A Retreat is a time to escape the clamour of daily living and slip into a quiet routine of prayer, reflection and relaxation. Retreats are particularly effective where you are really isolated from the outside world.
Many retreats are conducted in silence and retreatants are given food for thought by the leader then ponder and reflect in the silence together or in the quiet of their own rooms but non-silent retreats can be equally effective.
At a typical retreat house retreatants join the community for morning and evening prayer, perhaps a midday eucharist and compline – a short service at the end of the day.
This routine together with fixed meal times gives space for devotional addresses by retreat leaders, discussion, sharing experiences and gentle exercise.
The escape from bombardment of email and telephone and the discipline of praying and eating together (and not having the prepare the food) as well as the spiritual nourishment really allows you to recharge your batteries.
The Sacred Garden 