
What is a retreat?
Time for the essence of life
A retreat or retreat is an ancient form to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and take space for essence. To take space for who you are and what you want in life. Both personally and professionally.
In earlier times, retreats were mainly in the light of religious and spiritual research. In the West there were the monasteries and in the East the ashrams, both with their daily rhythms and atmosphere that encouraged contemplation. With space for in-depth conversations and most importantly: time. Time for the essence of life.
A retreat anno nowadays can be a welcome respite to seek that essence. Contemporary retreats are person-centered and appropriate to the thinking of our time. The present time is a fast-paced one in which we as human beings ask a lot of ourselves. Although this time gives us as individuals a sea of possibilities and freedom, it can sometimes be overwhelming to determine the right course in that sea of possibilities: one’s own unique course. A retreat offers that space and time. Time for the essence of life. Your life.
Space and time
for you
Set your course

‘Space for the essence.’
‘Inspiration for pure living.’
What types of retreats are there?
Meanwhile, there are many types of retreats, distinguished by a particular theme, program, form of work, or the purpose of a retreat.
Thus, there is a retreat for everyone that fits what he or she is looking for or needs at that moment. There are retreats that focus mainly on relaxation and wellness, and retreats that place more emphasis on personal development. In a yoga retreat, this can also be both, depending on the theme, the program and the instructor.
There are specific meditation retreats based on a particular body of thought, such as a Vipassana retreat. In these, a program is used that is similar around the world. However, it is often the case that multiple forms of work are used within a retreat.
A mindfulness retreat may include a program that alternates between mindfulness exercises, various forms of meditation and some form of yoga or tai chi, for example. A silence retreat primarily uses the power of silence, meditation and reflection.
Certainly not all retreats focus solely on silence and reflection. Many retreats are lively and challenging programs in which creative work forms, body work or dance are used. There are also retreats that focus more on professional themes, such as a leadership retreat, a workation or train-the-trainer retreats.
‘Stop looking. Start living.’









