3 Spiritual Retreats that will Rekindle Your Spark

When you need to rekindle your spark, what better way to reconnect with God than through spiritual retreats?

After a long, fun, exciting but somewhat draining summer, I’m definitely in need of some sparkle for my soul.

The last thing I want is to feel depleted heading into Thanksgiving and Christmas. That’s why taking some time to reconnect with God, is high on my priority list. And it’s a long list, y’all.

But I’m just in luck because my friend Dawn Klinge has been hard at work developing a new online spiritual retreat for women. And, friend, I feel like this is just what the doctor ordered.

Before Dawn opens the doors to the retreat, I’ve invited her to give us some tips on creating the kind of spiritual retreats that renew the soul. I have a feeling that I’m not the only one who needs to be renewed, right?

In that case, let’s welcome Dawn.

3 Types of Mini-Retreats (and why you need them)

by Dawn Klinge

We all need to retreat every once in awhile.  A change of pace from the ordinary refreshes the body, mind, and spirit.  Different types of retreats serve different purposes, but I believe there are three primary types of retreats that all people need: solo, community, and Sabbath.  These retreats don’t need to involve large quantities of time or travel.  You can create mini-retreats, at home.  All you need is a plan and a few minutes, set aside for this purpose.

All three types of retreats are important.  I’ll explain…

1. Solo Retreats

You need times of solo activity on a regular basis.  Make a regular date with yourself to do and explore something that interests you and is fun.

Some different ideas for solo retreats might be activities that include making and creating, trips and adventures, or learning something new.

A solid window of time, away from your regular duties, will allow your mind to think creatively and focus on something else.  Solo retreats will often help to give us clarity on different situations and decisions.  Psychologists call the times when we step back from one thing, to focus on something else, unrelated, incubation periods.  We need these for optimal health and the ability to solve complex problems.

We will be better able to serve those we love when we allow ourselves to be replenished through solo retreats.

Listen to the advice Jesus gave his disciples after a busy time of ministry,

And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) — Mark 6:31 NASB

2. Community Retreats

You also need times of connection with friends.  These are times of face-to-face interaction, with no other intention than enjoying each other’s company.

God made us to be in community with one another.  Everyone has something to teach and learn.  We need each other!

What kind of community activities do you enjoy?  For me, my favorite times with other people usually involve sharing food and sitting around a table.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV

3. Sabbath Retreats

Regular time, set apart as holy, and dedicated to God, for rest.  This can be a time of prayer, meditation and/or scripture reading.

The most important renewal is in our spirits, as we become more like Jesus.  This transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit.  We invite the Holy Spirit into our lives and join him in this important work when we pursue God. John Piper says,

“The Spirit renews the mind. It is first and decisively his work.”

Sabbath, the way I’m referring to it, is not meant as anything legalistic, but rather, a helpful spiritual discipline that is between you and God.   This is something done out of love and a desire to draw close to God.

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35 NIV)

“Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16 NIV)

Mini spiritual retreats can be done at home and they don’t require a lot of time.  The main idea is to create regular, intentional blocks of time that are reserved for renewal: body, mind, and spirit.

Let’s be renewed together!

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10 NIV

Meet Dawn

Dawn is a writer and Christian blogger who loves encouraging women to keep their focus on Jesus.  She’s the author of Look to Jesus:  How to Let Go of Worry and Trust God.  She’s a wife and mom to two young adults.  A Seattle girl, she loves books, coffee and spinning classes. You can find her at Above the Waves as well as on Facebook,  Instagram, and Twitter.

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How about you?

Do you feel the need to rekindle your spark too?

Which of the spiritual retreats mentioned here are your favourite?

Let me know in the comments below.

Plus if you enjoyed this post, don’t keep it to yourself. Please spread the shine and share this with your friends.