Retreat

/re tret/

• withdraw to a quiet or secluded place

• change one’s decisions, plans, or attitude

• a quiet or secluded place in which one can rest and relax

Each morninG, I wake up and look out my sliding glass window, expectant for the day and what it holds.

If I’m fortunate enough, I’ll awake extra early, so that I’ll have the extra hour or so for reflection.

But most days, just like any other woman, I wake up and my day starts running with a bang (especially in my mind). As soon as the coffee is brewed, I am off like a rocket—taking on everything that comes my way. But the ironic thing is that it’s the exact opposite of what I want my demeanor to be—calm, inviting, restful. Like so many other women, oftentimes, our mornings, days, and even vacations revolve around others—our spouse, children, clients, colleagues, friends, family, and pets. We rarely take moments—true valuable moments—for ourselves.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the word, retreat. What does it mean? How does it apply to me? How can I carve it out into my everyday life? Because I know that when I truly allow my heart and mind and body to retreat, I am able to reflect, and rest, and recharge. I am able to getaway and discover more of who I am in the season of life I’m in. And how wonderful it is when I am able to do this with other women—my mother. My sisters. My colleagues. My friends.

Look around outside in nature and notice how many species not only practice the art of retreat, but practice it together. Dolphins. Geese. Elephants. Birds. Ants. Each day they have a time to rest and retreat. And then there are set seasons for their traveling retreats.

So, why is it so difficult for humans (particularly women) to rest, be still, and retreat? Why do we try to tackle every mountain of our lives on our own at a rapid pace?

It is still a puzzlement to me, but much of it, I believe, is a discipline. The behavior is learned and practiced. And for it to become inundated in our lives, we need to recognize it ourselves. Moment by moment. Day by day. Breath by breath.

And then we need to share it with each other—encouraging those around us to practice the gift of retreat.

So your encouragement this day is just that: Find a spot (even if it’s your bed, or favorite bench, or swing) and take 10 minutes today to retreat. No noise. No phone. No agenda. Just you. Embrace the time, the day, and the marvelous gift that the retreat has brought you.