What is a retreat *really* like?

There are some places in life where the memories of it come back to you in a golden haze because they were so special and sweet, and you often wish you could go back to those moments.

That, my friend, is how I would describe one of the retreats. If you’re seeking community with likeminded Christian women, some instructed yoga, teachings on how to better hone God’s calling on your life, and/or a lot of downtime for rest and relaxation, then this is the perfect place for you.

As the communications manager at Stand Unshaken, I had a lot of information about the retreats but didn’t know what the experience was actually like, and I didn’t have a lot of expectations going into it. (I attended the Tampa 2022 retreat.) However, if you do want to know what to expect on one of our retreats, come down memory lane with me!

Housing

If I were to describe the Tampa retreat center in one word, it would be lovely. It’s tucked into its own cozy corner on the river. There is plenty of outdoor space for walking, lounging, getting in some movement, and even taking pictures with Taylor!

Oh! I almost forgot to mention the pool and jacuzzi. As if I need to say more, but does it really get anymore relaxing than floating in or sunbathing by the pool?

If the outdoors aren’t your thing, there’s also plenty of space to relax indoors. With several living rooms, your shared bedroom and a kitchen with a window seat, you can relax in the air conditioning with friends or a good book.

Food

While on one of these retreats, every meal is prepared for you. Need I say more?

Probably not, but I will anyway! As someone who is comfortable in a kitchen, I can be hard to impress when it comes to food. The food on the retreats is prepared by some amazing cooks, and you know every bit of it is fresh, nutritious and delicious. Also, you don’t have to fret about the portions being too small, as is normally the case with so-called healthy meals. I promise there’s more than enough - in fact, we normally had leftovers!

It was such a treat not having to worry about preparing my own food or wonder if I was getting all the necessary nutrients along with the great taste. Also, I will forever sing the praises of the Greek yogurt parfaits we had the option of eating with breakfast. Anything with yogurt and fresh fruit is a-okay by me!

Teachings

I think one of the biggest worries I have as a Christian woman attending Christian women’s events, conferences, etc. is having to listen to the same teachings and the same topics over and over again. While certain topics are popular and repeated for good reason, it was a relief to attend a retreat where I knew I was getting a deeper, more introspective teaching.

We learned about and discussed topics such as understanding your identity, creating healthy rhythms, how to practice Christian yoga and more! When it comes to identity, God has the same greater purpose for all of us - to glorify him - but it sometimes gets hazy or confusing when we look at how that pertains to our specific purposes and daily lives. Denika’s teachings helped me to break down God’s purpose in my own life and better understand how to define and pursue my goals.

I think my favorite part of the teaching sessions was breaking into small groups afterward to work through and discuss reflection questions. It was helpful to have the time to reflect and hear the input and perspectives of other Godly women.

Yoga

Now, you might be saying, “Katelyn, yoga really isn’t my thing.” I’d probably respond in some way that I think yoga can be for everyone, and Denika makes it accessible for all retreat attendees. You don’t need any prior experience. There are variations of nearly every move for the beginner and the advanced.

Also, if you’re concerned because you think this is a yoga retreat, don’t be! Yoga is nowhere near the main focus of these retreats. The main point is overall wellness and better understanding how God made us to be. We can invite God into every part of our lives, even when we exercise!

By going through daily yoga practices while at the retreat, I gained a better understanding of and appreciation for how my body moves. I also found that my body could do more than I thought it could, and it’s helped me to challenge myself with movement and exercise now that I’m back home.

Free Time

I loved every part of the retreat, but I think the free time might have been my favorite! While I was at the Tampa retreat, I didn’t feel the need to fill my schedule as I normally would, whether running to the nearest coffee shop or scrolling through my phone. I took a lot of time to relax and rest, and I didn’t feel anxious about it. How often can we all say that?

Since the Tampa retreat center is on the river, I had the opportunity to both kayak and paddle board for the first time! It was empowering to realize I could use my body in a new way while enjoying the peace of being on the water.

Did I mention earlier that there is a pool? I’ll reiterate in case you missed that part. ;) I spent a lot of free time either floating around or sitting by the pool. I read under the canopy one day while it was raining, and I also had the opportunity to spend more time with my newfound friends out there.

During free time, I also spent more intentional time journaling. While writing is probably one of my better skills, I don’t take much time to write for myself. It was a blessing to have the opportunity and time to journal to myself and to also journal my prayers to the Lord.

Extras!

I really can’t say a bad thing about the retreat. If I had to search for something, I’d say I spent the better part of the last day in the airport because the cheapest flight was a really late one, but even that was fun! I spent all that extra time playing UNO with the other women before their flights, reflecting on the week, working on fun design projects, and talking to some of the other passengers - and I can’t forget to mention the obligatory airport Starbucks order.

If I could tell you something I disliked or would change, I would. However, this retreat was lovely, and I really do think back on it in that golden haze of a fond memory.

The retreat was everything I didn’t know I needed. Maybe it’s because I didn’t have any expectations going into it — I don’t know! But, I do know that there is a place for everyone at these retreats. Whether you walk into it with open hands or have specific goals while there, I can promise you’ll be richly blessed.

God knew what he was doing when he gave Denika the idea for Stand Unshaken and Endless Sunday Retreats. I certainly promise he knows what he’s doing when he places you and the other women around you at one of the retreats. I’ll be attending a couple again next year, and I hope to see you there!