What is Retreat?
The word retreat in Latin means withdraw, step back. Some synonyms are sanctuary, shelter, safe place. It seems like living in the world throughout human history has often been difficult, dangerous and disagreeable.
What we usually find is stress accumulated by constantly chasing after something, which creates a chronic state of anxiety and a sense that something is always missing. In order to find relief and healing of stress, we need to stop all the worldly activities, step back for a while.
For thousands of years people of different cultures have been seeking personal spiritual Retreats to find a shelter, a refuge from the world and to reconnect with a sense of inner peace. In the Western culture the spiritual retreats have taken place in religious institutions like secluded monasteries, where individuals were offered a shelter and a practice of prayer and meditation. The Buddhist traditional meditation retreat consists of long periods of sitting and walking meditations, facilitating insight into the true nature of being and spiritual awakening. This form of spiritual retreat helps to induce visions, find life purpose and direction, and accelerate spiritual growth and awakening.
We often realize the need to search for personal spiritual retreat when we encounter a serious life challenge, such as a midlife crisis, the loss of a loved one, divorce, break-up, serious illness and suddenly you don’t know who you really are anymore. Retreats are the best way to soothe your mind, body, and soul and to reconnect with your inner spiritual self. Going on a relaxed, religious retreat is the ultimate way to boost your spiritual life by clearing your mind and focusing on your beliefs.
Can we learn how to function in the world without getting lost in often overwhelming influences and demands of the modern world? The only way to change this world is to change yourself, or rather to change the way you see yourself.
Individual Spiritual retreats may help you to rediscover the safe place within, something that is always undisturbed, always unchanged and at peace with itself, a true You. Spiritual retreat center allow you to discover a whole new self and help you in removing the limitations that your mind is occupied with. Spiritual Retreat centers also allow you to discover a whole new perspective towards life. And when you come back home, you bring it with you, helping others to come back home to themselves, helping to change the world.
If you are interested for San Diego retreats the Franciscan Friars invite you to experience spiritual renewal in surroundings of peace at the unique, historical venue of Old Mission San Luis Rey. The Franciscan Retreat Center at Old Mission San Luis Rey offers a place for solitude, healing, and revitalization with a wide variety of spiritual and educational programs. Create your private day away (Quiet Days), join us for a half day or evening session (Twilight Retreats) or treat yourself, or a loved one, to a complete weekend of spirituality and sacred space. The Friars and staff are here to assist you on your spiritual journey. The Retreat Centers is also for individuals who would like private time for solitude and spiritual renewal.