Personal Retreats: An Excellent Way to Unplug and Find Your Center

I never considered the idea of a personal retreat until I was pursuing my master’s degree in practical theology. One of the courses on spiritual formation highlighted the significance of self-care and the all-too-common experience of burnout—mentally, physically, and emotionally. I learned that sometimes stepping away from our daily routines is essential to prepare for the challenges and blessings that lie ahead. Spending time with God is crucial for regaining our bearings and sense of truth, enabling us to return feeling refreshed and whole, ready to tackle our responsibilities or pursue our goals.

The Importance of Personal Retreats

My instructor emphasized that a personal retreat should last at least half a day, preferably a full day, or even a weekend, depending on the time you need and what matters to you. The key is to step away, pray, and connect with God for self-reflection, self-examination, and renewal. A personal retreat involves stepping away from friends, family, church members, sorority sisters, and co-workers, sitting in silence, and focusing on God, allowing His presence to resonate within you. Even Jesus needed to separate from His disciples to pray and rest. Luke 5:16 states, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” This practice highlights the vital need to carve out time to step away, even from ministry work, and reconnect with one's spiritual core.

Ideas for a Personal Retreat

Spending a day or more in a new setting for a personal retreat can be incredibly rejuvenating. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:

• Hotel, Airbnb, or Cozy Cabin. Booking a space for solitude and reflection (keep the television off) might provide the tranquility needed to recharge.

• Monasteries. Some monasteries may offer a room as a place for you to rest and spend time with God.

• Local parks, nature reserves, a ranch. These spaces offer a serene backdrop for meditation, walking, and reflection without the need for extensive travel or expense.

• A local library or community center.  This venue can serve as a cost-effective retreat space, offering a quiet atmosphere for contemplation.

• At home. This is the last option, but a dedicated space that ensures privacy and minimizes interruptions can also be effective.

The key is to find a place where you can unplug, breathe deeply, and immerse yourself in the peace that solitude can bring.

My Personal Retreat Experience

One of my personal retreat experiences led me to a study room at Regent University's Library. I brought a devotional book and a textbook from a previous class. This option was  cost-effective and allowed me to set specific intentions for my time with God. I selected a venue that supported silence, and I had written down my areas of focus and prayer for the retreat while bringing items for comfort. Good practices to follow when going on your personal retreat.

It was around 9:30 a.m., when I arrived at the study room. I unpacked my items (snack, drink, books, writing utensils and paper) and began with a prayer, followed by three hours of devotional reading and prayers to address my anxiety and focal areas where I needed guidance. My intention was to lay my busy work and actions before God to discern what to keep, delay, or remove. I sought direction, rest from my hectic schedule, and revitalization.

At noon, I attended Chapel, worshiping and absorbing the preacher's message. Afterwards, I walked around campus for the first time, resting on a bench under a mature tree, taking in God’s beauty. I returned to the study room around 2 p.m. to finish my devotionals and pray. As I read my devotionals and sought God, I journaled as He spoke to me. It was 3:30 p.m. when I packed up my belongings to return home. On my way, I stopped by a diner for a bite to eat. There I imagined the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit sitting across from me, keeping me company. I stayed for about an hour, finding calmness in God's presence. It was a great meal and time well spent.

My retreat had few interruptions. I heard another man praying over an assignment in the study room next to me and I had to check on my son to ensure he made it home from school, as my husband had a prior engagement.

I entered the retreat unsure of my desires and questioning my abilities, wanting to listen for God's instruction. The retreat was transformative. I left the retreat feeling refreshed, cleansed of anxiety and worry, divine direction, and ready to move forward with God's plans for my life.

Schedule Your Personal Retreat

I strongly encourage you to plan a personal retreat. May this time serve as an opportunity for spiritual rejuvenation, personal development, and a renewed awareness of the significance of self-care in combating burnout. Embrace the insights and peace that God reveals to you during this retreat.

Let this experience serve as a reminder to focus on both God and you as you prioritize your well-being amidst life's challenges and uncertainties.