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Beat Stress With Meditation: Retreats

by Naomi Ozaniec

Modern life is stressful: timetables and deadlines, continuous pressures, noise and the demands of home and work inevitably take a toll on mind, body and spirit; the retreat could be the necessary antidote. A retreat is not a holiday but an opportunity to step outside the working routine and join the gentler rhythm of a spiritual community. If you are thinking about looking for a retreat, the Internet is the best place to begin. You will easily find all the information you need to plan a retreat in the UK or somewhere more exotic in the world. Since the retreat has developed as part of the monastic religious life, modern retreats are commonly offered by Buddhist or Christian groups though non-affiliated spiritual communities also open their doors to guests. You will be made welcome wherever you go whether you are committed to a single tradition or just have an interest in finding more about a particular way of life.

The retreat provides a unique healing space in which ‘to be’ rather than ‘to do’. Its simplicity offers a glimpse into a different way of living at a slower and richer pace based around spiritual practices such as meditation, contemplative silence and prayer. Many retreats also include Yoga or Tai Chi, healing workshops, talks, discussions or walks into the surrounding countryside. On retreat you will have the opportunity to meet like-minded people, exchange ideas, share in spiritual companionship, review priorities and possibly discover life changing possibilities. Even a short stay can bring lasting benefit; going on retreat is a unique and special experience in today’s frantic world.


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