Faith and spirituality play an important role in many people’s lives, and travelling to spiritual retreats is an activity a lot of people enjoy. Retreats provide an excellent opportunity to get back in touch with yourself, your faith, and the spiritual aspects of your life. Whether you are strongly rooted in a specific faith, or spiritual but not religious, retreats are an excellent way to break the pace of life as usual to spend time resting and looking inward.
Finding your spiritual roots
Whatever your approach to spirituality, it is very beneficial to be in contact with groups of other people that have a similar mindset. Attending events around spiritual themes, religious or otherwise, can help you explore your understanding of the spiritual realm and your place within it. Sharing experiences at events with other people helps you be more in touch with yourself, and group discussions are terrific for building knowledge and broadening minds.
On the other hand, sometimes real discovery only takes place when you attend an extended retreat in a quiet place. These range from small, independently run retreats in foreign countries to establishments run by networks such as The Way International which combine the expertise of many people working at a larger organization. Whether you are looking for an intimate or a formally presented experience, the range of options are truly vast.
Some of the top options around the world
Located in Uttaranchal, India, Ananda is in the middle of the Himalayas, and a truly stunning experience. It is a hundred-acre estate with sweeping views of the mountains and temple villages. It is very popular amongst both jet setters looking for luxury as well as people who are serious about meditation. The retreat offers one on one teaching which can take place outdoors or indoors, and they focus on the Indian sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda.
For something a tad closer to civilization, you could consider Isha in McMinnville, Tennessee – also an Indian retreat, but without the extended flights. Focusing on personal wellness with a signature “Inner Engineering” program, this retreat is bound to help you get back in touch with life. The retreat offers various programs hosted by an Isha teacher trained in Sadhguru.
There is a different alternative with an herbal influence at Etnikas Ayahuasca Retreats in Peru. Ayahuasca is an herbal drink that is consumed in a traditional ceremony held by an indigenous shaman. If an epic journey of self-discovery through hallucinations is more your idea of spirituality, Etnikas may be for you.
Other excellent destinations
South Africa hosts the Temenos Retreat Center in the Western Cape town of McGregor. Surrounded by mountains and peace and quiet, it offers both self-guided wellness retreats and dedicated weeks with specific programs. The enticingly named Choose Your Path to Healing retreat in Bali, Indonesia is a yoga-practicing facility located in incredibly peaceful surroundings on black sand Bali beaches, with its massage under the stars option being very popular. Finally, Quarr Abbey in Isle of Wight, England is a popular destination for spiritual advice, relaxation, and healing – all centered around community living in a Catholic setting.
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