I'm not a new poster, but I acquired a new name so I can keep this "close to my chest." I'm private about my spiritual side...NOT embarrassed by it, please understand. It's that I cherish it as MINE, personal. But I have been having a tough time with my Higher Power for several months now and need a retreat...a weekend, a week.I attend church but I've never been a big religious person, tho I do believe in God and have always had a close, close relationship with Him. Several things have happened in the past couple of years that have shaken me.

Anyway, since I'm the most spiritual person around, I find it difficult to find a leader, y'know?! Can you tell me of any retreats where I may be able to rekindle and reaffirm? Accent is on spiritual, not religious.

Anywhere in the US is OK. I can get there.

http://www.retreatsonline.com/

Deepak Chopra Center for Well Being at the La Costa resort in Carlsbad Ca

He has a website

http://www.esalen.org/

If you would be willing to venture to Mexico, check out www.riocaliente.com I found it a wonderfully calming place free of the overcommercialized "rejuvenation in a jar" so common these days. Easy to get to - just a cab ride from the Guadalajara airport - and excellent food (and I am not even vegetarian)to boot.

I believe they have these retreats all over the country but I once went to a "Walk to Emmaus." with my church and it was very spiritually uplifting.

I used to go to a retreat in Hawaii every year and it was just so uplifting. I hope you find something but in the way of having encouragement by your side: Go to Amazon.com and get The Way of the Mystic by Betty Bethards. She was my "guru" and passed away two years ago. She's wonderful. My last trip to Hawaii was with my friend and we took her ashes from Petaluma, CA to Oahu and took them out on a boat and spred them over the ocean by Chinaman's Hat. I think retreats are helpful because you get the energy from those around you but I always keep Betty's book by my bedside and read it frequently. I really haven't found anyone to "replace" her, and having her book helps re-enforce the lessons I need to learn. Her Dream Book is also just wonderful. It helps interpret any dreams that you have and also helps you to dream more. LOTS of lessons for you in your dreams. Much luck with your search.

Try Miraval Resort just outside of Tucson. Although it is a spa, it is much more than that and very spiritual. The focus is on mindfulness with a variety of activities and lectures. I have been fortunate to go 3 previous times and find myself recharged and very spiritual coming back. In fact I am going again in January. Right now they have a special (ask for it since it might not be on their website) called something like "gift to me" where you get one night free if you pay for 3. If you do go, try the quantum leap, after doing that I felt I could handle anything in life. The people are very helpful and the scenery gorgeous. Their website I think is miravalresort.com. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Thank you very much for your responses and for caring. I am certain I can find something to meet my needs among all these suggestions. Bless each and every one of you.

Sedona, AZ....do some searching on Sedona Retreats...

I've not been, but two friends rave about non-denominational L'Abri Fellowship retreat near Boston.

http://www.labri.com/index.htm

I've been on some Catholic retreats and also esalen. And I think that in some ways the groups do matter, but I have found that there really is something about Sedona AZ. Be it vortex or whatever- I found it feeds the spiritual side.

This isn't a retreat, but I always felt close to God while walking in the Schwab Estate Gardens at St. Francis University in Loretto, PA.

Searchinggirl, your post touched my heart and my prayers go out to you. I work for a church and have many resources at my disposal. I would love to help but we need more details, i.e. your location, etc. Feel free to email me directly if you wish:
[email protected]