retreat vs vacation (last chance to take the survey!)
on retreat, pt. 6
Heads up: today is the last day to take my retreat survey and have a chance to snag that $50 gift card: Take the survey. Onward:
It’s the end of the holidays and I’ve been thinking about the difference between retreat and vacation. Mostly what I’ve decided is there’s not really a difference. The distinction between retreat and vacation is much less important than getting what you need.
In my mind there are still divider lines, though. Retreat is slower; it’s for internal work, reflection and vision-setting. It’s for taking a good look around your mind and body, for taking stock. It’s for journaling and planning and for getting quiet and still.
Vacation is for doing: for seeing sights, for taking on challenges, for making memories with friends. It’s for living, fully and beautifully. It’s for unwinding, letting your mind go and having a good time.
In both cases, I see a change in location and shaking up the routine. For either purpose, you can go by yourself or go with others.
The distinction between retreat and vacation is much less important than getting what you need.
The possible interplay is magical: What does it look like to spend the morning in quiet reflection, then to have a meal and talk it out with good friends? What joy to take a long hike to a beautiful location in the company of others, then to sit in meditation together, but alone in that place? I know of a multi-day retreat with both daily horseback rides and daily poetry workshops. What a beautiful combination to stir the soul in body and mind.
So when I say retreat - and when you are working your way through the survey - I want you to think of both elements of retreat and vacation. Maybe you spend too much time inside your head already! What kind of vacation do you need? Maybe you took time off work this year, but it ended up full of vacation energy and you want some quiet time to breathe and reflect.
Today is your last chance to fill out the survey and have a chance to win a $50 gift card. If you’ve already filled out the survey, thank you! Would you forward this email to a friend who you want to invite on a retreat?
I can’t wait to design the perfect retreat for you!