Today I retreated.
I went on an Infinitum retreat in Bowen Island, B.C. outside of Vancouver.
This was not the typical retreat I go on. Normally the retreats I attend are more times of spiritual renewal through sessions: musical worship, teaching, maybe some breakouts or workshops. These weekends usually also have some rest elements, like free time or experiences focused just on connection and relationship. Sometimes it looks more like a conference than a retreat.
No, this retreat was different. It was called “Detox” and had a different focus–silence and fasting. Instead of teaching sessions, we had silence. Instead of breakouts, we fasted. There were still some community elements, like taking a hike together and a Psalms and Stretches encounter. But all of these things were done without the input that so easily distracts us from really leaning in.
On the first night (before the silence began), our retreat guides shared a re-framing of these two spiritual practices for the weekend: This weekend is not about deprivation; it’s about spaciousness.
Rather than giving up, we were making room. Room to hear God instead of ourselves. Room for God to fill us instead of food. We were initiating this time with Holy Spirit, showing what we wanted most–and the only thing we really needed most–was God’s presence.
This idea was solidified in the retreat center’s welcome book. It said, “Silence isn’t about the absence of noise.” Which is true, because even with a vow of silence and not filling the void with music or podcasts, we still heard the heater kick on, the crack of the fire, the birds and squirrels outside, the cars driving up and down the mountain. “It is the absence of the stories we make up about the noise.”
The weekend was altogether one of the most valuable ways I could have spent my time. Making room for God (during Advent, coincidentally) through eliminating any possible distraction that might hinder my focus. It was not just a retreat, but a journey.
Why Retreat?
It’s not often I simply attend without producing anything for the experience. I preach and teach often at retreats throughout the country and with the mission organization I partner with in Costa Rica. It’s one of the greatest privileges of this season of my life to nurture spaces for people to come rest.
As I begin each new retreat, I often invite a question to those attending: “Are you retreating to or retreating from?” And to be very, very clear, both are correct answers. But the way you go into a retreat often determines the journey and the outcome.
If you’re retreating to, you may be asking more questions and ready to take a next step in your life or faith. You’re retreating to God, surrendering yourself, ready to receive whatever God may want to gift you. There’s an openness there–an expectancy–for more. You will typically leave the retreat feeling more confident and with more clarity about whatever you’re seeking.
If you’re retreating from, you may be ready to rest and be held in the loving arms of God. You’re retreating from the chaos and stress of life; taking a break from what seems too much to handle for one more day. There’s a different kind of surrender here–the kind that says you have no other option than to retreat. You will typically cry and leave the retreat feeling hopeful, often with renewed strength and a sense of peace you can’t explain.
Whether you need rest or fresh insights, consider this your formal invitation to retreat.
2026 Opportunities
I truly mean this when I say, if you’re reading these words, I would love to retreat with you in 2026. Together in person, or on your own with my words as your guide.
These dedicated times of interruption to your normal life are vital to your thriving. It doesn’t have to be fancy or long. You don’t have to visit a faraway land. You can, and I suggest you do if you have the means to do so (or apply for the many scholarships available, especially for women and underrepresented people groups). But dedicating even a 4-hour block of time in your own home with no distractions may be more accessible.
Here are some ways to retreat with me in 2026:
Let’s start with the big one: Cultivate Retreat in Costa Rica, February 9-16. Cultivate is a hybrid trip, combining Sabbath rest and serving. You’ll experience the culture and beauty of Costa Rica as you meet with God through nature, and connect with the hearts of women across the world through bilingual Bible Study. You’ll engage in spiritual practices, including a full 24-hour Sabbath practice, with moments of silence and solitude, optional fasting, and more ways to experience God holistically. The growth is deep and high, like we’re cultivating the soil of our souls. Registration deadline is January 15; get all the info and apply.
Let’s continue with the most accessible one: Take More Retreats Anthology, pre-orders arrive in January. This is a solo retreat guidebook for anyone who finds themselves needing to create more space in their life for a regular practice of nourishment. It’s a rebellion against what pulls us in every direction we don’t want to go. It’s a declaration that no matter what’s going on in the world or our own lives, that we can Flourish Anyway™. Come along with me and nine other authors on our own solo-retreats in surprising places (coffee shops, hotel lobbies, DisneyWorld, our own homes). Find a retreat rhythm that suits your season. Use code PREORDERHANNAH5.
Here’s a middle-of-the-road option: Bloom Conference in South Carolina, March 14. Bloom is unique because it has a little bit of everything devoted to intentional living, finding joy in daily rhythms, and honest encouragement. The day is full of breakout sessions, a market to shop in, snacks, swag bags, and dynamic musical worship. These combine to make a day of soul-care for women in any season or stage of life. Meet me at Bloom.
I am tempted to share invitations to retreat the rest of the year, but let’s be honest… It’s too easy to say, “I don’t have time this season; I’ll get the next one.” I invite you to retreat in the first quarter of the year. This winter. Spring semester. Whatever language you use to block out your time, some kind of retreat must be part of it. These options are available in January, February, and March.
Pick one.
Make room.
Retreat to or retreat from. Allow yourself in the next three months to say, “Today I retreated.”