“Let’s take a good look at the way we’re living and reorder our lives under God.” (Lamentations 3:40 MSG)
Many faith traditions recommend periodic retreats that focus on spiritual growth, self-awareness, and interior healing. Spiritual retreats are commonly held in quiet environments that allow participants time for study, prayer, and contemplation. Amidst the busyness of our lives, most of us rarely have the time for interior work--unless we intentionally carve out space for it, or we are forced to do so by exigent circumstances.
The COVID pandemic has caused many of us into a period of mandatory retreat. The way we used to live and think has been upended. This global pause can be an opportunity for introspection and spiritual reflection. It could be a fitting time to practice abstaining from our personal desires and consider the collective wellbeing of all life forms. Excavations of the soul are never comfortable; thus, most of us are reluctant to dig too deeply. However, without self-examination, we cannot know our true identity or purpose. Instead of rushing to resume our previous norms, let us take this occasion to uncover who we are, express the unsaid, unlearn old habits, and reassess what is meaningful.
