Increasing numbers of people, of all ages and types, get away from it all by 'going into retreat' in monasteries, convents and other religious houses.
This is not a religious revival; not all are of the religion of the place to which they go, and a number have no religious belief at all,. But all discover the therapeutic value of complete isolation from the tensions of ordinary life, the welcome silence from chatter, reasonable comfort, good food and the freedom to join in(or not, as they like) an ordered, peaceful, pattern of life, with access to a good library and, usually a pleasant garden.
Many people emerge from these retreats refreshed, sorted out and relaxed, and appreciate the silence that is kept, especially during organised retreats. For those who are entirely new to the experience, there may be apprehension as to what they will find on arrival. But the feeling of strangeness is soon dispelled.
This is not a religious revival; not all are of the religion of the place to which they go, and a number have no religious belief at all,. But all discover the therapeutic value of complete isolation from the tensions of ordinary life, the welcome silence from chatter, reasonable comfort, good food and the freedom to join in(or not, as they like) an ordered, peaceful, pattern of life, with access to a good library and, usually a pleasant garden.
Many people emerge from these retreats refreshed, sorted out and relaxed, and appreciate the silence that is kept, especially during organised retreats. For those who are entirely new to the experience, there may be apprehension as to what they will find on arrival. But the feeling of strangeness is soon dispelled.
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