Vacation vs. Retreat: Is There a Difference?

By T. O'Rourke

With many of my friends being downsized, shifted, or fired by their employers, I've noticed the panic that can set in during these transitions. When I suggest that this might be the perfect time for a personal retreat, the response is often, "What? Take a vacation now? I need to get back to work!" In our linear culture, where every moment is seen as a step forward, the idea of a retreat can carry negative, or disengaged connotation. But, in fact, retreats can be quite the opposite.

HARBIN TEMPLE
The Temple at Harbin Hot Springs retreat center is host to meditations, dances, yoga classes and other free guest events. Photo by Tom Gibson.

In contrast to a tourist holiday or an active vacation, a retreat asks the participant to slow down, to breathe, to reflect, to gain perspective, and to notice. Retreats for spiritual renewal are as old as organized faiths, while creative retreats have produced some of our most valued art, music, theater and stories. Leonardo da Vinci advised, "Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer; since to remain constantly at work will cause you to lose power of judgment. Go some distance away because the work appears smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance, and a lack of harmony or proportion is more readily seen." For many, it is this new, fresh perspective that is at the core of an effective retreat.

It is possible, of course, to arrange a retreat at home. But with our current level of connectivity, it's sometimes difficult to unplug from the bells and whistles of our lives. "This is one of the reasons we have never put phones or televisions in our guest rooms," explains Harbin Hot Spring manager Elke Murphy. "And it's why we've resisted the encroachment of cell phone towers and Wi-Fi signals. Our guests realize that they have been so busy reacting to the outside world that they have neglected their inner world. So here, instead of checking e-mail they go on a hike, or attend a yoga class, or soak in the springs, or meditate in our temple." For a new pattern to emerge, it's often useful to break some of the old routines and rhythms.

To make my point, I try to remind my friends how often we have heard that a difficult time or a loss was "the best thing that ever happened" to someone. A new career emerges. A relationship develops. An idea sprouts. A door opens. Those who took the time to notice and accept the reality of the moment — while checking in for intuitive direction — are the people who seem to thrive during times like these. And that's the exact reason why people have been taking retreats for centuries.

Residents of the Bay Area have an abundance of riches when it comes to places for spiritual retreat. Check out the OPEN EXCHANGE listings to explore some of your options, including Harbin Hot Springs, a non-profit retreat center tucked in the hills above Calistoga and the beautiful wine country. Then use the spring season as a time of renewal. Schedule a personal retreat today.

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