Saturday, Jan. 29, 2024
The Rev. Rob Stevens
Retreat
I have a great appreciation for words with the prefix, re. It reminds me that we all need second, third, and sometimes more chances in this life of ours. Re-spect is a good example of a “re” word that means to look again. To respect someone is to give them a second, a third, sometimes a 100th look. It reminds (there another re-word) us that God does not give up on us and that we are not to give up on each or ourselves either.
That last one can be challenging. It is sometimes quite easy to lose inspiration and give up on one’s self. Life comes at us with incredible pace and making time to care for one’s self is critical, however it is not easy. Retreat is a word and practice that is essential when it comes to caring for one’s soul and life. Retreat comes from the Latin retrahere meaning, to pull back. Pulling back is a good image to think of as a soul and life tending practice. When I am in need of retreat I am usually completely immersed in my life to the point that I have not only lost balance, but focus as well. Pulling back or retreating allows me to regain my perspective, focus and balance.
Time alone is not something that “just happens” in my life. Where I am in my life solitude is something that occurs only if I am intentional. That is not true for everyone and I imagine it will not be true for me always. However, I need solitude in order to maintain balance and perspective and going on retreat is one of my most effective life practices.
Do you go on retreat? If so, please share with others and me your experience. If not, I encourage you to wonder what good it could do for your life. If you are like me and find solitude a challenge to find I encourage you to go solo. If you are someone who solitude is a daily reality I urge you to go on a retreat with other people where community is the focus. If you are anything like me excuses will block the way at first. Resist that temptation. Take a step for the care of your soul and get away…retreat, pull back so that you may gain perspective and be reminded of the incredible grace that fills your life and that in the midst of a changing and challenging world there are some things that remain constant, such as the love of God which surpasses all understanding.
Retreat and Meditation centers and other helpful info:
Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE) www.ssje.org
Adelynrood Retreat and Conference Center www.adelynrood.org
Ananda Meditation Center www.anandamaine-newhampshire.org