The great spiritual Teachers who walked the Earth and taught the basics of the truths of the Whirling Rainbow Prophecy will return and walk amongst us once more, sharing their power and understanding with all. We will learn how to see and hear in a sacred manner. Men and women will be equals in the way Creator intended them to be; all children will be safe anywhere they want to go. Elders will be respected and valued for their contributions to life. Their wisdom will be sought out. The whole Human race will be called The People and there will be no more war, sickness or hunger forever.
Navajo-Hopi Prophecy of the Whirling Rainbow
WHAT IS A RETREAT?
Definition:
TO WITHDRAW
TO MOVE
The meaning of a spiritual retreat can be different for different religious communities. Spiritual retreats are an integral part of many Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, Christian and Sufi communities.
In Hinduism and Buddhism, meditative retreats are seen by some as an intimate way of deepening powers of concentration and insight.
Meditation courses or retreats, either in a group or solo, are a common part of many meditation traditions
In modern Yoga a retreat is often a recreational holiday, where everyday business is left for a few days (weekend-retreat) up to weeks.[17] The goal is to let go of daily stress and problems by doing Asanas rather than pure meditation.[18] Sometimes retreats are offered as organised travels abroad.[19]
Retreats are also popular in Christian churches, and were established in today’s form by St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556), in his Spiritual Exercises. Ignatius was later to be made patron saint of spiritual retreats by Pope Pius XI in 1922. Many Protestants, Catholics and Orthodox Christians partake in and organize spiritual retreats each year.
Meditative retreats are an important practice in Sufism, the mystical path of Islam. The Sufi teacher Ibn Arabi‘s book Journey to the Lord of Power (Risālat al-Anwār)[1] is a guide to the inner journey that was published over 700 years ago.
Research continues to show that slowing down, looking inwards and being more mindful helps us to live and work better. And the rise of new generation retreats designed with modern lives in mind means that you don’t need to journey to a mountain-top ashram to find peace anymore.
What is a Retreat?
10 Reasons to go on a retreat
• DISCONNECT from the routine of daily life • Have time for REFLECTION • GET TO KNOW yourself • Truly REST • Find your true SELF • Contemplate and learn from the LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE • CREATE • RECOVER energies • REJUVENATE and strengthen your spirit • FIND a new approach in your personal and professional life
Why go on a retreat?
Our current lifestyle is hectic. Technology may make life easier but it is not without stress. Our bodies’ natural state is not used to this rhythm, and periods of rest are becoming more and more important. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of life and dedicating time to ourselves affords us peace and strength to carry on our way of life.
Personal Retreats
Personal retreats are those which provide us with a space for ourselves and we can decide how we organise our time. In many cases, there are facilities suitable for meditation and guidance. Some venues will offer certain facilities.
ADVANTAGES of Personal Retreats
• Greater flexibility of dates and duration • Personal reflection • Possibility of one to one instruction
Event Retreats
Group retreats are formed by at least two people up to the number that each centre or retreat leader considers feasible. This type of retreat usually offers guided activities and personalised to the participants’ needs. Sharing the evolution and changes one may undergo during a retreat with others is a rewarding experience.
Within the group retreats we also find training or workshops, in which you spend a few days of intense work in a certain subject.
ADVANTAGES of Group Retreats
• Guided activities
• Share and interact with other group members
• Group energy
• Development