by Kathy Milano, Ph.D.

Living in the modern world demands a lot of attention, energy, time and resources. Many of us have followed this well-travelled road—a societally influenced path of success whereby we complete our education, identify our work, earn a living, perhaps raise a family, explore interests, engage the spirit and enjoy social relationships. 

This may not sound problematic, yet when so much time is spent meeting demands and schedules, the potential for living out of habit rather than conscious intent arises. For years, I’ve listened to people wonder how they arrived at the stressful, and often unfulfilling, state of their lives and can reflect upon how they may recover, or better yet discover, how to create a more fulfilling life. 

Cultivating a life of meaning, pleasure and connection requires a steady commitment of heart and mind and the creative space to explore what needs to be released in order for something new to grow. This can be hard to do amidst the hectic pace of modern living; the process of transforming a life calls for the time, space and perfect container for self-examination.

This is the power of entering a retreat. Beyond taking a temporary break or vacation, the activity offers the potential for rejuvenation, exploration and elevation. Choosing a retreat aligned with one’s needs and intents invites a transformative path to discover insights, practices and road maps. Here’s a few benefits of retreating.

Turn Down the Noise

When we retreat from our daily life, we have the opportunity to step into a quieter space and slower pace which providing space to breathe, listen and nourish ourselves.

Gain Perspective

Retreats that share ways to live with intent, allow for personal contemplation and encourage group sharing of insights encourage inspiration and discovery of the wisdom residing within. This may prompt positive changes in our outer world.

Explore New Territory

Investigate a new skill, tour a different landscape or discover inner wisdom. Connecting with ourselves, nature and the community invites the courage to nurture new dreams.

Amplify Your Connection

Deep within, there is a longing for connection with all things beautiful, inspiring and enjoyable. Connecting with community, nature, art, the cosmos and our soul enhances our capacity for nourishing relationships upon return home.

Retreats vary widely by focus, time, cost, location and participants. Clarifying what is most important helps identify the perfectly matched retreat for our transformational dreaming process. Choose an experience that aligns with intent, piques curiosity and lights us up. 

The power of one retreat may be felt for a long time, subtly shifting the path of our life, or it may wash away like a drawing in the sand after reentering daily life. For those looking for true transformation rather than a lovely vacation, consider retreating as a regular part of life for years to come. Such an investment reaps a greater potential to cultivate a life of fulfillment, happiness and meaningful connection.

Kathy Milano is a psychologist, angelic intuitive, shamanic practitioner, and the founder of Soul Sanctuary, in Moorestown, NJ. She enjoys facilitating and attending retreats. For more information, visit www.KathyMilano.com.