Enjoy a time of rest in an exceptional setting
In this article
The phenomenon of retreats is present in many spiritual traditions around the world. Today, we see that more and more people from all backgrounds, whether believers or not, are seeking spirituality and longing to experience a time of rest and renewal in their lives.
Ultimately, what are people looking for when they go away for a weekend or a week-long spiritual retreat?
Do you really need to be religious to go on a spiritual retreat?
What exactly is a "spiritual retreat"?
First, let's clarify what we mean by "spiritual retreat." In short, a retreat is:
- Taking a break from your daily rhythm of life
- Resting and decompressing in a special setting
- Gaining perspective on your life and returning to yourself
- Living a powerful personal and collective experience
Did you know? Among the main motivations cited by retreatants, the idyllic setting where spiritual retreats take place comes first. Going on a retreat means giving yourself the opportunity to discover a corner of France, or even Europe, to visit a region and its local and historical heritage, a place of production and a living community...
And what about spirituality in all of this?
You may have noticed that many of the retreats offered on RITRIT take place in abbeys.
For centuries, abbeys and monasteries have practiced hospitality. These places are true spiritual havens where one can find silence, calm, beauty, nature and meaningful encounters. With their long experience of welcoming guests, they have acquired unique expertise and will guide you in complete tranquility.
Let's take an example: Benedictine monks and nuns have followed the Rule of Saint Benedict since the 6th century. This document of monastic life emphasizes, in chapter 53, the great importance of receiving guests and offering unconditional welcome to everyone: "All guests who arrive shall be received as Christ."
Tempted by the idea of a retreat? Note that spiritual retreats also take place outside of abbeys. You'll find them in Foyers de charité like Tressaint, or among lay communities like Chemin Neuf at Melleray, for example.
In some abbeys, the spiritual experience, through silence and complete disconnection from the outside world, can sometimes be more intense if you're trying it for the first time... Whatever you're looking for, you'll find what you need!
What's the purpose of going on a spiritual retreat?
The motivations and benefits of a spiritual retreat are obviously many, but certain major aspirations commonly define the meaning and expectations of this particular experience:
- Meditate, contemplate and marvel at the beauty of nature
- Return to a form of simplicity and right proportion by unburdening my mind of what clutters it, starting with noise and hyperconnectivity
- Give myself the opportunity to draw closer to what truly matters
- Make myself available. Available to myself and to what believers call God
- Take the risk of being challenged in my life of faith by this regenerating experience
- Reflect on the meaning of life and the direction I want to give to mine
In short, it's about taking care of your soul. Etymologically, the word spiritual comes from the Latin spiritualis, a term relating to the soul, consciousness, breath and everything that spiritually nourishes the spirit.
Do I need to believe in God to go on a spiritual retreat in an abbey or monastery?
If you are a believer, note that the retreats available on RITRIT are located in places where Christian communities live, most often Catholic or ecumenical.
However, the doors of these places of wisdom and hospitality are obviously open to all! Whether you are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, atheist or other, you are welcome!
If you don't believe in God, remember that for believers God is often hidden, as the philosopher Blaise Pascal said. This means that doubt is intrinsically linked to faith and to the believer's life.
In every life, there are times of crossing through spiritual desert. Whether geographical or interior, this desert is characterized by a general feeling of apathy, in other words, low spirits. Throughout time, spiritual retreats have responded to this form of dehydration without thirst as oases where it's good to find renewal.
Did you know? Christians spoke of acedia to characterize their disinterest, if not their discouragement, in praying, nourishing their interior life and growing in their relationship with God.
What does a day at an abbey during a spiritual retreat actually look like?
Usually, it's not about living among the religious community, otherwise their daily rhythm would be disrupted, but rather staying apart, in a guest house annex with the other retreatants.
What's more, retreatants maintain complete freedom in how they wish to organize their stay. The divine offices, ranging from 3 to 8 per day, welcoming beginners as well as the most devoted, are open to retreatants who wish to attend, as is the opportunity to meet with a religious or layperson for conversation.
A spiritual retreat is also a collective adventure!
It's up to the retreatant to freely participate in the communal moments offered by the hosts.
While spirituality now seems to prioritize individual experience over collective experience, sharing and fraternal moments remain at the heart of many retreatants' approach. Thus, you may be invited to work in the fields, it's said that the lavender at Taulignan Monastery smells divinely good! In the vineyards, helping prepare meals... The need to be connected to others is at least as important as the need to live one's search personally!
As you'll have understood, it's a comprehensive experience that doesn't only touch on faith and isn't conditional on any religious practice whatsoever. Above all, remember that a retreat is first and foremost what you make of it!
What can RITRIT bring to my search?
RITRIT helps you find the retreat that suits you, facilitates booking and simplifies access to these extraordinary experiences to open the door to these exceptional places, all based on your search criteria.
We respect each of the reasons that lead you to choose a spiritual retreat and we think they're all legitimate: studying before exams, overcoming a personal challenge, starting a digital detox, living a solitary, family or group experience, getting closer to yourself, and why not to God... All sorts of reasons lead thousands of people to choose a spiritual retreat each year. When will yours be?
Let yourself be tempted by the experience and make your choice among the places available on RITRIT.
Nota Bene: quia spiritus ubi vult spirat, RITRIT declines all responsibility in case of an encounter with God.
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