Retreat tips

Retreat tips

There are no "shoulds" on a personal retreat at Holy Wisdom Monastery; only gentle expectations of the moment. Keep it simple by asking yourself, "What question do I want answered during this time?" This could be a small question like, "How can I be nicer to myself?" or a larger question like, "Should I stay in this relationship?"

Once you are comfortable with your quest, the journey becomes the next step.

Bring some things along to facilitate your inner journey—a journal, some paper and drawing pencils, a favorite music selection, a book. It's a good idea to have a loose structure, maybe one anchor activity per day, to alleviate feeling adrift.

Stay open to your experiences during your time away. Don't have a specific itinerary to follow unless you are willing to change it if you feel the desire. The only hard and fast rule is "No guilt!" Don't feel guilty about leaving your responsibilities behind for a few days. Just relax and enjoy the time alone, in your room or in nature.

Begin your inward journey with some small ceremony—put your favorite afghan across your knees, play your favorite calming music, close your eyes and look to your heart. Ask, "What do I want from this retreat?"

Then go and do it! Read a book, take a nap, go to prayer, walk in the prairies, sit on the hill and gaze over Lake Mendota. Listen with the ear of your heart and don't expect any earthshaking revelations. Be open, find your center and you will return to your life with more balance and serenity.

When you leave, take something home with you to hold onto until you return—a ritual, a stone, a leaf—as a reminder of where your center resides.

For more information or to arrange your personal retreat or to request the free brochure, "What to do on a personal retreat," contact us at monastery@benedictinewomen.org or 608-831-9304.