DEFINE RETREAT OR RETREAT DEFINITIONS

One would be mistaken when searching to define retreat or retreat definitions, that it is a word more aligned to conflict, danger and running for cover than it is a conscious decision to seek sanctuary in a space that allows you to re-fill your empty cup!

The English Dictionary definition:

• A move back by soldiers or an army, either because they have been defeated or in order to avoid fighting
• To go away from a place or a person in order to escape from fighting or danger
• To decide not to do something, or to stop believing something, because it causes too many problems
• To go to a quiet safe place in order to avoid a difficult situation

​I have attended many retreats and Retreat Centres over the years that have included Holistic, Meditation and Mindfulness Retreats; Women’s Retreats and Spiritual Retreats. I was recently having a discussion with a friend who asked me “What is a retreat”. She had always been curious but never ventured into taking the plunge. So we created my Top 5 Go to List, you can read it below.

My top 5 Go to List for ensuring an incredible retreat experience:

Number 1: Don’t wait until you are absolutely exhausted and feel like running away before you book on a retreat. Retreats are an amazing way to keep your cup full all year long. So don’t allow your mind and body to get into such a state, that you then end up being too exhausted to enjoy it! I have always used retreats as part of my own personal development journey, and have almost always left with new insight, ideas and a renewed sense of wellbeing. I did get sick once but that would need a Blog all to itself- what a journey!

Number 2: Go to retreats where you can immediately gain a sense that you matter. The space looks fabulous; in fact you feel excited just by looking at it. Where they have thought about every little detail including how they would like you to feel during and after the experience. This is so important; if you have any doubt at all don’t book it. Some of my own retreat disasters when I ignored my inner ding included:

•  Far too many people– I felt like a number, and herds of cattle would be a good description at meal times- it wasn’t great! And then there were the time stealers- everything just had to be about them!
• Sharing a room with a stranger! Whilst for some this might be the idea of adventure, for me it was my worst nightmare; I did it only once. We can never guarantee who we will share with, and often once you are there, you are pretty stuck with who you are allocated.
• Shabby Chic! Not the sort you pay thousands for! Musty carpets and furniture that has seen better days. Or a bathroom more akin to my Girl Guide days. Now don’t get me wrong if the retreat says “you will spend time under the canopy of our 10 person tent watching the stars every evening, I am fine with that. I just don’t expect that level of basic when the description states “luxury”. You have probably guessed I am not that into camping! Check out your retreat facilities!

Number 3: Go to retreats where they already know you better than you know yourself! How? They already have amazing things planned, that if you gave yourself the time at home you would do in a heartbeat. On one of the retreats I attended several years ago, it was suggested that I went walking in the forest and played on the swings! You can imagine how a city girl might react! That amazing lady threw me out of the house to begin exploring; I have to say after several miles, swings and the joy of watching wild ponies dance across the fields I was in heaven! Retreats are absolutely about letting go.

Number 4: Go to a retreat where you have an opportunity to connect with nature and adventure. The very best retreats I have attended; even the ones that were very focused on professional training offered an opportunity to connect with nature in some way. As I have become wiser I always look at the location first and then what is being offered. Is there an opportunity to connect with nature each day- lakes, mountains, sea, countryside etc.? Are there spaces I can have time alone; go for walks that are safe etc.

Number 5: Go to a retreat where you are already there in your heart. I am sure you know what I mean here; it’s the same feeling when you know its right for you. The retreat offer is just perfect with what’s going on in your life at the moment, and the retreat leader is someone you feel you can gain a lot from. The location sings out to you; the accommodation ticks all of the boxes and more; the food sounds amazing; the numbers make you feel important; the little touches are just perfect for you and the adventure? Well you really can’t wait!

Sally Bonnie is the founder of Visible Breakthrough Coaching, and the not for profit Inspire Women Oldham. Sally is an award winning Coach, and has over 25 years experience of creating and delivering life changing programmes. Inspired both from personal experience, and from seeing that there was a need to support women in a way that didn’t perpetuate their labels. Sally’s passion and obsession focuses on creating heart centred spaces for women to transform and thrive. You can find out more about her Exclusive Immersion Private Retreats below