Retreats

Retreat so as to advance!  Sometimes the path forward will only become clear when you take time to stop and reflect.  Many of history's great inventors and geniuses experienced this.  The answers they were striving so hard to discover through their tireless efforts came to them as a gift in a moment of insight while "retreating" from their work setting.

Retreats provide an opportunity for us to be present to our own lives in a way that is difficult to achieve regularly in our fast-paced, technologically-oriented world.  So often we relate to life in a strongly analytical mode, critically examining our organizations, our co-workers, our time and ourselves.  While this is extremely valuable in many situations, it also has its limitations and even damaging aspects, especially on human relations. 

A retreat invites us to stop dissecting and to start wondering and appreciating - to take time to set aside analytical modes of reflection and take up more contemplative modes of reflection.  When we clear some space in our lives, those things that cloud our thinking will diminish and new insights are allowed to emerge. 

Getting away from our work setting in order to be in an environment free of stress and pressure can be a powerful means of personal and organizational renewal.  Retreats are an almost irreplaceable means to fostering a culture of respectful attitudes and affirming communication among teams.

Consider a retreat as a means to

• build or rebuild trust and communication on teams, in work groups and among executive leadership
• renew vision and clarify mission
• infuse fresh thinking into corporate planning and strategizing
• developing a personal philosophy of life