What is a Retreat? A retreat is an opportunity we give ourselves to step away from our everyday tasks, the numerous roles we wear, and the daily routines that run our lives and step into space to discover or connect more deeply with our inner selves. A retreat is about setting time aside from our outer selves to reveal and nourish our inner spirit, our soul, our true selves the Atman, the Buddha, the Christ-within – whatever term fits your spirituality. This often consists of focused prayer, contemplation and/or companion journeying in the context of a multiple-day commitment at a retreat facility.
What is a Busy Person’s Retreat? A “Busy Person’s Retreat” offers an opportunity for one to make a retreat but in the midst of a daily, busy routine of life rather than carving out a period of time away from family and obligations. Retreatants are asked to set aside 20 – 30 minutes a day for their retreat time and are provided daily suggested scripture passages, some written reflections and other optional resources (i.e. videos, audio scriptures, and messages to one of our spiritual companions) to deepen their connection with their inner selves and the Divine. By participating in this retreat, we endeavor to help you learn how to make time for prayer and meditation even in the midst of a regular busy schedule.
But I work every day and I’m just too busy, so I guess this is not for me? This retreat is designed for folks just like yourself!! The retreat is formatted to be flexible so that it fits into a busy person’s schedule – a person who is busy but still recognizes the importance of spending some time with The Divine.
How does the retreat work? A Busy Person’s Retreat has two components:
Daily Prayer Time: Each day includes approximately 20 - 30 minutes of scripture reading & personal prayer (at a time chosen by the individual retreatant), using the materials provided each day by the retreat team and delivered to you via email or an online link.
Spiritual Companioning: This retreat includes one 50-minute conference with one of APTB’s Spiritual Companions. Each retreatant is invited to unpack, process and reflect on their retreat experience in a sacred space with a caring, compassionate listener. These sessions can take place in person, over the phone or via Zoom. Additional sessions can be arranged according to the retreatant's needs.
Each day, retreatants will have materials to pray with. Some of these materials may include: Scripture passages, meditations, reflection questions, video-audio clips, or other exercises and media. Look over the prayer materials/options each morning before you formally begin your prayer period – either during the day or the evening or a combination of times. This preparation allows you to sort through any questions or confusion you might have about the prayer materials, thus helping you to enter into this prayer period more smoothly and deliberately. Spiritual Companions are available to hear/read your written questions, prayer intentions or reflections on retreat materials. (You will be provided with the contact information for the Spiritual Companion you select upon registration.)
Helpful resources: Click here to meet our Spiritual Companions. Preview our retreatant guidebook here.