Individual Retreats at the Abode of the MessageIs it time to reconnect your inner and outer life? Are you at a turning point, deciding on your next step? Looking for healing? Perhaps you want to deepen your attunement and spiritual practice in ways not possible with your hectic daily schedule. All of these are good reasons to consider taking an individual guided retreat. There are, of course, many more! (For example, some retreatants come every year for a birthday "tune-up.") The Sufi Retreat Center at the Abode has been offering individual guided retreats for nearly three decades. Some take retreats here year after year, but we also serve many who are new to the retreat process. Some are Sufi Order initiates, others have little or no experience with Sufi practices. All are welcome.
Retreat FAQsQ: I've taken group retreats. Why should I consider an individual one? A: An individual retreat starts with your goals, intentions, and level of experience. It unfolds at your pace, and often permits a deeper experience of the practices than is possible on a group retreat. Q: How do I choose a retreat guide? A: Currently guiding retreats: All retreat guides are trained, experienced, and certified by the Sufi Order Int'l. Feel free to speak with any of us. If you don't know the retreat guides on staff, call the Retreat Coordinator. You will be asked what your intention is for the retreat, about your background and experience with spiritual practices, and if you have a preference for a female or male guide. He will then choose someone who is a good match for you. Q: Where will I stay during the retreat? A: Most retreatants choose to stay in one of our small rustic huts, located around a meadow a 10-minute walk uphill from the main community buildings. Each hut has heat and electricity, and is simply furnished with a bed, altar, lamp, hot pot, fan, and meditation cushions and benches. There is an outhouse located in the retreat meadow; showers and toilets are available in the bathrooms of the Meditation Hall. Q: What happens when the guide visits? A: Visits may be once or twice a day. The guide will come into the hut and sit in silent meditation with you for a few minutes. Then s/he will suggest practices for you that generally include work with breath, light, and sound, as well as meditations and prayers from the Sufi and other spiritual traditions. S/he will explain and demonstrate all the practices as needed; and will answer any questions you may have. S/he may also provide meditation and music tapes for you to listen to. Q: Do I spend the whole time sitting in the hut or room? A: Not unless you choose to. Some continue their daily yoga or tai chi practices while on retreat. Many do practices while walking around the hundreds of Abode acres; some like to swim in the pond in the summer months. Being in nature is an important part of a retreat; and you and your retreat guide will discuss how and when to incorporate outdoor activities. Q: What and where will I eat? A: You will eat in your hut or room. We provide a large container of simple vegetarian foods from which you may prepare your own breakfasts and lunches: granola, juice, rice cakes, fresh fruits, dry soup cups, almond butter, herb teas etc. Each evening a delicious, freshly-prepared, vegetarian meal is delivered to your door. If you have any food allergies or concerns, we will try to accommodate them. Q: How much does it cost? A: The cost per day fluctuates depending on the type of accommodation and includes accommodation, linens, food, and visits with the retreat guide. |