The Benefits of Retreat
The speed of life
How is it that life continues to move faster as the months and
years go by? How can we cultivate the inner equilibrium and peace to enjoy
life? Going on retreat is one way to slow things down and renew our appreciation
and energy to fully engage with life.
What is a spiritual retreat?
First of all it is a designated time – long or short –
to withdraw from worldly activities in an environment that offers quiet
and freedom from distraction. It is a time to step back from external
stimuli, our job, daily responsibilities, from the news, from planning,
projects, from society at large. Retreat provides positive conditions
for going inward, for stilling our energies so we can attend to the motions
of our deepest being.
Secondly, spiritual retreat offers the opportunity to hear and absorb
teachings, to discover new viewpoints. And finally, retreat is the ideal
time to practice; each practice session builds on the previous one. There
are no distractions to wash away the benefits of each sit or mindful action,
as so often happens day after day in the usual course of events.
Stepping out of the usual routine
By stepping away from our routine, retreat affords us the opportunity
to feel, notice, and become aware of our present life situation –
inner and outer. The perspective we gain may enable us to re-enter life
in a way that will more effectively support our practice and values. A
lot can happen in a short time during retreat; it is a very focused opportunity
for understanding and transformation to arise.
Stillness and silence are very difficult to find during our usual busy
weeks, filled with tasks, phones, computers, family, travel, financial
concerns, and so on. Retreats are quiet, sometimes even completely silent
for several days. The silence enables us to hear our inner voice. Silence,
listening, meditation, and mindful activity are deeply nourishing. Retreat
enables us to reach deeper and more consistent concentration in our meditation.
This in turn supports the arising of wisdom and realization.
The presence of others
Sharing a retreat with others creates unity. Communication often
becomes naturally positive and supportive. The sangha is strengthened
through retreat. One’s personal relationships are strengthened from
the time we spend away on retreat as we clear away the unnecessary and
reconnect with the essential.
If we wish to serve others, to improve our own life and to benefit the
world, we need retreat. We must continually contact the inner springs
of wisdom and compassion within by stepping into the quiet, clearer space
of retreat.
Aryaloka offers frequent weekend retreats and periodic weeklong retreats.
Expand your horizons; step to a new level. Come on retreat!
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