Retreat

By retiring to a place of seclusion and solitude, groups or individuals are sustained and renewed in a particular vocation. During the time of a retreat, profound corporate reflections are possible on relatively common situations through a comparison of personal responses. Systematization of retreats is evident in many means of spiritual development, notably in the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola for the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Entry into the Society was preceded by approximately one month's retreat divided into four meditations, the first concerning the Purgative Way, the second and third the Illuminative Way and the fourth the Unitive Way, to bring the soul in closer union with God. Regular week-long and other retreats were also conducted. In other disciplines, short periods (even hours or minutes) of retreat from the bustle of life - simply sitting quietly alone - are recommended.