Spiritual  Retreat

                                                             Another Step on the Path to 2012

By Stephen Thomson

If we take into consider the energy shifts on the planet, combined with books, television programs and spiritual events that are currently planned, there is little room for doubt that 2012 is an important time for all of humankind.  All over the world, people seem to be captivated by the events leading up to 2012 and the possible outcome.  There have been signs for hundreds of years which have created a focus on this time.  And through our expanding consciousness, we have grown to understand that being alive on earth during this incredible time is no coincidence.  Yet, what continues to be a dominate theme in our thinking and speculation about 2012 is what it will mean to us as individuals. 

One way of getting a clearer personal understanding of these times is by making time for a purposeful retreat. With the shifting energy of the earth and the spiritualization of the planet, doesn’t it make sense that we would want to take some time for ourselves?  The goal is to create time and space for getting an objective view of who we have become, in comparison to the spiritual person we aspire to be.  It’s really hard to be objective about our lives with the exceptional demands of the age in which we live.  To take time out for a retreat and think about our lives and the path we are following is a top-priority.  Since most of he times we don’t even realize how tapped out we are and the amount of energy we have depleted that is held in the organs of our body.

Perhaps now, more than at any other time, it feels like there is a high degree of urgency for taking time out of our hectic lives and going on retreat. With the approach of 2012 it’s time for us to step up and participate in the escalation of our own growth and process.  Being away from the telephone, internet, along with all the other mind numbing distractions, will allow for time to breathe and review how we are doing.  This is one of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves as a part of our journey to higher consciousness.  Yes, the body will fight on all levels, especially if there is a sense of change or any alteration to our patterned ways of being.   Yet, if we when we are called to retreat, we can still our mind and body and come into contact with our own God source that resides within us.

One of the biggest challenges we face is quieting our body and mind and disconnecting from all the “noise” to find silence.  In the quiet and stillness, the place between our breaths, is where our soul resides. The steps on the path to enlightenment, handed down by the Maters through the ages, are designed to assist us in overcoming the demands of our physical body and our addictive need to be active and make noise.  There is so much happening in our bodies including the noise created by our breath, the organs of the body and our ceaseless motion.  When we go on retreat, away from all the restless habits we have developed, and by separating from the noise in our lives, we can see the degree to which we are really connected to our chaos.  In a short period of separation from everyday life, we can gain the clarity and the understanding we need, on a deep level, to take the next step on our path.

In the legends of the Atlantis and Lemuria, there is a common theme as to the cause for the collapse of these great civilizations.  In each case, they became   a people absorbed by the advancement in the technology of their time.  In our age, we think of technology as being cell phone, the internet and all of the technological advances known to us at this time.  Regardless of the form technology took during these two great civilizations, it became the basis of the undoing of their people.  In this age, if we evaluate the effect of technology, it is a relatively small leap to understanding how this single issue contributed to the advancement and fall of these civilizations.  The further we move away from the earth, the more out of touch we become with ourselves and the God of our Hearts.

Going on retreat can also provide the basis for setting a new plan in place for our lives.  In the quiet, peace and harmony of a retreat we can devote the time to figuring our where we are.  This step replaces a feeling that our life is out of control and we are not living in harmony with the God of our heart.  The spiritual path encourages us to avoid any kind of thinking, which leaves us feeling abandoned, trapped and beggars in the face of life.  By creating a new plan life begins to manifest and come into focus.  Not because we are great in our ability to concentrate and visualize, but rather that this step brings us we into closer harmony with the Divine. 

There are many different types and methods of retreat.  The important step is formulating some rough outline in our mind as to what we want to achieve.  We can create a personal retreat based upon our own need and going to a sacred place to do our work.  If we are looking for a specific topic or spiritual discipline, a quick search of the internet will bring us to the right opportunity for our soul.   An easy way is by continuing to follow in the footsteps of Drunvalo, as he moves around the world with his work.  In the various settings he chooses contains the energy we need for leaning, focusing and growing as spiritual people.

What happens when we go on retreat?  The first 24 hours are the hardest, as the body detoxifies from all of the addictions of everyday life.  From the depth of our being, our emotions start to purge and the body, like a petulant child, becomes very angry at loosing a sense control.  Once the first few days pass things begin to change.  Without over stimulation of the senses from the vibrations of our everyday life, we begin to hear the soul voice within us, apart from the noise of the rest of the world.  Time begins to have little or no consequence, with one day merging into the next.  This experience provides a complete rest for the body on every level.   Then there is the physical part of retreat.  In most cases, someone is making meals, cleaning our rooms and making our bed.  Even bad food made by someone else can taste really great. 

There is also the healing aspect of retreats.  In our own practices, there are certain shifts in our energy and consciousness that requires more energy than what is provided by our own mind, body and soul.  When we retreat in a group setting, our energy combines with the group and our energy is amplified.  Also, there is the opportunity of hearing someone else’s journey and experience.  We can feel validated just by hearing some one else has walked the same road as us.  In that instance we can find ourselves healed by no longer holding something that may have felt like a secret.  Lastly, there is tremendous healing energy that comes from being with people of like-mind.  No longer are we different but a part of a group of “our” people.  The energy we expend as a defense when being with people who are not like us disappears.  We can relax and be ourselves.

As spiritual people, our path is the action toward ever evolving consciousness and soul growth afforded by daily life.  Taking action is always the sign of hope and growth for each of us.  In this period of ending times, taking time to look at every aspect of our lives, will help us retain our inner harmony and perspective.  As 2012 approaches, as we deal with what is happening and the anticipation for what has yet to be revealed, there can be certain of a degree of restlessness.  In the wake of those feelings, we have a choice to remain active, even in the face of uncertainty.  To be present for the gifts and live in day will certainly enable us to retain of point of centeredness and harmony.  And taking a retreat will help us build the energy we need to approach each day with a sense of love and personal power that comes from the depth of our belief and practices. 

Don’t you think it’s time for you to plan a retreat?  It’s one of the best gifts you can give to yourself.

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you plan your retreat:

What do want to achieve by going on retreat?

Is part of my decision to take a retreat based on my need to be alone?

Do I want to go on retreat as a response to a deep inner-urging?

Am I a person who would do better working within a group to achieve my

goals?

How can your experience in a retreat help you to get back to the earth and a more natural state of being?

Am I feeling any resistance to going on a retreat based in my fear of change?

Do I feel it is important to my spiritual growth and development to go on retreat?

PS:  Be sure to buy a copy of Cal Garrison’s new book, The Astrology of 2012 and Beyond.  It is the best source of understanding the earth changes we are currently experiencing.  You can buy it through the Ma’at Bookstore.

I always welcome your comments and questions.  Write to me at steve@stephenthomson.net