“At least once a year, I need a holy-boost”
me
Question: Why do I go on spiritual retreats?
Answer: Because there are times when I need deeper re-energizing than what ordinary situations can produce. Life on this planet drains my spiritual batteries. The easiest way to accomplish this, is to schedule a regular time of year to go deep with God. I choose year-end. This is because it coincides with the natural cycle of reflection that I undergo.
Question: Why have I made it a habit to go to the Catholic monastery in Valyermo, CA?
Answer: For three reasons: (1) it’s out of my normal spiritual atmosphere which promotes a level of God-inspired anticipation, (2) it’s in a physically remote location which helps me disconnect mentally from my routine, and (3) I’m surrounded by people who are at the upper-end of desire for spiritual connection.
Question: How did I get started going to annual retreats?
Answer: In 2019, I was finding myself hungry for spiritual renewal and filling. I remembered a conversation with Michelle PonTell (from 25 years earlier) when she told me about her experience at a monastery in the High Desert of Southern California. I spent a few minutes “Googling” and I found where she had gone. Once I found them, I immediately signed up for my first retreat.