Life moves fast. We’re constantly juggling meetings, decisions, and responsibilities, and it can feel like there’s no pause button. We feel “always on.” Here’s where retreats come in. Think of them as your chance to breathe, recalibrate, and reconnect with the part of you that rarely gets heard amid the noise.
Why leaders need retreats
Being busy isn’t a badge of honor. Taking time away isn’t selfish—it’s essential. It gives us clarity, balance, and purpose. Stepping back from the daily grind helps us make better decisions, understand ourselves more deeply, and see the impact we have on others.
What’s a retreat, really?
A retreat isn’t about escaping forever or checking out of your life. It’s about carving out time—maybe a couple of hours, a weekend, or even longer—to immerse yourself in stillness and silence. This isn’t a new idea. Retreats have been around for centuries, deeply rooted in spiritual traditions. People have used them to connect with what matters most—God, Nirvana, the Ultimate Truth, or simply their own inner compass. For leaders, a retreat is a rare chance to put the world on mute and create space for deep reflection and renewal.
The four pillars of a meaningful retreat
A powerful retreat isn’t complicated, but it does rest on four pillars: Silence, Solitude, Space, and Spirit.
- Silence: Find a quiet environment—maybe a cozy room, a park bench, or a forest trail. Silence helps still your mind and brings peace you didn’t know you were missing.
- Solitude: Give yourself permission to be alone. Even just a few hours away from the noise of work and family can work wonders for your mental clarity.
- Space: Choose a setting that inspires reflection. It could be your living room, a rented cabin, or a favorite spot in nature. The right environment makes it easier to go inward.
- Spirit: Reconnect with your inner compass. Try meditation, journaling, or simply sitting quietly and allowing insights to come. It’s about aligning your mind, body, and environment.
What do you actually do on retreat?
You might be surprised by how inviting and accessible retreat activities can be. Here are some of my favorites:
- Contemplation: Whether it’s meditation, prayer, or simply daydreaming, taking time to sit quietly and notice your thoughts can be deeply restorative. There’s no need for perfection—just a willingness to be present.
- Journaling: Bring along a beautiful notebook and let your thoughts flow. Write about your hopes, fears, dreams, or simply what you notice around you. Journaling is a gentle way to listen to your inner voice.
- Reflecting: Use the quiet to step back and see the bigger picture of your life. What’s working? What needs attention? Sometimes, the best insights come when we finally slow down.
- Reading: Retreats are the perfect time to get lost in a good book. Let yourself be inspired by poetry, philosophy, or whatever calls to you.
- Creative play: Draw, paint, write poetry, or make music. Creativity flourishes when we give ourselves permission to play without judgment.
- Walks in nature: There’s something magical about walking without a destination, letting your senses soak in the world. Leave your phone behind and just be.
- Mindful meals and rest: Eat slowly, savoring each bite. Sleep when you’re tired. Let your body find its natural rhythm again.
- Rituals: Mark the beginning and end of your retreat with a simple ritual—lighting a candle, taking a few deep breaths, or expressing gratitude.
There’s no “right” way to retreat. You can design your time to suit your own rhythms and needs. The key is to approach each activity with curiosity and kindness, letting go of the need to achieve or perform.
An Invitation
Consider a retreat to be a gift to yourself. Make time for your first (or next) retreat, even if it’s just for a few hours. It doesn’t have to be grand or complicated—just intentional. This brief manifesto can guide your intention:
- First, by retreating, I reject the narrative of busyness. I do not justify my value based on the number of hours I spend in meetings or emails I send every week.
- Second, I appreciate my inner world. I do not pretend that I am an invincible hero with no weaknesses, doubts, and vulnerabilities.
- Third, I acknowledge that leadership and solitude are complementary, not opposite.
Find a quiet corner, turn off your devices, and let yourself be. You might be surprised by what you discover.
Journaling exercise: The four pillars reflection
As you settle into your retreat—whether it’s a few hours or a few days—take a moment to reflect on the “Four Pillars” that make a retreat truly nourishing: Silence, Solitude, Space, and Spirit.
Open your journal and, for each pillar, write a few lines in response to these questions:
- Silence: When and where do I find true silence? What do I notice in myself when the noise fades away? What do I love—and what feels uncomfortable—about silence?
- Solitude: How do I experience being alone? Is it restful, energizing, or sometimes challenging? What is the difference between solitude and loneliness for me?
- Space: Which spaces inspire me or help me feel at ease? How does my environment affect my mood, my thoughts, or my creativity?
- Spirit: What does connecting with my spirit mean to me? How do I sense my intuition, emotions, or inner wisdom? What helps me feel most alive and connected?
Take your time. You don’t need to answer all at once—let your thoughts flow naturally, and revisit these questions throughout your retreat. Notice how your answers might change as you move through silence, solitude, space, and spirit.
A retreat is not a luxury—it’s a treat for your soul. Why not try it and see what unfolds?