TIME FOR RETREAT

For the last few years it has been a privalege to take groups away on "retreat".  It's been mainly women who have been attracted to "work on themselves" and gain greater understanding of life and their own power to create what they wish.  There have been a couple of men who have attended and their testimonials of a "life changing experience" was phenomonal, so I hope that more men will attend and be open to helping themselves.

Many people look at me with a vacant stare and aren't truly aware of what a retreat is.  I would answer that a "retreat" is an opportunity to leave behind television, computers and stress to return back to a simple time, of nature, silence, and going within to reach peace. The person who panics about not being able to use their "mobile phone" is the person who needs the experience the most!

  

So who comes on "retreat"?  Typically they have been people with pressurised lives, in need of rejuvenation and access to renewed well-being. Most often people come on their own, so they can indulge in some private time, although we also have had friends and siblings.  The majority are 25-55. As many as 40% continue to attend each year’s retreat.

Reasons cited for attending are - executive stress, burn-out, overcoming relationship or career splits, illness, addiction, or bereavement. Of course a holiday environment is also part of the story and workshops and activities enhance the enjoyment of a holiday.

The retreat I'm organising this year will be at Gearrannan Blackhouse Village (picture above).  It's a coastal crofting village situated in a secluded bay within the district of Carloway on the west coast of Eilean Leòdhais in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The restored Village allows you to have the opportunity to experience traditional rural activities, learn about the rich history of the area, work, relax and socialise in a unique atmosphere

The area has beautiful walks.  A mile or so beyond Dalbeg is a beautifully restored water-mill.  Between Gearrannan and Dalbeg is the village of Dalmore. The beaches at Dalmore and Dalbeg are two of the most beautiful in the Island.

There is a walk to the Laimishader lighthouse which is on a headland at the mouth of Loch Carloway.  Dun-Carloway Broch, an Iron Age dwelling, is within walking distance of Gearrannan, and the famous pre-historic Callanish Standing Stones are only six miles away. 

I will run 2 half-day workshops on Sunday & Monday for self-enlightenment. There will also be silent meditation walks allow time for contemplation and ‘time alone’ gives you space away from the group.  This retreat offers something for everyone.

In the media recently, it has been stated that there is a groundswell of people realising that dissatisfaction and dis-ease in life is largely of our own making and that simple fundamental changes, from within, can utterly transform health, wealth, happiness and general fulfillment. They know that the decisions they want to take are aided by a supportive healthy environment, away from the daily routine.

There is a common denominator of a belief that change can transform life if there is a commitment to invite it. Such a commitment is by enrolling in a life change retreat.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Heather