If you are like me, you are firmly committed to the fact that words mean things. People like us want to know why others choose the words they do. For example, take the phrase ‘transformational retreat’. What exactly is a transformational retreat? More importantly, why is it so transformational?
Let’s Start With the Basics
Let us attempt to answer the two previously posed questions by starting with the basics. A retreat is an event during which participants get away from their daily routines and escape to an environment that is conducive to achieving whatever goals they set. For example, a marriage retreat is designed to help couples strengthen their marriages by getting away for a few days and concentrating on themselves as couples.
A transformational retreat works in a similar fashion. But rather than focusing on a group dynamic, which is the case with the marriage retreat, transformational retreats are more about the individual. They are intended to encourage personal growth, positive change, and inner peace.
Typical Retreat Activities
Although a retreat event could be conducted just about anywhere, transformational retreat leader Scott Moore says the events are normally held in peaceful and relaxing environments. Retreat leaders tend to avoid congested city settings. They prefer suburban or rural settings that allow participants to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Once at the retreat, participants are encouraged to engage in a variety of activities designed to help them achieve their desired goals. What types of activities? Every retreat is different, but here are some examples of typical retreat activities:
- Yoga – Yoga sessions facilitated by experienced teachers can be accessed one-on-one or in a group setting.
- Meditation – Meditation is often practiced in conjunction with yoga. However, it can be practiced separately as well.
- Coaching – Some transformational retreats offer coaching sessions. Life coaches work with participants on developing strategies for self-improvement and growth.
- Holistic Treatments – Many transformational retreats offer a range of holistic well-being treatments that can include everything from sound therapy to aromatherapy to spa experiences.
While participants are encouraged to participate in scheduled activities, most retreats also offer plenty of free time. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the facility’s amenities. If the retreat is being held in a rural area, participants might even be encouraged to go experience nature.
What Makes the Retreats Transformational
It turns out the term ‘transformational’ is more of a possibility than a guarantee. Transformational retreats are put together in such a way as to encourage participants to step away from their normal environments while simultaneously challenging themselves with a few activities geared towards self-exploration and awareness.
When they do prove transformational, it is because they encourage profound changes in a person’s life. A weekend retreat can help a person renew their focus on mental, emotional, and physical health. Meditation sessions can help release stress and uncover hidden traumas. Most importantly, guests can learn how to engage in many of the same activities once they go home, allowing them to continue the same experience indefinitely.
There is no guarantee that a retreat will actually transform a person’s life. Whether or not true transformation occurs is largely up to the participant. Each retreat guest gets out of the experience what they put into it.
So now you know the basics of transformational retreats and why they can be transformational. I have never been to such a retreat myself. I don’t know if I will ever attend one. But for those who appreciate that sort of thing, transformational retreats are held all over the country. They are not hard to find.
