THE ABCs OF BEING ON RETREAT

A contemplative retreat is a time to be, to sink into what and who we are. It is time planned solely for ourselves, not the world, our professions, the church, or our families. The goal of being here is to become reacquainted with our bodies, minds, feelings, and senses. If the instrument is not tuned, the music is off. We do this by:

Accepting that nothing else is needed to make this moment complete

Allowing others to take care of things

Breathing inhaling gently from your mid-section, exhaling slowly

Being alone with others

Doing only one thing at a time

Doing nothing

Eating while being aware of breathing

Feeling the pleasure of being in your body

Finding inner resources, "answers"

Following the gong as it looks for a silent place in you

Forgetting expectations or outcomes

Harmonizing breath, thought, and action

Laying one hand gently on the other

Learning that fulfillment comes when you no longer want something

Moving your eyes slowly, and your body gracefully

Praying by simply wanting to pray

Realizing you no longer have to prove anything

Sitting with others just for the pleasure of sitting together

Standing around any time you feel like it

Watching things happen without thinking, i.e. just looking