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In fact it is quite impossible to separate out what aspects of yourself that workshops, courses, therapies and counselling methods address - and that is
nature of working holistically. Each thing experienced effects us on all levels, and that at some point we come to realise this.
So an Holistic Retreat is simply a place that offers a safe, comfortable and supportive place for you to take special time for reconnecting with yourself.
Finding
perfect retreat for you
The very essence of
holistic retreat, and whether it will work for you at this time, is how
prospect makes you feel.
In our busy lives we so often listen only to our heads, I must do this, I have to hurry so I can attend to that. On a practical level this is important, however if you listen only to your head, then eventually your inner balance will be negatively effected.
So, remember, if you are thinking of going on an holistic retreat yourself, to find a place where you really like
sound of
people, and what they say about themselves. Their personalities and attitudes may deeply effect your experience.
Another important influence on
retreat experience will be
nature of
place itself. Here are a few questions you may find helpful to answer when looking for
perfect retreat:-
Do you long for privacy and anonymity or would you like to have
chance to meet new people who share your interests?
Do you want
opportunity of working calmly at your own pace, or are you stimulated and informed by
challenge and discussion in group development?
If you enjoy being in a group, what is
optimum size for you in terms of comfort?
Would you choose to combine group work and privacy - perhaps study in a group, but have a private room?
How much personal space do you need right now?
Do you want to combine your retreat activities with other holiday pursuits like touring or dining out?
After you have read
web pages or leaflets from a holiday retreat, pause and ask yourself how you feel about
place. Does this retreat answer your needs and desires at this time - only you can decide!
And finanlly, on a personal level, there are as many reasons for going on a retreat as there are people - over 6 billion last I looked. Here are a few that seem to be shared by many of my visitors:-
-Couples may choose a retreat when they are having challenges to their relationship, or just want to celebrate their time together.
-Individuals might want rejuvenation, help in adjusting to major changes in their lives, or a chance for deep reflection.
-Or anyone may simply wish to step out of time for a moment - to allow
world to spin without them for just a little while - to achieve a magical moment of inner stillness, calm and joy.

Derby Stewart-Amsden runs her own business, Ashwhin, where she offers complementary therapies, holistic retreats, training and resources for individuals, groups and for the workplace. http://www.ashwhin.com Derby also works with her partner, Peter Amsden, to bring this holistic and people centred approach into small business support. ASAT Productions - http://www.ASAT.biz