In our fast-paced world, taking time to slow down and retreat from our usual routines is more important now than ever. Whether it’s a writing retreat or a general retreat involving crafts, faith, family, or a girls’ getaway, these experiences offer a chance to recharge, refocus, and reconnect with what truly matters. That’s why I’ve made retreats a summer tradition.
There’s something magical about summer. The longer days, the warm weather, and the general sense of relaxation all make it the perfect time of year for a retreat. Summer offers a break from our usual routines, giving us the freedom to explore new places, try new activities, and focus on our personal growth.
The type of retreat you choose depends on what you’re hoping to achieve. A writing retreat, for instance, offers uninterrupted time to focus on your stories. But retreats can take many forms. A craft retreat might be perfect for those looking to unleash their creativity, while a faith retreat can offer a chance for spiritual reflection and growth. A family trip can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories, and a girls’ getaway can provide much-needed camaraderie and relaxation.
Planning a retreat involves setting clear intentions. What do you hope to gain from this experience? Whether it’s completing a draft, learning a new craft technique, deepening your faith, spending quality time with loved ones, reconnecting with friends, or simply relaxing and rejuvenating, having a clear goal can guide your activities and make your retreat more fulfilling.
A typical day on a retreat might start with a leisurely breakfast followed by a morning dedicated to your chosen activity. Afternoons can be spent exploring your surroundings, and evenings can be a time for reflection and relaxation. The beauty of a retreat is that you can structure your days in a way that suits your needs and preferences.
Retreats can also present challenges. It can be difficult to step away from our responsibilities and give ourselves permission to focus on our own needs and interests. But remember, taking time for yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. If you find it hard to switch off, try setting specific times for checking emails or messages, and dedicate the rest of the time to enjoying your retreat. Even if it’s to just change your scenery a little – one of my favorite “writing retreat” spots at home is our screen porch. It’s just enough of a change to be different and different can spark creativity.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, tired, or simply in need of a change of pace, consider planning a retreat this summer. Whether it’s a weekend or a week, alone or with others, focusing on writing, craft, faith, family, friendship, or simply relaxation, a retreat can offer a refreshing and rewarding experience. So why not make it a summer tradition? You never know what discoveries, connections, and memories await.
If you could plan your ideal retreat, what would it look like? Where would it be, who would you go with, and what activities would you include? I’d love for you to share in the comments.
RuthieH says
I’ve never been on a retreat but I’d love to try it some day. I’d like to go on a prayer retreat, I moved houses not long ago so I’ve joined a new church, everyone is great but I haven’t got to know anybody well yet, so I would like to go with people from my church as a retreat would be a perfect way of getting to know people better.
Renate says
Hi Laura! I have been to week long and weekend faith retreats for young adults, for women and for church members. As a teacher I have gone to teacher conferences and been selected for three study tours- one to Berlin, Germany, another to Switzerland and the third to Japan. My ideal retreat: #1 is location – some place different -for weekend retreats a small quiet inland lake for relaxing with nature trails. # 2 for adults is not to be over scheduled with large group activities. Planned down time to spend enjoying time with just a small group of people or even alone. #3 – inspiration to lift the soul (be it music, prayer time, crafts, nature walk, boating, campfire talks). #4 Good coffee, good food, great sweets for delightful fellowship. There you have MY GREAT RETREAT! Enjoy your weekend. Best wishes.
Trudy says
My ideal retreat is to go somewhere cooler than Florida!! And, preferably, it’d be in the fall, so I could see the leaves change color. I always loved visiting relatives in NW GA in October, so just to do that would be nice, and since October is the start of my busy time of year, I’d switch it to March, and maybe also make it a trip to NC, or even NE GA. Maybe TN. I’m definitely not picky! Walks would be nice, or maybe a little antiquing, and definitely would include a book store!! I’d want a few friends to go with me, too!
Laura Ashwood says
All of those ideas sound wonderful! Just getting away is the key I think :)
Laura Ashwood says
Hi Renate, thank you for sharing – a faith retreat would be so wonderful I think. And how exciting for you to have participated in those study tours! Enjoy your weekend as well.
Laura Ashwood says
Hi, a prayer retreat would be a great way of getting to know people better! I hope you are able to make that happen.
Debra Pruss says
It would be my husband (he is my caregiver). I would like to go to a hotel in the Thomas, Davis, Canaan Valley area of Wests Virginia. I would love to be able to just be able to enjoy nature. There is so much wilderness and state parks in the area. My Mom was born and raised in the area. I loved to be there. Most of the family has passed away or moved on. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
Debra Pruss says
I would love to go to a hotel in the Thomas, Davis, Canaan Valley area in West Virginia. It would be my husband (he is my caregiver). I would love to be able to just be able to enjoy nature. There is so much wilderness and state parks in the area. My Mom was born and raised in the area. I loved to be there. Most of the family has passed away or moved on. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
Marina Costa says
I would like a writing retreat. I would not mind exactly the place – at the seaside, at the Danube or in the mountains – but, if at the seaside, maybe not in a resort. In a village or at the outskirts of the town. We would meet for the three meals – no matter if all three are provided in the place we are staying or one of them is at an eatery in town. The morning would be spent writing (outside, if the weather permits, or on an open porch/ terrace) and the afternoon either writing, either having craft-related discussions (not simple brainstorming, this would be reserved for the evenings).
I would also like a campfire in the last evening.