A Spiritual Retreat for Spiritual Awakening - Articles - Zimbio

Secrets for Planning a Spiritual Retreat

Fri, 3 May 2008 18:59:50 GMT

posted by loveambassador

Webster's defines "retreat" as "a period of retirement or seclusion, especially one devoted to spiritual contemplation away from the pressures of ordinary life".

Our hectic lifestyles create more and more stress and offer less time for inner reflection. Resulting in more and more people feeling overwhelmed, depleted, and exhausted. Follow these secrets to create a life changing retreat to recapture inner peace and recharge your batteries.

What you will need:
A Journal
Clear your calendar
Leave your day planner, lap top, and cell phone at home
Spend time in advance contemplating what you want to accomplish
Research Retreat centers that have experience facilitating your focus
Decide the area you want to visit
Call the retreat center and connect to the staff
Determine time frame for travel and reserve your space
Reserve your airline tickets if needed
Focus to consider for your retreat
Relaxation and an escape from life's chaos
Rejuvenate your spiritual essence
Allow time for reflection
Gain clarity on an issue or life path
Find meaning in life beyond daily or material concerns
Heal from many different concerns, including divorce or relationship split, a loss of job, or death in the family
Heal stress-induced illness by learning proven tools to release stress
Contemplate and find inner clarity

Release your emotional blocks and apply the law of attraction to manifest your dream!

A retreat allows you time to look at your life in a new way. When you are out of your normal environment absent of normal life pressures you can look at your life with new eyes that are devoid of distraction and more connected to your inner wisdom. Retreats are not about connecting to a new religious dogma but rather finding a deeper connection to the divine within.

For more information on creating a special spiritual retreat contact click here, and sign up for our free newsletter. Annie B Lawrence has been a spiritual retreat facilitator for the last five years and has years of experience in teaching and facilitating spiritual awakening. Check our our Squidoo City Guide for more information on Sedona. Leave me a message and share your favorite Sedona site to visit.http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping http://dir.blogflux.com/cat/relationships.html http://rpc.yahoo.com/rpc/ping Blog Weblog Directory

Guidelines For Getting Maximum Effect From Spiritual Retreats

Mon, 17 Jun 2008 14:22:59 GMT

posted by blueboy3

by Chris Channing

–>–>

The correct way of going about a spiritual retreat can mean the
difference between obtaining great benefit from such retreats, and only a
mediocre stay where little is learned. Luckily there are a few key points
of advice that will give the benefit of such retreats a large boost in
effect.

First, it’s important to understand what a retreat actually is. Retreat
means to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in a
sense of seclusion. To achieve this, anyone going on a spiritual retreat
should try to cut off ties they have to the outside world. This will let
consumers focus on the act of achieving benefit from the spiritual
retreat, rather than answer to obstructions in their path.

Meditation is such an important part of the spiritual healing and
betterment process, that it is a good idea to know how to do so before
engaging in a spiritual retreat. This enables those who opt for the
spiritual retreat to focus more on the spiritual aspect rather than learning
how to meditate or fully take advantage of the experience. This is a
logical way to keep investment prices effective.

Certain demographics or special interest groups can also opt for
special retreats that cater to their needs. This gives a specialized type of
learning and experience that could not be exhibited from normal
spiritual retreats and services. After all, learning and bettering one’s self
is always catalyzed when they are among those who agree with their
particular interests.

Another good preliminary aspect to keep in mind is to have one’s aura
read. An aura reading can usually be done at the retreat itself, but
having the process done sooner allows for a more advanced healing or
spiritual journey. In finding one’s aura, energy channels, chakras, and
other types of readings that can help users target aspects of their life
they wish to improve.

As a final note, it’s always a good idea to exhibit a calmed sense of
mental state before and during a stay at a spiritual retreat. Following
the topics previously discussed will allow most to achieve maximum
efficiency in their stay at a spiritual retreat. If all else fails, always
consider that multiple stays at a spiritual retreat is more than
possible, and is even recommended for the best benefit. After all, doing so
will enable consumers to keep track of their life on a continual basis,
and not just once in their lifetime.

Final Thoughts

There is much to keep in mind when trying to get the most out of a
spiritual vacation. Being prepared in every way possible is a good idea to
make the most from a visit. And always keep in mind that return visits
are highly recommended- and should be taken where applicable. After
all, benefits can be obtained over a continual basis rather than just one
time. Nevertheless, always keep in mind the previously mentioned
topics, and maximum efficiency will be obtained from such spiritual retreats.

