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| Retreating to Advance |
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 As a new year begins, many of us feel that something is missing. While some people seem energised and ready to face another year, others feel uncertain and lacking in purpose and drive.For those who feel that they are coming to a crossroads in their lives and need to decide on a new way forward, the challenge then becomes finding the time and space to think. Crossroads Retreats are open to anyone who faces a hard decision and would like to develop the skills to make wise choices. ReConnect Africa spoke to Liz West, the Director of Crossroads Retreats, about the life changing experiences offered by these retreats. RCA: Who is behind Crossroads Retreats and how long have they been established? Liz West: Crossroads Retreats was conceived in 2002 by Chris Blakeley and Calvin Germain drawing upon 'retreating' as a means of offering a place and an experience for individuals to address personal issues. It achieved charitable status in 2006 and is administrated by a Board of Trustees and a Leadership Team, supported by Guides who deliver the retreats. The charity also draws on a wider support community including the Waverley Learning Community and past 'retreatants'.
RCA: What are some of the reasons why people choose to come on Crossroads Retreats? Liz West: A Retreat is an opportunity to step out of the pressures and distractions of everyday life. It provides time, space in a quiet and peaceful environment in which to stop, reflect and listen to yourself. Free from everyday stresses and strains you can begin to think more clearly. RCA: Where are the retreats held? Liz West: We hold our Retreats in quiet locations. These are often Monastery hospitality centres which traditionally provide the space and tranquillity for the personal contemplation which is at the heart of a Retreat. We combine this with simple accommodation and wholesome food to provide the ideal basis for our two day Retreat. Becoming the Person I always wanted to be...... I attended the Crossroads retreat in 2005 at a time where I was becoming increasingly unhappy in my career but felt trapped as to how to resolve the unhappiness. I had built a very successful career and was 'enjoying' all the material benefits that this brought; a six figure salary, house in the country and sports car. However I was deeply unhappy. I was going through the motions, money rich but fulfillment poor; having totally lost track of who I was, what was important to me and what it would take to make me happy. The retreat had a profound impact on me as it gave me the space to reflect on who I was, what was important to me and what my true values in life were and are. The questions that I was encouraged to ask myself were soul searching and, at times, very difficult and painful. However the environment that Crossroads created enabled me to sit at peace in the most beautiful of environments and allow myself to go on a journey of self discovery. The facilitators were excellent; highly experienced and they worked with integrity and had such positive regard for each person on the retreat. This was reflected in their ability to stand back and allow each person to go on their individual journey – I felt entirely supported and at the same time empowered in my thinking. The retreat helped me to reconnect with myself through practicing the art of just being – allowing silence and stillness to help me on my journey. This was something that I had not practiced before and felt counter-intuitive to the driven environment that I had worked in. I believe that the Crossroads retreat was an incredibly worthwhile experience for me and played a vital part in contributing to the happiness and fulfillment I have in my life today. I have become the person that I always wanted to be and do work that I absolutely love. ...... from a Crossroads Retreat participant Liz West: Our Crossroads Retreats usually last two days and We normally start at 10am, allowing people sufficient time to arrive in the morning (for those travelling longer distances it is possible to arrange overnight accommodation the previous night) and conclude around 4pm on the second day. RCA: Are the retreats faith-based or open to everyone? Liz West: Our retreats attract a wide cross section of people, ages ranging from the mid twenties upwards, who come to explore a range of personal crossroads issues. These may relate to aspects of their working or personal life. RCA: How much does it cost to participate and how can people find out more?
If you are unable to afford the recommended contribution but feel that you would really benefit from attending a Crossroads Retreat, we are able to offer bursaries to significantly reduce the cost. You can apply for a bursary when you fill in the application form on the website or you can email our administrator (info@crossroadsretreats.co.uk) who would be happy to discuss your needs and how we can help. We do not want lack of funds to prevent anyone from coming on retreat who would benefit from doing so. Find out more about Crossroads Retreats at www.crossroadsretreats.co.uk |
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comprise 8-10 people including 2-3 guides who lead the retreat. We explore 5 questions through a mixture of conversations, exercises and personal time for reflection.
Liz West: As a charity we seek to make our Retreats as affordable as possible. We invite individuals to make a minimum contribution of £250 which covers the cost of the retreat accommodation and meals and provides a small contribution to the ongoing running of the Charity (all our Guides give their time for free). 
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