Do you need a spiritual retreat?

I was a young man of 21 and had just survived Day 1 of a church-organized weekend silent retreat in rural Ontario. Yet I still recall the single thought that ricocheted through my mind that first day: "Wow, this silence is deafening!"

Opening up to feelings and thoughts
That reaction could be puzzling to those uninitiated in the world of retreats and spiritual getaways. But then again, the word "retreat" itself is misleading; for some it connotes escape or retreat from the real world -- which is true to a degree -- but the stillness, the serene settings and the silence that are hallmarks of most retreats can open the floodgates to all kinds of thoughts and feelings that aren't given much airtime in our lives. But rest assured, the inner clatter is eventually replaced by almost heavenly waves of calm and equanimity.

Different retreat types
My experience of retreats in the past 20 years has been varied. I've participated in Buddhist-inspired retreats, which tend to involve lots of meditation (sitting, walking, standing) and breathing exercises. I've found myself at weekend retreats hosted by Christian faiths, which combined prayer, discussion, mass and silence. I was fortunate enough to spend a week in the south of France at a monastery where I peeled potatoes, took meals with monks and attended 5 a.m. church services -- all without speaking one single world. (Trying to lip-synch "Where's the loo?" to a hooded monk first thing in the morning is a test of faith, indeed.)

Reasons for retreats
The reasons for seeking a retreat experience are as diverse as the types of retreats on offer. Some seek spiritual renewal; others are looking to heal physically and mentally. Many desire a retreat specific to their religious faith, and some are simply looking to escape for a few days into a life unfettered with the daily demands of work, home and family.

So how do you find a retreat centre that meets your needs? Here's some guidance to launch you on the road to spiritual rejuvenation.

What's out there?
To get a feel for the breadth of retreat centres across Canada, try the following websites:

• Retreats Online has a Canadian section that lists and describes retreat centres from Kootenay Bay, B.C., to Grand Falls, Nfld. They're listed by region and province, but also by subject. For instance, you may want a "nature-themed retreat," a "religious" retreat or a "health and wellness" sojourn.

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