What To Expect
Each retreat is designed to unfold and deepen over the days from Sunday afternoon arrival to Friday noon closing. Our Sunday evening gathering simply introduces the staff and presenter and offers participants a chance to connect with one another. The evening closes in gentle silence.
Participants may choose to open their days with a time of movement and meditative prayer led by staff, followed by breakfast. We begin the morning’s session with singing. Our presenter then speaks on an aspect of our theme for about hour and a half, and after a break, we integrate what we have heard through a variety of activities such as discussion, interaction, individual or communal art, body movement, or time in nature.
Every afternoon offers several hours of free time after lunch, and participants typically choose among rest, conversation, silence, reading, walking the labyrinth, hiking, or playing with the materials in our art room.
We gather for worship daily, with each service unfolding to reflect and deepen the themes of the week.
Participants take part in small groups that meet daily, for time of lectio divina (spiritual reading). These groups are especially valuable in supporting each person’s journey through the retreat, allowing space to be heard in nonjudgmental silence.
Curious about what happens at a Companions retreat? Blogger Adam Walker Cleaveland attended our August 2016 retreat at Lake Tahoe and posted these insightful and entertaining daily reflections.
CLICK HERE for Adam's First Day Blog
CLICK HERE for Adam's Second Day Blog
CLICK HERE for Adam's Third Day Blog
CLICK HERE for Adam's Fourth Day Blog
CLICK HERE for Adam's Fifth Day Blog