Could you use a spiritual retreat?
The idea of a spiritual retreat is an ancient one. For centuries, Christians have taken some time off to retreat from their busy lives for prayer, study, or just some peace and quiet. Across the country there are hundreds of retreat houses and hospitable monastic communities where anyone can get away for a weekend, a week, or more.
Many retreat houses offer programmed retreats with guest speakers, workshops, and conferences organized around a variety of spiritual topics. There are retreats for people in recovery programs, retreats for business people, retreats for families. Another kind of retreat emphasizes private prayer and spiritual direction. An example of this kind of retreat would be those built around the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
My favorite kind of retreat is a silent retreat with a monastic community. For me, a week with no TV, no email, no computer, and no one talking is a little slice of heaven. Joining the monks for prayer and meals is plenty of structure. Apart from that, a stack of books and a journal to write in are all I need.
For help locating local retreat centers or monastic communities, contact your local Catholic parish or diocese, or do an internet search. There are several good directories on-line to assist you.
