What Is a Retreat?

Not long ago, I discovered that there are some misconceptions about what a retreat is. 

This discovery happened while I was talking with some people whom I had recently met, and they shared with me that they did not realize that retreats involved other people.

In other words, they thought that a retreat is only something that you do alone. Well, that is just not true.

Now, what surprised me most, in addition to this misconception of what a retreat is or can be, is that these people with whom I was speaking, are very familiar with the wellness and well-being spaces, so it dawned on me that if there are still people in these spaces who are not clear on what a retreat is, then that may mean that it’s worthwhile to speak more about what a retreat is and is not.

Perhaps centuries ago, a retreat was more of a solo activity, mainly practiced in a remote cabin in the woods, for example, far away from human societies.

However, in the past few decades, retreats have expanded beyond the solo experience.

Instead, retreats have evolved to become more and more popular to enjoy with others, with either very small groups or with very large groups of even hundreds of people in some instances.

Generally, going on a retreat is the act of giving up and withdrawing, or enjoying time away in a quiet and secluded place, with intentions to relax and step away from your busy and stressful life, thus allowing you to re-energize, think more clearly and rediscover yourself and your natural creativity.

Retreats allow us to find stillness, peace, and joy, and so much more that is unique to each one of us individually.

Some common components of a retreat are: yoga postures, pilates, physical fitness, mindfulness, meditation, reflection, empowerment, deep breathing exercises, journaling, surfing, nature walks, hiking, dancing, healthy plant-based meals and drinks, healthy lifestyle coaching, massages, quiet time alone, and so much more.

For a unique retreat experience, you can also choose to collaborate with a retreat leader to customize your own personal retreat that creates an experience that is best suited for you and your unique needs.

There are also retreats with a specific theme such as: a writing retreat, a journaling retreat, a meditation retreat, a yoga retreat, an art retreat, a hiking retreat, a detox retreat, a weight loss retreat, etc.

The setting of a retreat can vary from a forest, jungle, woods, mountain, garden, waterfall, hot springs, stream, lake, beach, river, or a more populated area such as a city setting. Each location is selected for its specific and unique elements and energy that match the theme of the retreat. Each setting offers its own unique natural elements of air, water, fire, earth and space (also known as ether) to nurture us on our retreat and beyond.

Retreats can take place in a variety of places in either your hometown, home country, or in a foreign country, each place providing its own unique and beautiful energy to pour into you and nurture your life journey.

Retreat accommodations can be in a hotel, a house, a tent, or any other type of shelter that will create the physical space needed to enhance your retreat experience.

Retreats can offer accommodations in a single private bedroom and bathroom, a shared bedroom and bathroom with one or more other participants.

Retreats can be experienced as a solo participant (meaning you do not know anyone else at the retreat so you will get to know other participants during the retreat) or you can join a retreat along with someone (or some people) whom you already know.

Retreats usually include plant-based food and drinks to provide your body with the opportunity to cleanse, improve the release of toxins, and to offer you high energy, high frequency, high vibration, high hydration, high fiber and high nutrition.

Retreats can be led by one or more retreat leaders, each with their own unique personality, set of skills, experience and expertise.

Some retreats are specifically for women only, others for men only, and others are for all genders.

Retreats can be experienced in complete silence, partial silence or a mix of your own personal time to do as you like, combined with time participating in group activities with other retreat participants.

Some retreats are organized for a specific company or organization to allow employees or members to enjoy well-being activities to recharge and rejuvenate, thus equipping them to return to work with a renewed perspective and higher energy.

Retreats can take place on any day, any month, any season of the year, each bringing its own unique energy and elements to your retreat experience.

Retreats can last anywhere from a few hours, a few days, or a few weeks or months, depending on your availability, your needs, your goals, and your personal preferences.

Retreats can cost anywhere from nothing (free) to several thousand dollars, depending on the content, duration and luxuriousness involved.

Retreats can include any combination of ceremonies such as cacao ceremonies, tea ceremonies, fire ceremonies, new moon ceremonies, full moon ceremonies, etc.

Retreats can create opportunities to build a deeper relationship with yourself as well as new relationships with others participating in the retreat and that is a beautiful outcome of retreats also.

After your retreat experience you will return home with more self-knowledge, self-love, self-compassion and so much more.

I created a video about the Benefits of Retreats that you can watch for more great insights.

So, I hope that these details about what a retreat is and what a retreat can involve, are helpful to you in clarifying perhaps some doubts and uncertainties that you may have had, or that can help to clarify retreats for someone you know.

Also, with this additional clarity about retreats, it is now easier for you to jump in and take a leap of faith to join a retreat and reap the many benefits of a retreat. I would be super happy to lead you on a retreat so join my community mailing list and stay in the loop for how retreats can nurture you on your happy energy journey, also known as life.

Let me know where you want to go on a retreat in the comments.

Read my blogs 50 Benefits of Female Solo Travel and More Than 50 Safety Tips for Female Travel to add to your knowledge, expertise and fun as a traveler.

Follow me on YouTube and Instagram for more inspiration and information  and join our beautiful retreats around the world!

Best wishes,

Angel

Certified Raw Vegan Chef & Yoga Teacher

Wellness Lifestyle Coach & Author

Meditation & Retreat Leader