I had the pleasure of teaching an intensive course for a group near Zurich, Switzerland recently, and was asked what I like about leading retreats.  After a bit of reflecting, it dawned on me that beyond the sheer joy of sharing knowledge and practices that have meant so much to my own growth and development, I am constantly learning…which excites, inspires and motivates me.  With each retreat comes new understanding as I am the humble witness to the experience, discovery and growth of others.  This month, I share with you a few of the things that I have learned from and about the retreat experience:

~ Traveling in a group is an opportunity to practice being completely yourself while also being completely present and involved with others…full immersion in community without compromising an ounce of who you are.

~ ‘Retreat’ often has nothing to do with escaping, closing off or shutting down; rather ‘retreat’ can look like embracing, jumping in and opening up.  These qualities that often get dull in our everyday lives making us feel like we would like to disappear, are treasures that once re-found, restore and rejuvenate us.  They can also be easily transported home as the best kind of souvenirs.

~ We travel to different destinations to rediscover that there is no real destination in life…only different levels of understanding that give us infinite freedom of choice.

~ ‘Progress’ is not always found in forward motion…sometimes sideways, twisted, upside-down and on occasion growth is also found by bending backwards.

~ Stepping out of our normal environment gives us the opportunity to put what we have decided that we believe against a different backdrop.  Without the normal triggers, expectations and obligations, we often have the opportunity to see if our ‘beliefs’ are valuable for life in general or if they keep us in habitual patterns that inhibit our growth and contentment.

~ Success and love happen in so many different ways.  Each new culture that we are lucky enough to experience shows us that these things we tend to define in very specific ways (often leading us toward disappointment) actually come in as many shapes, sizes and colors as exist in the world.  By seeing that the possibilities are endless, we are free to create success and love in the way that is best for us. 

~ If you are not finding the answers to your questions, the best solution is to ask a different question. 

~ Having a dedicated practice does not mean that you cannot have fun.  In fact, exactly the opposite.  A dedicated and consistent practice helps us to live a rich and fulfilling life.  The more we dedicate ourselves to practice, cultivating awareness and presence, the more fun and celebration is available.

~ We tend to shy away from challenging discoveries about ourselves and our situations. On retreat, when this occurs, you get to hide away in the embrace of a community that holds you without judgment, criticism or fear.  You can venture into even the dark corners in an environment of acceptance and respect.

~ Taking the time to connect is everything.  Sometimes the biggest gift from being held safely in an experience is to feel seen and heard.  When you relax into this sensation, you realize how rich it is to let others feel seen and heard too.