Have you thought about going on a quiet day or retreat?

If you were asked what you feel you need or would like at the moment what would your answer be? Perhaps you need rest or would like a closer walk with God, time to get away from it all and reflect on life. The pace which is deemed appropriate in modern living soon leads to exhaustion and a loss of personal identity. A regular place to rest, reflect and be looked after is not only desirable but essential.

Rest
Retreat houses offer a place to come apart and rest awhile. A place which will look after you, provide comfortable accommodation and wholesome food at a reasonable cost and, which is more important, a place to be still and rediscover yourself. Just like coming home!

Reflect
There are many types of retreat and for a first timer a quiet day is a good place to start. A guided relaxation and meditation might be followed by some time for personal prayer, a walk in the countryside or the use of some art materials to explore a theme. Longer retreats might be based on a theme or on working with a spiritual guide who will suggest passages of scripture to pray with. There will be plenty of time to come close to God and hear his still, small voice calling your name.

Return
The greatest benefit of a retreat whether for half a day, a week or longer is that faith can be deepened and personal prayer life revived. This means that when you return it is possible to be more God centred and therefore attuned to his will, whatever your daily life entails.