Unity Church of Tucson

Why this Retreat?

As you may know, Unity of Tucson’s women’s group is hosting a two-night stay at the COD Ranch Retreat Center near Oracle, Arizona on April 18th through 20th. With the date fast approaching for this adventure, the joy and excitement of the anticipation builds. For those who are new to this experience, let’s explore what is behind that anticipation and specifically the question, “Why This Retreat?”

First, What is a retreat in general? As a verb, the word “retreat” can mean to retire, to pull back or away from. We think of a retreat as a noun being a place of secure quiet, a refuge. Business groups and organizations who use retreats to brainstorm and plan future actions find that they are productive alternatives to business-like conference rooms. The retreat becomes a “think space” to breakthrough ideas. Self-improvement and spiritual retreats also abound. A short browse on the web yields everything from jungle treks and nature getaways to promises for total mind, body and soul transformations on trips to the world energy spots. Retreats may be rustic and rural or urban and sophisticated. The attributes most often found in a retreat are a natural setting, privacy, good food, modest cost, and an atmosphere conducive to synergistic interaction.

We might then ask: Why a retreat? In today’s hectic time-starved world, it becomes even more important to find time for renewal; time to step back and assess where we’ve come from and who we are after a lifetime of being everything to everybody. Lily Tomlin once said, “For fast relief, try slowing down.” As women, we often trick ourselves into believing that it is the limitation of physical existence that prevents us from changing and growing to the degree that we would prefer. If only we had the time, the friends, we say, then the spiritual journey would be more rewarding. To some degree, this is valid. We need a space where we can find quiet and the loving support to pierce our self-created illusions and affirm that the strength and wisdom we need are already within us now. We do need a space to dream, to make new friends, to spend time in silence or in joyous conversation if we choose. In a standardized and fragmented world, we need a setting that inspires us to reach across the abyss that divides us one from another.

Now, to our original question. Knowing what a retreat is and some of the reasons why we may want to go, why this particular retreat and why a full retreat, spanning Friday afternoon through mid-day Sunday? We could rationalize that the setting is outstanding, and it is - charming and tastefully-appointed casitas are set high in the mesquite woodlands adjacent to the Coronado National Forest. Wonderful food and snacks are freshly prepared by caring and competent staff. Numerous patio areas, a pool, and a hot tub, coax us to rest and unwind in peaceful tranquility of the high chaparral with its cool mountain breezes, star-filled nights, and perfect daytime climate for bird-watching, hiking, or just sitting. We could also point to the option of enjoying a fabulous keynote speaker and our choice of shorter activity session for those with varied interests. Participants may opt for directed activities in the company of others or quiet time away from daily demands.

However, experts tell us that the most common reason for a retreat seems to be a genuine thirst to know oneself and others better, to get in touch with the higher Self, and to tap into the source of universal energy. Here is where the SOFIA retreat is unique. The energy generated by a group of loving compassionate, interesting New Though women is a transformative experience. You will experience the camaraderie and power instilled in group prayer, communal meditation, and thoughtful reflection from a group of women who care about you - who may just be your next best friends. As the length of time spent together increases, the peaceful energy builds. The spiritual approach spills over into the meeting space, the meals, the accommodations. The atmosphere becomes one of bonding, of shared experience. Day-to-day distractions melt away. Cares are gently set aside as the time progresses. You may howl with laughter, cry tears of joy, or enter into joyful play and song as you connect with your inner self and with others.

Wise ones teach that to be happy in life, we must be happy inside first. It is this internal happiness and learning to cultivate the truth of who we are without the “wouldas,” “couldas,” “shouldas” of the world that is revealed to us on a spiritual retreat where unconditional love is the norm. Through large and small group activities, quiet, music, joyful playing, and precious time spent with like-minded women, we encounter our authentic self, clarity of mind, and true purpose.

With joyful anticipation, come play and pray with the women of SOFIA!

For registration information, call Mary Kosies, 577.3300.