14th February, 2007
AMY HAMMOND HAGBERG

For an overachieving, working mother with a 'Type A' personality and a tendency toward anxiety, the concept of being still is rather foreign...and a little frightening. Like so many Christians, I can be silent and listen to God for oh, about 15 seconds, before the noise of my over-stimulated mind breaks in. So imagine putting me in a place for 36 hours where true silence and isolation are observed? Then consider that this bona fide city girl would have no electricity or indoor plumbing and you’ll get an idea of how daunting the whole concept was for me.

A SILENT RETREAT: One of the hermitages at Pacem in Terris, Minnesota. “People ask me if I think the hermitage experience is for everyone," says Shirley Wanchena. "Well, is being alone with God for everyone? Is intimacy with God for everyone? Yes - and intimacy demands aloneness.”

But that’s exactly where God led me. Finding myself at a career crossroads, I sought solace at Pacem in Terris, a Franciscan centre of spirituality located in rural Minnesota. Nestled among almost 100 beautiful wooded hectares are 16 simply furnished one-room cabins called “hermitages.” Within their walls believers can find peace and solitude - and most importantly - God.

Silent retreats are “in” and centres are popping up all over the world. Facilities vary from primitive one-room cabins to luxurious lodges, tents and teepees and are operated by a wide variety of religious traditions.

Shirley Wanchena is the founder of Pacem in Terris. Shortly after she was widowed at age 49, she heard a powerful call from God to create an environment where His people could come and be alone with Him.

While Catholics have been practising the art of solitude for centuries, the concept is relatively new to Protestants. Wanchena’s goal was to provide a place for people of all faiths. And she’s been successful; nearly two-thirds of Pacem’s guests are Protestant.

“People ask me if I think the hermitage experience is for everyone," says Wanchena. "Well, is being alone with God for everyone? Is intimacy with God for everyone? Yes - and intimacy demands aloneness.”

Logically, if you are going to have a heart-to-heart talk with someone you don’t do it with three people. It’s just like that with God - we need to be alone with Him.

Quiet time with God is perhaps the most critical aspect of a satisfying Christian walk. So if communing with God is so important, why don’t we just do it? Simply put, it’s not a priority. It’s easier to stay snuggled up in bed than get up extra early and bow our heads. And after a long hard day, we’d rather get lost in mindless entertainment. Somehow we can always find time to watch TV, shop, go to the movies, eat and sleep, but we often don’t make time for God. Perhaps we need to make a 'date' with God...and a spiritual retreat is an ideal setting.

While some retreat centres offer seminars and instruction, a true silent retreat requires isolation.

“We wanted our guests to experience true freedom, so we created an environment free from distractions - no programs, no structure, no agendas and no expectations,” shares Wanchena. “Here, people can feel safe and secure, and just let go.”

Many people experience an intense relaxation when they go on a silent retreat, and find they are able to sleep better than they have in years. That restorative slumber is also a way that God ministers to us, so don’t feel guilty for taking advantage of the solitude and catching some 'z’s'.

In order to get the most out of a silent retreat - particularly one in a private hermitage - consider the following:

• Have a purpose
If you’re not used to being alone, spending time in isolation can be very difficult. Without a plan, your mind will wander and your sense of accomplishment will wither. Before you pack your suitcase, think about why you are going. Perhaps you need some time with the Lord to work through a problem. Perhaps a silent retreat is an opportunity to recap where you’ve been in the past year and to make plans for the upcoming one. Perhaps you just need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind and refocus your priorities.

•Solitary Confinement
In order to truly commune with God at the deepest level, true seclusion is ideal. That means you need to be left alone; no cell phone or computer, and if possible, avoid human contact completely for a few days. Having to eat, recreate or interact with others can be highly distracting. Because we are conditioned to multitask in this society, it can take hours after such interruptions before we can calm down and refocus on God once again.

• Keep it Simple
Some retreat facilities provide simple sustenance during your stay. Pacem in Terris, for example, packs a replenishable food basket with cheese, homemade bread, fruit and drinking water for your stay. Many have a hot plate and coffee pot, but you will need your own coffee or tea. You can also bring a cooler with other foodstuffs, or take this opportunity to fast. Since there will be no fashion police in your hermitage, a comfortable pair of sweats, walking shoes and outdoor gear are really all you need. Take advantage of walking trails and other outdoor activities to energise your body and spirit.

Are you ready to go on your own silent retreat? Keep the following in mind before making the journey:
Silence can be difficult. Know that it is going to take you a while to refocus from the world outside to intimacy with God. So give yourself plenty of time - at least two nights.

The purpose of a silent retreat is to get to know God better not just relax. The process will likely bring with it a fair amount of emotion. God will begin by refreshing your weary body...then He’ll work on your spirit.

A hermitage is no four-star hotel. Depending upon where you go, many don’t have running water or electricity. Most operate on shoestring budgets and rely on visitor donations. Many centres don’t serve hot meals or have kitchens. Find out precisely what you should bring along so you can concentrate on prayer rather than a grumbling stomach.

Travel light. All you really need are comfortable clothes, your Bible, a journal and ONE study book. Use the journal to write down prayer requests, keep track of answers and record what God teaches you.

You may not have an earth shattering experience your first time. God may desire to simply be with you rather than send burning bushes and thunderbolts. Keep and open mind, be quiet and listen for Him whispering.

If you're planning on visiting a hermitage in the US, this website will be helpful - www.tatfoundation.org/retreat_centers2.htm. Centres on this website are searchable by state and have brief descriptions and contact information. Facilities are also listed in several other countries including Australia, Canada, Europe and Mexico. Many have strong New Age philosophies, so do your homework before making a reservation.

In my despair I went to Pacem in Terris seeking God. I felt His presence and heard His voice - as clearly as if He were sitting next to me. In the woods of my simple hermitage I knew Christ was real - I found Him in the stillness.

Amy Hammond Hagberg is a US-based author. For more on her work, visit www.amyhagberg.com.

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