The Five Pathways of Retreat

The view from Harmony Hill Retreat Center

I will be writing about Retreat as a path to healing, profound rest, serenity and inspiration. More here from a prior post: 
​Reflecting on Retreat.

I look at Retreat from several expressions: 
Going on a retreat facilitated by others.  
Creating personal retreat at home. 
Offering a Retreat for others. 

Today I am sharing the five components of Retreat. I will explore each in more detail in future posts. 

Below is one of the handouts I give to participants when I facilitate retreats at Harmony Hill Retreat Center, where I am faculty. We provide no-cost retreats for people living with cancer

Path through the woods, Harmony Hill

A drumming circle at Harmony Hill

(The drumming circle above is being lead by Bill Moore of Soul Dance Rhythm Therapy. 
Bill specializes in PTSD and drumming especially for veterans. 
Photos of participants used with permission.) 

 
The Five Pathways of Retreat. 

Surrender The Details: Leave your busy, to-do list, day to day life behind. We will mind the details. Turn your phone off… This is your time.

Be Present with the Still Point: Learn or deepen a personal practice of meditation. Explore the yoga of breath, movement and stillness. Experience nourishing rest. 

Be with Community. Be with Silence: Gather with others who are on the same path. We offer each other support and generous listening. We will choose a period of silence, and we will respect each others choice for silence or being alone. Take that solitary walk you crave… We will watch for your return.

Nourish the 5 Senses: 
~ See the light, color and exquisite beauty of Harmony Hill. 
~ Taste the delicious & loving nourishment of the Harmony Hill kitchen. 
~ Smell the intoxicating blend of garden and saltwater. 
~ Listen to the sounds of Spring and the laughter of your delightful companions. 
~ Feel the warmth of being in an environment of ease and care.

Release and Remember: Retreat will take you to a place where you will feel… Awake. What may arise is a bit of discomfort. A shadow of grief or an awareness of a burden you are tired of carrying. You will be in the perfect place of safety and comfort to face and release it. You will leave Harmony Hill so much lighter.

Retreat will also take you to a place where you will feel… Inspired. You will remember. You will notice a movement, a shifting relaxation that will open you to a deeper place of comfort. You will notice a quiet yet persistent voice… Your own clear voice of wisdom. You will leave Harmony Hill remembering the beat of your own magnificent Heartbeat. 

© Leonie Wolff