Retreats offer a break from a fast-paced life
If you've ever fantasized about stepping out of your life, you might be craving the rejuvenation of a retreat.
Retreats are exactly that: a retreat from the hurly-burly of daily life, a withdrawal from the demands of work and family. But they're not vacations; rather, they're an opportunity for reflection, quietude and, in the case of religious retreats, prayer. Usually set in peaceful, natural locales, retreat organizers guide their charges through exercises and rituals designed to foster personal growth.
They can pack a powerful wallop. Wendy Kopald, co-founder of the Women's Circle in Evanston, Illinois, says at her retreats the tears sometimes start flowing on Friday night, as women sitting in the safety of quiet and candlelight open up about their experiences and vulnerabilities. She says she sometimes jokes that "maybe we should hide people's keys" to stop them from leaving.
But for the people willing to risk opening themselves, whether to the divine or to their own true being, retreats offer a chance to heal and to move forward.
"This work changes lives," Kopald says.
The Women's Circle
Evanston, Ill.
847.328.6328
These secular but spiritual retreats in the Wisconsin woods help women deepen their relationships with themselves and other women. Using music, journaling, dialogue and some American Indian imagery, these weekend retreats create communities, some of which have now been meeting for a decade. International retreats also are available; the next one will start January 28 in Guatemala.
The Yoga Room
Crown Point, Ind.
219.226.1000
This weekend retreat takes place at Lindenwood Retreat Center in Donaldson, Indiana. Retreatants split their days between yoga classes and meditation sessions; there also are periods for reading and silence. Both yoga newbies and longtime practitioners can benefit, as the poses are appropriate for all levels. Optional massages are available, too.
White Lotus Retreat Center
South Haven, Mich.
847.328.4119
carol@whitelotusretreatcenter.com
Individuals, couples and families can make private retreats at this family-run center situated on 10 acres of prairie and woods. (There's even a babysitter if parents want to make a retreat and their children don't.) The imagery at the property is primarily Buddhist, and there are also two labyrinths on site. Walking through the mazes can help retreatants solve problems and feel more balanced.
Bethany Retreat House
East Chicago, Ind.
219.398.5047
Bethany Retreat House offers Catholic religious retreats that vary in length from one day to one month. Its offerings include the traditional Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Retreatants can meet with a spiritual director who suggests activities to stimulate prayer, such as journaling, reading scripture, guided imagery and dreamwork.
Buddhist Society for Compassionate Wisdom
Chicago, Ill.
773.528.8685
The Beginner's Zen Retreat is geared toward retreatants interested in Buddhism and also those who simply want to learn to meditate for their own personal benefit. Running from Friday evening to noon on Saturday, participants spend the night in the society's Chicago temple. Through meditation, participants learn to let go and quiet their distracted minds.
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