The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Since I am still so new to Al-Anon I want to ask other people about Spiritual Weekends and retreats, how they are conducted, etc. in other areas, trade ideas for facilitators, etc. I have only been to one last fall, and it was such an amazing growth experience I offered to be on the committee for the next 4 retreats. I know they are not official functions of the organization but are such an amazing opportunity for healing and getting to know people face to face and sharing an entire weekend. Our local retreat comes up in a few weeks and I am so excited. Last fall we had Sister Doody and Sister Rose, and all I can say about them is, wow. What type of facilities do retreats take place in, in your area, and how is anonymity kept at that facility? How do you go about finding retreat leaders? Since the WSO is not in the retreat business, whom do we use as a clearinghouse for info? I hope that it is okay to ask these questions here, as this is not a meeting, right?
Hi Lisa, a very warm welcome to MIP. I know nothing about retreats whatsoever other than that here in the UK those who have attended have said what powerful and wonderful experiences they are! I would love to attend one myself but its very difficult to get places in the two I've heard about here. It's also a case of prioritising my 'wants' on a limited budget I was just interested to read your post and look forward to any replies you may receive. Congratulations on volunteering your services, I'm sure it will be a fantastic learning experience for you. Thanks for posting, with love in the fellowship
I'm glad you asked b/c I have been wondering, also.
I'm new to the NW, but am looking at a round-up in Vancouver and a weekend in the lower Puget Sound -- one seems full of meetings but also very social, and the other more emphasis on the meeting/spiritual. I'm wondering the same questions you asked, both as a participant and as I get into a position to volunteer. These were never emphasized in the meetings I attended previously. I hope those with experience will share.
A spiritual weekend is a function that operates outside of WSO, so it is not allowed to be mentioned during a formal Al-Anon meeting, same as no literature is allowed that is not CAL. However, if something has helped you and you share it as part of your ESH, you can mention it at a f2f meeting. And once the meeting is closed, before everyone leaves the room, I announce I am the contact, so hand in registrations to me, see me for info, etc. We also do this for Xmas potluck, etc, as well, b/c it isnt a sanctioned event, either. I am still trying to get my head wrapped around this concept but basically the WSO does not want to be in the business of staging retreats, so it is treated as an outside issue, so they arent mentioned thru "official" Al-Anon channels. Any long term members well versed in this issue or the traditions or concepts, please feel free to correct or add to my assumptions....tks. (I understand that AA does the same thing and calls it the Matt Talbot movement)
In our area, it is my understanding that the retreats have been ongoing 2x yearly for 20 - 30 years. Invitations are extended to members of Al-Anon who have been in the program for a while, as it is a very intense spiritual experience. We maintain a mailing list, and can accomdate up to 60 people, but numbers have declined over the last several years.
At the very least, it is amazing to me to only have to worry about getting to the next meeting, meal, rest period, walk on the grounds or having a private conversation with a member you have wanted to get to know better for some time. For about a 48 hour period, you only have to take care of you. And you get a chance to listen to your HP and feed your spirit, thru your fellow members, and your retreat leader. Have you ever heard any really dynamic AA or Al-Anon speakers? Perhaps they do weekend retreats as well.
During the weekend, even though it is not an official conf.appr. function, we still follow all the Al-Anon principles and program. We have sharing meetings, conferences, a business meeting (positions are elected and held for 2 yrs), a fun raffle on Sat. eve, etc. Our RL this time has a musical background and a guitar, so we'll be rockin' the retreat house Sat.nite. We are up at 7am, morning prayer is at 745, bfast at 8am, 1st conference 9am, etc. I think all our activities are scheduled for 1 1/2 hrs each, and we have time between for personal time, etc. Part of my offering for service had a selfish motive - If I am on the board, I have to go...so in april and october 2006 and 2007 I have to make a supreme sacrifice LOL and go and nurture myself...consider it a spiritual spa weekend.
If anyone knows where or how to connect with other retreat committees, please get in touch with me - so we can exchange ideas and info.
Hope this is helpful to anyone considering attending a spiritual weekend in the future. I'd love to attend another area's retreat but since I'm on the east coast in Atlantic Canada, Puget Sound is a bit far for me.
I was just interested to read your post and look forward to any replies you may receive. Congratulations on volunteering your services, I'm sure it will be a fantastic learning experience for you. Thanks for posting, with love in the fellowship 