Have you wondered what retreats are like and whether you should attend one? Do you hear stories about people returning from retreats feeling rejuvenated and wonder just what they did? If you are planning to attend one, how do you decide which one is best for you?

There has been a plethora of retreats offered in recent years. They range from a day to week-long in duration; Singapore-based to around the region in venue; and silent, meditation, yoga or personal development-based. The costs vary too. However, fundamentally retreats encourage self-reflection, slowing down and being comfortable with our own self.

So what makes retreats so powerful and impactful? They serve as reminders that we need to pause and take care of ourselves. Furthermore, as we spend the contained time with ourselves, we are able to deepen our understanding of ourselves and find the answers which reside within.

Group or individual sessions with the retreat organiser help seal our learning and insights.

Retreats inspire us to do more, live fuller and remember gratitude both to self and others.


Here are 8 tips to help choose an appropriate retreat for you:

1. Spend three minutes deep breathing.

2. Ask yourself what questions are surfacing for you regarding work, career, family, relationships or self.

3. On a scale of 1 to 10, where are you today for your key priorities in question 2?

4. Where would you like to be on a scale of 1-10?

5. What will getting “there” do for you?

6. How will attending a retreat support you?

7. Pen all of the above down. Come back to it a week later and revisit your answers.

8. Contact and meet the retreat organisers in person if possible. Share with them your answers and listen to how their retreat can support you. Feel which resonates with you.

A retreat may not be for everyone. It takes a certain amount of openness and willingness to be vulnerable in front of others to get the most out of retreats. If any of the questions below inspire you, do consider going for a retreat:

• What makes a reflective life journey important?
• How are you ensuring a reflective life journey?
• What are you currently enquiring about in your life?

_{Edited by Amber Valencia}

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