We’re all so busy in our day-to-day lives. Multi-tasking definitely isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. We find ourselves more tired, edgy and distracted than ever.

The result of juggling so many balls in the air is that it’s often really difficult, even with the support of regular counseling, to find our center and prioritize our emotional well-being.

One option for getting back in touch with what’s important to us is to take time out of our hectic schedule to decompress, contemplate our path in life and review our goals.

Going on vacation is a great way to relax and remove some of the pressure. Going on a retreat can take us even further, into a deep state of inner calm and knowing, resulting in an emotional awakening.

One of the things I love about group retreats is the opportunity the participants have to put aside the demands of their hectic lives and focus solely on their own feelings, needs, and personal development.

There are few demands on the participants during these retreats, so they can explore psychological territory that might be too challenging to face when they’re feeling pulled in too many directions.

Something else I’ve observed is the powerful effect of doing inner work over a span of several days. The psyche begins to unfold like a flower in bloom as we keep shining the warming rays of attention onto the issues at hand.

I’ve noticed, as well, the effect of being in an unfamiliar environment on the loosening of psychological knots and the breaking down of emotional walls. In a different location, resistance fades and it’s easier to let go of habitual and counter-productive attitudes, beliefs and expectations.

We’re more open-minded and flexible when we’re out of our normal routine-one reason why we have such great adventures when we’re traveling. In a new environment, with a fresh perspective, we’re more willing to explore new solutions to old problems.

The group setting allows the participants to feel deeply connected to one-another as they share this journey of transformation. The realization that they’re not alone in what they’ve been through or are going through is both reassuring and affirming and it accelerates the process of personal growth.

When participants feel that their safety and privacy are assured, the things they’re learning can penetrate through layers of fear and doubt and begin to resonate with their inner wisdom.

In my experience, the best retreats are a balance of dynamic group sessions that propel the participants toward their goals, as well as opportunities for contemplation and integration of the lessons learned.

I’ve been leading retreats for many years now and I’ve always found them to be a powerful vehicle for meaningful and lasting change.