Silent Retreats: What to Do After

What happens after a silent retreat can be predictable or chaotic, depending on your experience. You may have perfect clarity about the path ahead and can begin focusing on the necessary steps to forge ahead. You may also have more questions than answers or lack a clear focus regarding what to do with your new insights. Others leave filled with joy and happiness from their experiences and how God changed their lives. Which one will you be, or is there another way to describe your experience?

A typical silent retreat I lead lasts 72 hours, usually from lunchtime on Monday to lunchtime on Thursday. However, I have also led retreats that are as brief as 24 hours. Taking time away for an intense encounter with God can lead to a challenging experience afterward. An important fact to consider is that your circumstances have not changed in your absence. The people in your life have not altered their thoughts or attitudes. You are returning to the world as you left it; your job, school, family, and church remain the same. The only new variable is you.

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This leads to interesting interactions upon your return. People will ask you, “How was it?” or “Did you really spend that whole time not talking?” They might dismiss your stories of awe and amazement or become so intrigued that they explore a retreat for themselves. None of this is in your control except how you share your experience. You will express whatever your heart prompts you to share regarding your time away, the setting, what that much silence feels like, or any insights, revelations, or encounters with the Divine you had.

Another truth may be present that you will want to address quickly if possible. What do you do with what you have gained, learned, or are newly frustrated about? I highly recommend finding a person of peace to help you unpack your encounter with silence and God within it. This person may be your pastor. If you are a pastor, a peer or mentor makes an excellent choice. As a coach who specializes in spiritual discernment, my services are also a valid option. This can be where conversing with a close friend proves invaluable. Either way, communication with a trusted soul is necessary soon after your retreat.

You might also consider journaling if it is not already part of your routine. Write down your thoughts, feelings, spiritual insights, and frustrations. Nobody needs to see what you write unless you decide to share it. This practice can be a tremendous help in processing what is inside you, whether your retreat experience was positive, negative, or confusing. Do what works best for you to unpack your experience, as it can be a significant step forward in your personal development and clarity regarding the next steps in your journey.

Spend time in reflective meditation during your retreat. Sometimes, simply sitting and revisiting your encounters with God can be profound medicine. God may have more to convey to you during your contemplative moments, speak to you through your own words, or use another's voice to help you process all your thoughts from your experience.

Whatever you do, do not dismiss your experience. Do not come down from the mountain or leave the retreat center with simplistic thoughts of “that was enjoyable,” because I firmly believe God has much more in mind when you agree to spend specific time in His Presence. If you leave a silent retreat with a “meh” attitude, I fear you completely missed what God had in store for you. After their initial retreat, I have only encountered one individual who felt that way. Thankfully, following up helped them realize what God was teaching them during that time, and they have returned several times since!

If you have any questions about silent retreats that this blog series hasn’t covered, feel free to reach out to me to schedule a conversation. It’s simple, and I’m dedicated to helping you understand how impactful one of these events can be for you!