Learn more on
(http://www.sedona-spiritual-vacations.com/sedona/sedona-spiritual-retreats.htm)
Retreats and
(http://www.sedona-spiritual-vacations.com/sedona/sedona-vortex-experiences.htm)
Sedona Vortex.

Benefits Of A Spiritual Retreat

Tue, 4 Jun 2008 04:15:00 GMT

posted by your-holistic-life
By Chris Channing
When seeking mental, emotional, or physical healing, and can not find a cure in traditional medical methods, perhaps considering a spiritual retreat could be the best thing for you. It is the best way to fall away from the modern world with all the hustle and bustle and truly experience a spiritual journey. The best vacation of your life waits for you to partake in it.

There are two main components that decide whether or not a participant can fully experience a spiritual retreat. They are having the desire to find healing and being willing to do something to change things using the retreat methods. The greatest spiritual experiences can only be found by those who are able to allow themselves to have them. They must also be willing to continue their new found ways when they return home.

Some people have a hard time returning home after their retreat. They can feel overwhelmed returning to their lives after a spiritual experience. Follow-up programs have been established for this purpose by some of the spiritual retreat organizations. They allow the participant to make a smoother transition back in to society by checking in with the company for a few weeks after the retreat.

There are several different reasons for a person to want to take a spiritual retreat. Stress, lifestyle, spirituality, social concerns, and health problems can all be reasons for a person to need to take a retreat. Retreats can either be done by a single person put in to solitude, or in most cases, done in groups. In some groups silence is necessary so that the participants can focus on their personal problems and relate to their surroundings. In other groups communications is supported. The participants are pushed to speak with and enjoy the company of their fellow retreating.

Rural areas are usually reserved for spiritual retreats. These areas are found in order to better separate the participants from the settings they came from that may have been causing them problems. These new areas can put them in a place that allows them to better separate themselves from their problems. A popular location to hold spiritual retreats is old monasteries.

Some of the main methods of spiritual retreats are reflections, prayer, and meditation. The set aside times where these things are done are designed so that the participant may be able to take a good long look at them, and if the participant has the belief, ask God for help. In this way the participants can be guided to their own solutions. These methods were originated by Buddhists and are also done by Roman Catholics and Anglicans.

The corporate world has even learned to put the methods of spiritual retreats to good use. Retreats have been taken in a business orientated manner to help the participants focus on the goals they must accomplish. The businesses send their employees on these retreats to get them to focus on solutions to problems confronted in the business world instead of focusing on inner struggles. The rural areas that these retreats take place in is a far cry from the board rooms the participants are used to, but they can return focused and ready to accomplish all the goals put in front of them.

For those who are considering taking a spiritual retreat just remember, you only get out of the trip as much as you are willing to put in to it. If you are not willing to fully put yourself in to the experience you will not find any benefits. Those seeking spiritual retreat organizations can research locations and groups on the internet. There are answers and an inner peace out there for those who truly wish to find it.

The Symbol on the Rock

Thu, 9 May 2008 13:29:06 GMT

posted by TheSatch

“Who is sure of their own motives can in confidence advance or retreat.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I could have done without the teeth-chattering, the almost constant rain and the back-breaking hike needed to get to this place. But I’d come this far just to see it, so there was no point in turning back now.

Holy Cross Wilderness. Named so because the primary peak in this Colorado wilderness area had a deep, cross-like scar cut right into its face. From what I’d heard, the peak was majestic when the only snow left on the mountain was a vein of white embedded in the cross-formation.

It was cold here, and snow would come again soon. I looked across the valley where we had set up our tents and saw rock-like groupings of packed ice and snow from either the last winter or the last hundred. It was September, Labor Day weekend and the end of summer. But at 12,000 feet and above the tree-line, Summer never takes hold. It comes long enough to melt much of the snow and the ice on the serene Alpine lakes, but never lingers. Only the most resilient of plant and animal life are found here.

To my right, about fifty yards down the shore of the Alpine lake where we were sitting, a pair of Labrador retrievers leapt into the still freezing water. I looked down at Abby, wondering if she’d wish to join them. She sensed my glance, looked from the dogs into my eyes and yawned as if to say “Those kids are crazy, right?”

“Let them go down into the water,” I said, rubbing her head. “We’re going up. C’mon Abby.”

We stood, each stretched in our own way, and set off for our climb.

Our destination was a pass that was only a half-mile ahead, but at the end of another 500 feet of elevation gain. Our reward would be a top-down view of another alpine lake and a glimpse of the cross-stamped mountain.

