Retreats

What Is A Retreat?

Okay, let’s discuss how a retreat stands apart from say, a vacation or a workshop.

In a retreat, we are creating an experience with a clear purpose and goal. Retreats offer ample time to dissect and think over the presented information, balanced with plenty of rest. A common mistake by retreat leaders is overstuffing the schedule, leaving participants feeling drained and in need of a vacation after their retreat. It’s crucial to strike a balance between activities, introspection, and rest, allowing participants an opportunity for self-reflection and learning.

Retreats differ from vacations, which generally aim for relaxation and mental switch-off. As mentioned, retreats have distinct purposes; they foster introspection and facilitate growth and change.

Consider the transformation you wish to provide. Your choice of location will depend on it. The environment will aid in delivering your material, as will the available activities there.

The goal isn’t to bombard people with information but to present lessons, not lectures. To achieve this, your retreat needs to span several days, longer if it involves international travel. You’ll want to allow time for individualized work, if you want to, and also for your own personal downtime!

A typical day might begin with material sharing in the morning, followed by meals and relaxation time for things like massages and journaling. Afternoons or evenings might include experiential activities and group sharing sessions. The itinerary is more relaxed than a workshop, yet more structured and intentional than a vacation.

At the end of the week, participants will have forged meaningful relationships, learned more about themselves, gained new perspectives on life, and returned home feeling rested and transformed.

Suppose you aim to host a retreat focused on overcoming fear. In that case, you might include activities like surging and zip-lining. If your goal is to establish a connection with the divine feminine, consider incorporating water ceremonies and dance classes. Or, if teaching the basics of Ayurveda is your intent, find a venue and food options that align with your educational focus.

Creating a retreat is more than merely teaching in a picturesque location. It’s about distinguishing yourself from other teachers and coaches by crafting an experience relevant to your teachings–that’s where the value of your retreat lies. It’s this unique and engrossing experience that makes your retreat stand out.