Kickstarter #7 - Retreats

The word ‘retreat’ has several meanings. It can refer to (a) a withdrawal, (b) a place of refuge or one that offers peace and quiet or (c) simply to treat again.You’re probably aware of corporate retreats maybe having gone on a couple before - where staff take a day or a few days out of the office to refresh and renew themselves. Some organisations use such occasions to build teamwork, some intend it as a reward for a job well done, while others regard it as a chance to rethink and relook departmental and organisational goals, and how to achieve them.

Then there are spiritual retreats. Church camps for instance allow members of the Christian faith to withdraw to a place of quiet for prayer, study and meditation. It’s a time of contemplation, conversation, feeding and offers rest and renewal.

Unlike a holiday which is typically filled with activities, where the itinerary affords no or little personal time, a retreat allows you time and space to call a ‘time-out’ on life. What’s the point of a time-out? Well let’s look at world of sports. A ‘time-out’ in sports refers to a stoppage in the match for a short amount of time. This allows for the coach to communicate with the player or team, with the purpose of either determining strategy or inspiring morale. Time-outs are usually called at strategically important points in a match. Time-outs aren’t just for sportsmen to catch their breath and gulp some water, as you can see, its value is far more precious.

What about you? Have you called for a ‘time-out’ in the hectic life you lead? Life isn’t meant to be lived at full throttle with the challenge to see how far we go before we konk out. Rather, life should be led with the periodic recharge. Just like our mobile phones and camera batteries need to be plugged in every few days for revival, we need to do the same. Set aside time for a personal retreat and if you’re not comfortable travelling alone, invite a friend along - a friend just as weary and worn-out on life’s journey. It needn’t be a faraway place or at the most expensive resort, you can retreat to a chalet right here in our own backyard.

Retreats help you take stock on life. It gives you a chance to be still and to plan your route again and see if you’ve gone off course. The quietness of retreats is the perfect bedrock for unhurried contemplation and much needed rest. If retreats are the pre-cursors for advances in life, shouldn’t they be called ‘advances’ instead? Here’s leaving you something to think about till tomorrow.