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While we might try to live each day to its fullest – making memories, experiencing life – sometimes things can be draining. The battle against stress, worry and anxiety can make you feel sluggish and tired, both physically and spiritually. That’s why it’s important that you take a moment to see whether it’s time for you to recharge those batteries. A spiritual retreat is a great way you can reconnect to your faith and grow spiritually.
Spiritual retreats and “faith-based” vacations have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with more and more people looking for ways to get away from it all. Logging off Facebook and Twitter for a week or two and retreating to a quiet place to reflect and reconnect has become a more and more popular vacation choice as we realize the need to disconnect from all the advancements of modern technology.
Vacations to Grow Your Faith
While the usual two weeks in the sun, lounging on a beach and reading your favorite book will likely remain on your vacation schedule, it might be worth your while to consider a faith vacation if you want to get in touch with your spiritual side. These holidays focus more on you as an individual and your spiritual well-being. Your focus will be more on self-reflection than catching the rays.
There are many types of spiritual retreats and faith-based vacations, including a vast array of Christian retreats available. At these types of retreats, your connection with God is the focus of your vacation. You will be staying in a place that is peaceful, tranquil and quiet. The stresses and strains of daily life will be left at the front door, and you’ll be encouraged to reconnect with God in a more meaningful way.
Getting Close To Nature
Many people feel more at peace and calmer by venturing to the great outdoors and experiencing the planet in its most raw, untouched settings. The Alaskan glaciers, the Rockies or the Grand Canyon show off Earth’s splendor and can leave us feeling awestruck and even humbled. There is no better way to remove ourselves from the constant barrage of social media, media alerts and technology than by turning off our phones, leaving the laptops behind, and retreating to nature. Some people go so far as to pack up their bushcraft gear and live off the land.
Biblical Tours
For those people who want to experience the Holy Land, many companies have set up comprehensive tours that will allow you to travel to Bethlehem, dip your toes in the Sea of Galilee, take a walking tour of Nazareth and wander in the Garden of Gethsemane. To immerse yourself in the very essence of Christianity and see the places described in the Bible will be a once in a lifetime experience. While you may not embark on a pilgrimage like this every year, even one visit will help you to reconnect with your spiritual side so you can return to your daily life refreshed and reinvigorated.
Reconnecting to our spiritual side or getting closer to God can be hard when our attention is bombarded by the chaos and stresses life can bring. That’s why it’s important to take the time to take care of yourself mentally and spiritually – so you can stay charged up, stay positive, and keep moving forward. Take a moment to consider whether it’s time for you to take a spiritual retreat so you can focus on yourself and your faith for just a little while.
some churches also have retreats for members–men’s retreats, women’s retreats, and youth retreats. they can be a nice way to recharge in one’s faith and find peace.
So true! Great suggestion, Denise! 🙂