Spiritual Retreats

When was the last time you went on a retreat? When was the last time you took some time off from your daily duties?

I waited too long, I think. I went to a Catholic school for my elementary and high school years so in high school, at least, I can confidently say that I went to a retreat at least every year. After leaving high school though, life got so busy that I didn't even have the time to get away for a few days to just reflect, be by myself, and pray.

Twenty-three years is just too long a wait. Since a few years back, I have been wanting to go on a retreat but for one reason or the other, have always put it off. I'm too loaded at work. I need to help my kids with their school work. There were a hundred reasons to put off that retreat so I never got to actually attending one.

Now that I stay at home, I have a little more time on my hands and for some strange reason, it has forced me to focus on the things that I really like to do. Like watch my kids. Write. Rest and get enough sleep. And yes, even go to a retreat.

Now that I have resumed going to a retreat, I hope to find the time to take off yearly, by myself, to reflect and enrich my faith. If I go yearly, at least I will experience the "retreat effect" more often. Are you familiar with the "retreat effect"? That's the feeling you get right after the retreat -- when you are just so determined to be a better person, so excited to be nicer -- before you go back to your old, usual ways in a few days or weeks.

Oh well -- all of life is a struggle anyway -- to be better and nicer. The more opportunities you get to try achieving that then the better for you and for the people around you.

Anyway, you know how when I return from a trip I come back with a lot of stories? The retreat that I attended is no different from such a trip. I have stories waiting to be told and shared so do stay tuned in the next few days and weeks even. May these stories generate new insights for you about how to live our lives better.