Recommendation of trips or retreats for quiet contemplation.

There are so many options for you! One of the first things to do might be to spend some time writing down what you would want to have as part of this experience. Here are a few questions:

1) Do you want to be alone or with others (in a small group or at a retreat)?

2) If with a others, would you like to be with other women or a mixed group?

3) Do you want to “see” a destination or find yourself in more of a contemplative site.

4) If you are interested in a tour, what components are important to you (active? learning? Cultural? Nature? Spa? Food? Journaling? focused?)

Some suggestions:

Choose a Destination that Fits Your Needs. Traveling in foreign countries tends to be a great “reset,” as everything works differently and nothing is familiar. I find when I return I look at my life with a new lens. Specifically traveling to a developing country offers a new depth and understanding of our global connection.

Peru is perfect for a mind-opening adventure as well as a spiritual connection. I’ve taken numerous small groups to Peru. Half of these groups I tag as women-only. Most of the women on the programs have similar interests ... taking time for themselves, separating from taking care of others (work, family, friends), interacting with a local culture, being active and eating healthy, having time to contemplate, perhaps challenging themselves physically (like the Inca Trail or day hikes).

Rent a house or do a house trade. I have friends who have rented a villa in France, Mexico or a cabin in Maine. Often they spend part of the time alone and then invite special people in their lives to join them.
Take part in a women’s-only workshop: I’ve done a couple of long weekend programs. I love learning a new skill in a supportive environment or focusing on more of a contemplative journaling and yoga program. A few recommended companies I’ve traveled with are ROW, Women’s Quest, Babes in the Backcountry or email me for more.

I also found this program that looks like it might be a great fit offered by at Woman's Way. The workshop is called “finding passion and purpose in the second half of life” and led by the founder of this Sedona retreat center.

Go to a Retreat Center or Spa. Test out Red Mountain Spa (more of a hiking/outdoor spa) www.redmountainspa.com or 10,000 Waves (www.tenthousandwaves.com) in Santa Fe and take a cooking class, tour the galleries and take part in a sweat lodge!