When is it appropriate to retreat? Many people seek relief in retreat. Many people seek escape in retreat. Many people seek solace in retreat. Retreat comes in many forms. Not only is there physical retreat, but there is emotional, mental, and spiritual retreat as well. There is conscious retreat and there is unconscious retreat.

Often retreat is misused as an escape, and yet there are times when it is necessary, a pivotal move that brings one face-to-face with that which must be faced. When one finds oneself suddenly retreating, for one reason or another, one must determine the validity and the rightness of one’s retreat.

Facing one’s darkness is often the purpose of retreat, but one cannot do so without shining a light within. Facing one’s common behaviors and responses to life’s woes needs investigation as to why, and so a light within is necessary. Retreat may not always be into darkness, and so if one turns always to the light, a turning within is equally necessary.

Contemplation of self is good and necessary. Do not be afraid to retreat there, into the deeper self within. That is where you will find all you need, the answers you seek, within the dark and the light of you!

-From the Soul Sisters, Jan & Jeanne