On the two-hundred yard walk to the base of the pass–”Fancy Pass” they call it–we could see the almost-climb that lay ahead. Still on her leash for now, Abby looked up at me as if to ask whether I knew what I was getting us into. I smiled at her and said, “Let’s go. It’ll be worth it.” We stepped onto the first switchback and began our ascent.

The route was difficult, but passable at a slow and careful pace. Abby had long-forgotten any reservation about the trek and was now excitedly chasing Chinchillas and Pikas into tiny crevasses between the rocks. In between gasps for air, I would call her back to me, only to watch the next critter taunt her into bounding a few steps off the steep trail.

We reached the top after almost an hour. I leaned over my knees and stared at the ground to catch my breath. I knew what I would be looking up to in a moment, and wanted to address the view with full lungs.

Abby was lying on the chilly rocks, tongue fully extended and already enjoying the view.

I looked first at the lake. Treasure Vault Lake was a fitting name. The clouds had left a gap for the sun to peek through and the golden reflection on the lake was enough to make one want to run down the other side to dive in golden waters or prospect for whatever treasure was shining up from the bottom.

I turned and looked to my right. Due north of the pass, I saw Mount of the Holy Cross in the distance. Much of the snow had melted from the face of the peak over the course of the summer, but the jagged scar that formed the cross in the mountain remained white enough to create a stark contrast with the brown and grey of the rest of the rock face.

That cross seemed like a stamp to me. Or a flag, as though God himself had branded the symbol into the rock aeons ago to serve as both a claim of territory and a portent of things planned, but which had not yet come to pass.

I had one of those. A brand upon the face of my broken soul that was both a healing claim upon me, and a portent of what was to come in my own life.

I sighed, breathed deep, and began to pray.

And that morning, standing alone at 12,000 feet, with a golden lake below me and a jagged symbol of salvation before me, I was recaptured.

This is retreat, I thought. This is what the heart of mankind will always yearn for. What he will always need. Among the steel and aluminum and the plastic of his day-to-day life, this will always sustain him, even if his visits to this place–to any place–are infrequent. Because the symbol in the rock is a call to retreat and to be reborn. And then to descend from the mountain and return.

The clouds swept back in and the face of the lake returned to silver. I looked long at Holy Cross one final time and breathed in the thin mountain air, as though I could store it up for transport home. We tarried a moment longer, then began our descent back to camp.

Behind us, the Chinchillas and Pikas emerged to resume their play.

This post was created as a part of a group writing project for the HighCallingBlogs network and SuccessCREEations, Inc. The theme of the project is to write about the importance of retreat. In Mark’s own words:

If possible, think of a specific retreat you took. Where was it? What happened? What did you learn about yourself and your identity? What did you learn about the world and your priorities? What did you learn about the heavens and the person of God? (Don’t feel compelled to answer all of these questions. They’re just to get the juices flowing.)

The project this month is being sponsored by the Laity Lodge, an amazing retreat center in the Texas Hill Country. Take my word for it, I’ve been there. The Lodge is offering some nice discounts to folks who participate in the project over the next couple of weeks, so head on over to the links above to get in on the fun. That means you Jim. You’re in Houston, so this would be perfect for you guys…

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Oprah and Dr Jill Bolte Taylor Offer Answers to Still the Mind

Mon, 27 May 2008 05:39:36 GMT

posted by loveambassador
Have you heard Oprah's latest webcast with Dr Bolte Taylor? Do you have problems
getting your mind still? Here are some tips to create a Budha mind that is still.

1. Stay present through out your day, recognize & acknowledge your emotional warning signals. Practice conscious breathing throughout your day and check in with your body.

2. Use your breath to keep yourself present and stop what you are doing in that moment. Your breath can stop your automatic stress response and stop your automatic response to your addicted emotional cycle.

3. Breathe away negativity. Use your breathing as an anchoring tool to change your addicted emotions, and habits. You can choose to release the internal sensation of the experience of anxiety and overwhelm from your body. Your breathing facilitates the release of negative energy and keep you focused on love, success, and inner peace.

4. Take a break in nature. Nature can release stress and tension quickly and restore balance to your body, mind, and spirit. Visit us on our website to find day retreats, or week long retreats to release your stress and claim inner peace.

Are you in control of your brain and thoughts or is your brain and thoughts on auto-pilot? Share your secrets for being still.http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping http://dir.blogflux.com/cat/relationships.html http://rpc.yahoo.com/rpc/ping Blog Weblog Directory