| RETREAT
FAQ
Frequently
Asked Questions about Retreats
1.
What IS a retreat?
A
period away from our cares, worries and 'situations' during
which we can attempt to put our lives into a more realistic
perspective. It's any period from a few days to perhaps a
year or more when we consciously and actively opt out of our
normal day-to-day lives. The idea is that by withdrawing from
the physical and emotional causes of any frustration, uncertainty,
etc. it gives our minds and bodies chance to take stock, renew
and refresh.
As
a place, a retreat is anywhere that enables the above. It
can be a formal retreat centre, a resort where one can be
pampered, a tipi in a forest . . . or anywhere that provides
the necessary sense of separation from the causes of your
stress or confusion in life. It can be somewhere you go alone
. . . or an experience you share with those who can help you
through any difficulties.
2.
What makes a good retreat?
What
indeed!? Because we all have different needs from a retreat
what works for one person may be frustrating and of no use
to another.
To
find a good retreat for you, follow your heart, intuition
and omens. Allow yourself to be drawn to someone or somewhere
that just feels right. Your conscious mind may also be looking
for certain features that will help you to feel 'at home'
. . . and thus be more able to relax and get more from the
retreat. For example:
-
Is
it peaceful? Can you sit (lie or walk) somewhere and not
be disturbed?
-
Is
it natural? A setting that allows country walks or reflection
in the natural wonders of the world will do much to help
your mind unwind.
-
Is
it inspiring? Are the venue, location and hosts likely
to inspire you to fresh insights and positive ideas?
-
Is there guidance, support and help
on hand? Often we need an independent listener to encourage
us to share our troubles and thus untangle them. We may
also appreciate some healing or therapy or some creative
and expressive activities to help bring us out of ourselves.
-
Will you have freedom and flexibility
to come and go as you wish and use the above facilities
as and when you need them? . . . or would you rather have
a strict programme of activities?
-
Is it comfortable! What level of simplicity
or luxury feels right at this time? You may want to be
pampered . . . or to have a rest from modern materialism.
-
Is is accessible?
You need to be able to get there and maybe explore the
surrounding area . . . but if it's TOO accessible then
surrounding attractions might become DIStracting!
-
Where is it?
A retreat needs to be somewhere you feel an affinity with
or a draw from. It needs to match your needs for sun or
blue skies (for example!)
Before
deciding on your retreat it's a good idea to review each of
these points and identify the factors that feel important
to you. Then, when you find your place of retreat you'll KNOW
it's the right one!
3. What
can you hope to get from a retreat?
As
with anything in life, it's probably not a good idea to expect
too much, but if you allow yourself to be guided, a good retreat
will leave you feeling reconnected to the real you. It will
have enabled and allowed you to 'see the wood for the trees'
. . . and perhaps make some difficult decisions. You may come
away with some fresh insights and maybe new skills or abilities
. . . and a general sense of being able to face the world
again.
4.
In what way does a retreat differ from a holiday?
On
a retreat you'll usually spend time in quiet reflection or
working with others to help you move on in life. Whilst many
holidays can also provide such opportunities (e.g. whilst
walking or sunbathing) holidays can often become distractions:
you can end up going somewhere just to DO something. A retreat
is thus a more conscious attempt to put ourselves first and
to actively improve our life.
5.
Why does the Algarve make a good retreat location?
Using
the lists of features from Question 2 above, Algarve retreats
( e.g. Quinta Pintados)
provide:
-
A
very peaceful setting, often with plenty of our retreat
owned or common land for you to sit, lie or walk in without
being disturbed.
-
A
natural and unspoiled location.
-
An
inspiring area . . . and, if we're working with you, we'll
be pleased to offer fresh insights and positive ideas.
-
The Algarve
Owl can provide guidance, support and help. . . and
healing or creative and activities . . . at a convenient
nearby location
-
It is well
served by fligthts to
Faro airport . . . with good roads to a wide range of
attractions.
-
In the
Algarve we have sun & blue skies more often than
not, beautiful scenery and fascinating old towns. Ideal
for reconnecting to a more natural way of life.
On
retreat with the Algarve Owl
Join Keith for your retreat holiday!
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