When you journey to a far-away island and
spend a week in a retreat program dedicated to
authentic living, you will meet people who are
on a similar path. They come because they hear a
calling in their soul, see a change on the horizon
of their life, or feel the need for deep rest to
recapture their creative spirit.
Regardless of the
motivation, everyone who gathers for the
SpeakingQuest retreat week shares a commitment to
explore their inner landscape. And in this process
of self-examination, each individual finds that he
is surrounded by people who may at first be
strangers but who, in only a matter of minutes or
hours, become trusted companions.
The value of true friendship is one of the
significant discoveries often made by people who
attend retreats. Surrounded by others who give
tender acceptance and listen with a full heart, you
can appreciate a new freedom. You
find there is permission to explore, stretch into,
and grow new parts of yourself. By moving out of the
familiar daily routines and stepping into an
environment where you encounter warm faces, you
might allow yourself to take off the masks you wear
at home or work. Revealing who you are takes
courage, but the risk is minimized when you realize
you are greeted by friends who welcome all of
you.
With these new friends, there is no pretense as you
continue to interact each day. The safety net
expands while you walk and talk together, speaking
of your dreams and sharing your passion. In this
depth of pure listening you are encouraged in a
natural way toward re-connection with your soul.
How powerful it is to meet friends on this level.
