I’ve just returned from retreat, only a short weekend retreat, but nevertheless a retreat and this (above) is where I went. I go here about 4 or 5 times a year.
Buddhist have a long history of going on retreat. Even in the Buddha’s day, during the three month rainy season the Buddha recommended his followers stay in one place and spend time meditating more intensely.
Especially now, retreating from the world and its pressures and worries provides good conditions to lead a simple and focused life - if only for a few days. And even in that time much benefit can be gained.
I’ve been on many, many retreats. Each one unique and different. A different set of people, different themes, different circumstances. And of course, my mind is different each time.
What happens on retreat?
Buddhist retreats are a time for meditation, reflection, silence, forming friendships, reading, walking, being in nature, eating great food and just slowing down.
There is time and space to look afresh at ourselves, our lives and our habitual ways of being. It provides an opportunity to touch our deeper values and aspirations.
A retreat is not a holiday, but can be more deeply fulfilling and enjoyable than a holiday. Part of the sense of fulfilment comes from the challenge of experiencing ourselves and the world more deeply.
Our mind becomes clearer, stiller and more at ease; our heart can become open and responsive. When we leave, we have changed somewhat, and can take something of these clearer, deeper ways of being back into our day-to-day lives.
Even in just a few days this can happen.
Creative Conditions
I often find retreats provide fertile ground for creativity. Here’s a haiku I wrote after an early morning walk. And lots of other creative ideas were seeded too. Perhaps they will bare fruit here in my substack column.
When I sometimes mention to people I go on retreat they imagine some kind of spa break with massage and yoga perhaps. I do that too but that’s not a retreat, that’s a relaxing break!
Not that retreats of the kind I describe aren’t relaxing, but there there is also communal living, meditation practice, discussion, deep reflection and lots of silence. They are precious experiences.
If you are interested in going on retreat check out some offerings. It might just change your life!
Gratitude
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