personal Sacred Retreat is a guided retreat that can be done in person or online.

What you do includes several things that help to make the time helpful and meaningful.

First, it is most helpful to decide what you want to accomplish as a result of this time apart.  That way you can choose the best tools to use.  For example, do you want it to be a time just to rest, or to gain clarity, or is it a time for healing or cleansing, or something else?

Second, it is important to choose the best tools and resources for this retreat.  What inspirational readings or ‘tapes’ will be most helpful?  Which essential oils, scents or colors will be most effective?  What else will be useful? 

Third, comes setting up and consecrating a sacred space and altar for the duration of the retreat.  Where are you going to physically spend this time?  What sacred symbols will be needed?  Candles, water, rocks, pictures, other items?

Then you can settle in for your retreat time: 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours or 24.  The more time you have the more rest and refreshment possible.  There is more time for reading, reflection, journaling, a walk, a cleansing bath, creative activities or even taking a nap!

Retreat time is a time of Sacred Ritual in which there is an invitation to the Spirit Realm to support,  guide and protect us.

It is a delightful re-connection of mind, soul and body that can provide the sense of a new beginning and a readiness to move forward with new insight and energy.

During our first session, we take the time for you to choose what you need and desire for your Personal Sacred Retreat time.  During our second session I guide your Personal Retreat time in person or online. And we can work together as needed.  Over time, you will have the tools and practice to create your own Sacred Retreats and the specific resources you need as you continue your personal Spirit Quest.

I find regular retreat times a wonderful resource for centeredness and resilience for everyday living.

Even when my Personal Sacred Retreat time has to be adjusted because life happens, I’ve found that there is a way to keep this commitment to myself.  And when I do, everyone benefits!

Share some ways you practice retreat times in the comments section below.  Or share some ways you imagine what Personal Sacred Retreat time would look like for you!