A retreat is time when we step outside of our ordinary lives to reflect on ourselves, our goals and dreams in life, our values and our relationships. We draw aside to find peace and quiet and space to think, listen to ourselves (and occasionally have someone listen to us) and find answers at a deeper level. It is a time to discover the inner clarity and purpose that we need to make the best choices at crossroads moments in our journey through life.
Abbeys and Monasteries have a long established work of providing hospitality for those on retreat. We find they can meet our need for simple accommodation with a room to gather in, meals and an atmosphere of peace and quiet. Crossroads retreats are for anyone of whatever faith or none who is at a ‘crossroads moment’ in their lives. We do not join in with the religious life of the location as a group, although individuals who would like to do that are welcomed by the monks. There is no faith element to the open retreats. All are welcome.
There are as many different reasons for coming on a Crossroads Retreat as there are people who come. For some a change is thrust upon them through changes at work, including redundancy or reorganisation, also bereavement or illness. For others they can see that a change is necessary. They might be feeling stuck where they are, not fulfilling their potential, or they are facing retirement or maybe a move because of a spouse’s work.
Whether the decision is upon you right now or you can see that change is coming, taking time to process will help you make good choices. Investing time to draw aside and process a major decision which will lead to change in your life is always a productive thing to do. You might not find the answer as a result of these two days, but your ability to move forward to that answer will have been greatly enhanced.
A ‘crossroads moment’ is a good time to reassess and take stock. Are you where you want to be? Is this the time to readjust or even start something new rather than getting back on the old and familiar road? Perhaps you need to retreat to prove to yourself that you are doing the right things so that you can now do them with more confidence.
Times of change in our lives can be very difficult. They can throw up issues that might otherwise not surface. Those on retreat are completely in control of what they choose to share. There are times on retreat when the group will work together, but what is shared is up to the individuals. The retreat guides are there to create a safe place and to help if asked.
Day 1 focuses you on the questions:
Day 2 focuses on the questions:
Through guided exercises, time alone and time together the retreat works with these questions.
We hope that by the end of the 2 days the next steps will have become clear to you. The guides may be able to help with bringing focus to your choices. Six weeks after your retreat we will send you follow up material to encourage you to continue the journey and a series of ongoing emails should you be willing to receive them. We are unable to offer one on one follow up after the retreat.
Retreat Guides are individuals who have professional experience of leadership in the area of human resources and coaching. They all have experienced a retreat for themselves and taken part in training by Crossroads Retreats. There is an apprenticeship of retreat guides to give them experience in guiding before they take responsibility for a retreat. There will always be at least 2 guides on a retreat.
Crossroads Retreats cost £250 for the two days which covers the costs of the venue and the administration of the charity. The guides give their time for free but have their expenses reimbursed.
However we do want everyone to be able to come on retreat if it would be helpful to them. Subsidised places are available for those who need it and can be applied for with the application form which is on this website.
The monasteries provide all that we need for an overnight stay and meals, but please feel free to bring those things which will make your stay more comfortable for you. At various points during the 2 days we suggest that retreatants go outside to walk and process, weather permitting, so we suggest you bring suitable foot wear and a coat. We provide packs of notes and paper for working with the various exercises.
There will never be more than 10 retreatants and 2 or 3 guides.
“If in doubt go for it!”