What is a retreat?
A retreat can be many things. What do you need right now? To rest? To re-charge? To listen? To wrestle? To be with Christ?
A retreat can be all those things. Some have talked of retreat as homecoming. Some have resonated with Evelyn Underhill’s words ‘God is always coming to you. Meet and receive him with gratitude.’ A retreat is essentially about time, space and silence.
In busy, sometimes frantic lives, there may be a great need for time. Time to leave behind all the problems and cares which can overload us.
Perhaps the need is for space. Many of us are surrounded by people and activity and yet we can feel isolated, out of step, or even alone. To come away to a space where we may purposefully be alone, is a way we can discover true community and sense our at-oneness with nature, with humanity and with God.
Our lives are filled with constant noise. The idea of intentional silence can seem daunting, yet many who have tried it for the first time have found it healing, liberating and deeply satisfying. In this place, hallowed by prayer over the years, we are given opportunity to ‘abide’ in Christ the true vine and begin to share in abundant life.
Abiding is an invitation to be drawn into the relationship of overflowing dynamic love which is at the heart of the Trinity. When we experience the generosity and abundance of God’s love through that abiding, we begin to see the creation, other people and even ourselves, with God’s eyes of love. Prayer, presence and attentiveness flow out into revelation, rebirth, transformation.
Our retreats take many different forms; the periods of silence and level of input varies considerably. The descriptions in our programme should help you choose a retreat that is right for you. And we are always very happy to give some guidance to help you decide. Maybe you simply wish to get away on your own.
We try always to accommodate individuals on private retreat, and there is usually someone available to talk with, or to pray with.
Rooted and Refreshed
Just as a good night’s sleep will not change things, but will help us face a new day with renewed strength, courage and determination, so a retreat will not change your life or solve all your problems. But it could be what you need to find strength, a new direction, or a renewed sense of purpose.
“The peace and comfort of the Retreat House, combined with walks in the stunning countryside breathed new life into me.”
— Michael C, Artist and Teacher, East London